Granada, Spain: Islamic Garden 2

Granada, Spain: Islamic Garden 2
Originally uploaded by Sir Cam.

The garden was a major ornament and recreational place in the Islamic scheme of things. From the Mughals in India (eg Shalimar Gardens in Lahore) to the Moors of Spain (eg Alhambra and Generalife in Granada). Muslims tried to recreate a sort of heaven on earth. The Arabic 'jannah' means garden or heaven. This is a photo of the famous Court of the Myrtle (or Patio de los Arrayanes) in the Alhambra, Granada. This is an amazing place dominated by a pool, the purpose of which is to create space like a mirror and also to cool the place in warmer weather, and to reflect the heavens at night. Islamic tradition was not to use such pools for swimming as may be the custom in the West. All around the pool are classic Moorish arches and beautiiful stucco designs and Islamic tilework. Muslim rule ended in Spain in 1492.