Postcard from
Barcelona
By Sir Cam
Cambridge, UK
Back in Spain again!
This is the life: Barcelona this time. Superb blend
of the old and the new. These Catalans have style,
I tell you. Loads to see, never enough time.
Besides the usual stroll along the famous boulevard
Ramblas (a word left over from the days of Muslim
rule here; from Arabic Ramla, sandy ground), gazing
across the Mediterranean by the port, a trip to
the top of Mount Tibidabo, there are a whole range
of cultural and historic sites to cater for everyone.
It's a very lively modern city with a great metro
system. I loved the Islamic architectural influences
in the Arenas de Barcelona, a former bullring undergoing
massive renovation, and the special contribution
of Muslim artists in the area of ceramics. The Museu
de la Ceramica up at Palau Reial de Pedralbes has
a brilliant collection of Islamic works, and those
influenced by Muslims (the so-called Mudejars and
Moriscoes) who stayed in Spain after 1492.
The attached photo is one I took from the collection
of the Aragonese city of Teruel. There are far more
beautiful examples, but not many have Arabic writing
on them. This one is even more special because it
has the word "Allah" written on it. More
a scribble rather than any fine bit of calligraphy,
but remember that this was long after Muslims had
been expelled or forcibly converted to Christianity.
This Arabic word, this Islamic language must have
been retained in their hearts and minds. Perhaps
it still does. In fact, the Spanish word "Ole"
is from the Arabic word "Allah".
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