• Ruled Spain from 1062 to 1147
• One of the smaller dynasties that replaced Umayyad rule in Spain
• Seceeded by Almohad dynasty
• Also ruled parts of Africa
• Capital cities: Aghmat and Marrakech

• Ruled Spain from 1130 - 1269 after usurping Almoravid rule
• Remained in Spain unil 1212, when the Nasrid dynasty drove them out
• associated with Oudaia Kasbah (Rabat/Morocco), Rabat mosque and Hassan Tower (Rabat/Morocco), La Giralda (Seville, Spain), and Aljaferia Palace (Saragossa Spain)

Rabat, Oudaia Kasbah and Gate, 12th century

Almohad

secular building, fortification for the city

Umayyad horseshoe arches used to connect royal power with strength and protection.

• Rabat, Oudaia Gate, Almohad, 12th century
• horseshoe arches from Umayyad dynasty, represents royal authority and power
• gates are some of the only decorated parts of the Oudaia Kasbah

• Rabat, mosque and Hassan Tower, 1195
• massive, thick towers, ramps inside for men on horseback to ride up to the top to announce prayer
• mosque never completed
• decoration minimal, horseshoe arches prominent

• La Giralda, Seville Spain, 1184
• best preserved minaret/prayer tower, displayed at left with Christian bell towers
• ramp for horses to ride up inside
• now part of a christian church bell tower
• in 15th century, Christians re-took the city, Muslims in the city threatened to destroy the tower if the Christians were successful - the Christians captured the city before the destruction of the tower

• Aljafería Palace, Zaragoza: 11th cent. interior
• Clear understanding of Umayyad interior space
• high level of decoration conveys a sense of playfulness
• Almohad 

• Moorish al-Andalus taifa (province) of Zaragoza (Saragossa, Spain), Aljaferia Palace, second half of 11th century
• massive buttresses flanking entrance, subdued outside decoration compared to the high level of decoration inside

• Moorish al-Andalus taifa (province), of Zaragoza (Saragossa, Spain); Aljaferia Palace
• 2nd half of the 11th century
• subdued outside decoration compared to high level of decoration on the interior view
• massive buttresses flanking the entrance

• courtyard, Aljaferia Palace, 2nd half of 11th century
• high quality and range of design technology exhibited
• courtyard is emphasized as the center of courtly life
• area of controlled nature, clear geometric patterns and designs
• inclusion of water - paradise connotations

• polylobed arches from Aljaferia Palace, Saragossa, Spain, 2nd half of 11th century
• playful deco, high level of technical skill

• the story of Bayâd und Riyâd, manuscript from Spain or N. Africa, ca 1200
• the story was a typical romance story of man, Bayâd, who loves Riyâd, a woman. Riyâd doesn't return the love, and depending on the manuscript, Bayâd either dies of despair or gets Riyâd to come around
• filled with images of courtly life and enjoyment of nature in a controlled garden

• Shanûl delivers to Bayâd a letter from Riyâd

• from manuscript of Bayâd and Riyâd, ca 1200
• Bayâd lies in despair on the banks of the river

• from ballad of Bayâd und Riyâd, manuscript, ca 1200
• shows courtly life, enjoyment of nature in a controlled environment