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Cordoba is a lovely town, much like Seville, but smaller as we discovered when we arrived in March, 2001. It is full of twisting narrow streets (luckily mostly pedestrianized in the tourist area), and most importantly, the site of the Mesquita. This amazing building is a mixture of the Islamic and Christian styles in a very unique way. The Mesquita was founded in 785 on the site of a church which had been partitioned for 50 years between the Muslims and Christians (yes, harmony is possible). The Christian half was purchased in the 9th century and extended to cater to the growing population. The building today is the result of the Islamic expansions, plus a cathedral in the center, added in the 16th century.
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The main entry is through the Patio de los Naranjos (right). As you enter the Mezquita, you will see the pillars and arches - lots of pillars and arches (below). In its final Islamic state, the building boasted 1300 columns, though the number is now reduced to about 850.
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Inside it is quite dark, which was not the original design, as the Mesquita was open to the surrounding areas and full of light. We wandered our way through the sea of pillars and arches, astounded at the sheer quantity of them. Then, as you near the center, you find yourself in the cathedral - what an amazing juxtaposition! From one place, you are looking past the Gothic vaulted ceiling of the cathedral (supported by the Islamic pillars and arches) to the Islamic arches and carved plaster work.
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Opposite the entry is the mirab, and immediately in front of it, the area used by the caliphs for prayer. The horseshoe-shaped arch of the mirab (left) is beautifully decorated in a colorful mosaic done by Byzantine craftsmen.
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We spent most of the time just wandering through the columns and arches, thoroughly enchanted with the atmosphere of the area, amazed at the enormity of the effort to create this work of art. It has a very mystical feel and is worth the time to simply wander and wonder.
Of course, some of us took a minute to rest our weary feet (Jim with Verna’s parents, above right).
After our stroll through the Mesquita, we wandered through the narrow streets, window shopping and enjoying the area. Along one street, outside the small hardware store was this young man sharpening knives on the grinding wheel powered by pedal-power.
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