Visit to Córdoba

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My art class took a field trip to Córdoba on February 3. I had no idea what to expect, so I was pleasantly surprised with the city. It rained all morning while we traveled by bus, but thankfully the rain left when we arrived in Córdaba at 11:30 a.m. Our class visited La Mezquita, which is the famous mosque. In my art class we have been studying the history and the art techniques of this particular mosque. I need to study a little more to remember all the califas that contributed to the building process, but I finally have the art vocabulary down for La Mezquita! I have never been inside a mosque so it was very cool to understand the importance of the different parts.

We tried getting into the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos (a castle), but they wouldn’t let us Americans inside! The fortress was supposed to be open until 2:00 p.m. but at 1:30 p.m. the guards decided it was too late for us to look around. Thanks. Our Spanish professors tried to argue with the guards but not much could be done.

During my free time in Córdaba I visited the only Jewish synagogue in Spain from the medieval time period. One of my classmates had taken a Jewish Culture class at Taylor University so he was able to give me some insights as to what I was looking at.

My first field trip was fun. There will be more to come since I am in the art class! I picked such a good class… 😊

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Photos

Inside the Sala de Oraciones
Los arcos de Medio Punto y de Herradura

Cupula over the Mihrab
The Mihrab is the area where Ala resides so the ceiling is the most decorative here.

Alminar in the background
A view going into the patio of the Mosque

Comments

[Rachel Kopsa]

Emily... Wow.. this looks so amazing... You're, I'm sure, having a lot of fun. How's your spanish coming? What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced while living in Spain... I miss you a lot, and can't wait to hear about more of your experiences!! Grace and Peace, RMK

[Aunt Cheri]

Cathedral in a Mosque?
There's a cathedral in a mosque? Mosques have representations of people? Women were allowed inside? What a country! The synagogue was sure at the opposite end of the scale. What did you think of it? Aunt Cheri

[Cynthia]

Hey Em
Wow a Mosque, you are getting to see so many different things! how exciting. Is it still going well? Are you fluent yet? Miss you Cynthia.