Granada

Granada is a smallish Spanish city in the deep south of the country. Its crown jewel is the Alhambra, site of the remains of the great Muslim civilization that thrived there from 1250 to 1490. At one time, it held sway over much of Spain. Its troops reached as far as Poitiers in France as Muslim power moved ever north. This is a defining moment in European history.

The Alhambra now has been greatly, and sometimes controversially, restored and is a designated World Heritage site. The rather stark palace built by Charles V to mark in stone Christianity's triumph over Islam, guards the hilltop against any new incursions! Still, the visitor can summon up the beautiful life of the ancient Muslim culture of Andalusia, renowned for its architecture and refined living. There is much evidence of its advanced science, art and learning. All of that ended as the last Sultan handed over the beautiful hilltop palaces in September 1492. The subsequent persecution of Muslims has defined in many ways the Europe of today.  We have cause to reflect on history and how it repeats itself as we watch news of the millions of Muslims who would currently like to shelter in Europe as war, often precipitated by the west,  destroys their homes and families. Many times in Europe I heard intimations that Europe is not for Muslims and barricades seem to be up in defense of a Christian Europe that no longer exists except in people's minds. How will it all resolve?

Here is a taste of the exquisite lines of symmetry and the delightful decoration....