The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba was constructed in 786 on the ruins of a Visigoth basilica. It underwent four expansions over different periods, with the last in 988. After Christians conquered Córdoba in the 16th century, they converted the mosque into a cathedral, building a cathedral structure within it. The original orange tree courtyard was used for ritual washings but now contains a 16th century gallery.

1. THE MOSQUE

2. The Mosque-cathedral of Córdoba The construction started in the 786 on the ruins of the visigoth basilica of San Vicente Martyr.

3. The mosque was expanded four times in different ages . The first part was built by Abd-al-Rahman I in 786 ( pink ) Then, a second part was made by Abd-al-Rahman II ( green ) Abd-al-Rahman III built the minaret (number 2). The next part is due to Al-Haken II ( blue ) The last one was built by Al-Mansur in 988 ( brown ). It has 23,400 square metres altogether.

4. Parts of the Mosque The Orange Trees Courtyard was originally used for ritual washings. It is now surrounded by a gallery from the 16th century. The minaret (now covered by the christian tower) was used for calling the prayers. The oratory or prayer room with 1300 columns and 365 bicolour arches. Courtyard Cathedral Tower Oratory

5. The oratory The oratory is made up of nineteen naves with 856 columns with shafts of all imaginable colours and forms

6. THE CATHEDRAL After the conquest of Cordoba by the christians, they used the mosque to celebrate their cult, but in the 16 TH century the christians built a cathedral in middle of it. The architects were Hernán Ruiz I, II and III.

7. The Minaret The remains of the old square-shaped minaret, made by Abderramán III, are now inside the christian belfry of the cathedral .

8. The Mihrab This is the present appearance of the Mihrab, built by Al-haken II. The mihrab is a small room in the kiblah where the Koran is kept.

9. The Kiblah The Kiblah is the wall where the imam and the worshippers must be orientated to when they pray.

10. One of the most important parts of the Mosque is The Orange Tree Courtyard, whose last expansion was carried out at the time of Abd al-Rahman III. In the Islamic period it was used as a place for public activities. The arches of the oratory on the courtyard were open. The Orange Tree Courtyard

11. Activities MINARET - Prayer Room. MIHRAB - Wall facing Mecca. ORATORY - Christian bell tower. KIBLAH - Place where the Coran is 1. Match the following words with their definition .

12. 2. Complete the text with the following words: The _______ of the Great Mosque of Cordoba. It marks the path toward the _____ (Mecca) and to which the _______ and the ___________ must be orientated to perform their _______. The door of the _____ gives access to the Mosque: there is a group of 1300 _______ with sixty-five ________ arches. Worshippers Palms Imam Kaaba Bicolour Columns Prayers Quibla

13. How many expansions were made to the Mosque? On what ruins was the mosque built? What was the original function of the Orange trees courtyard? What was there in the Mihrab? What did the christians do when they conquered Córdoba? Can the minaret be seen nowadays? Why? 3. Answer these questions .

14. Presentation made by: Carlos Manuel Sierra Párraga Javier Martos Sánchez IES Medina Azahara, Córdoba (Spain) for the Comenius project: Multicultural European Landscapes .