Rezeption einer orientalischen Wohnform auf der Iberischen Halbinsel

Abstract

In the Islamic domestic architecture of the Iberian Peninsula two changes can be observed during the twelfth century: the introduction of a wide arch to emphasize the centre of a façade and the addition of a tower with windows (mirador). In this essay the author proposes that both changes derive from the domestic architecture of the Abbaside empire. The history of Abbaside influence on domestic architecture is traced from its origin in Iraq to Egypt (876), Tunisia (876), the Maghreb(935) and the Iberian Peninsula (1150). As the Abbaside living room (maglis al-hiri) was adopted in each region, its layout was altered to fit local building traditions. The concept of space underlying the original building type – the dominance of a central axis – remained unaltered, however.