Los Talleres de Madīnat al-Zahrā’ en las fuentes documentales

Abstract

The foundation of Madīnat al-Zahrā’ is part of the legitimisation of the self-proclaimed Caliph ‘Abd al-Raḥmān III in opposition to the other two Caliphs who competed for power in the Dār al-Islām in the 4th H./10th century: the 'Abbasid and the Fatimid. The other two dynasties had also erected palatine cities with common characteristics, in order to symbolise their absolute power. Among the institutions that moved to the new seats of government along with the Court were presumably the official workshops. They were dedicated to the manufacture of luxury goods that played a major role in court ceremony and diplomacy. Written Arabic sources describe the cities and the productions of these state industries, both directly and indirectly, so it is necessary to compile all references for further archaeological research, in this case at Madīnat al-Zahrā’.