Library

This publication examines the exhibition’s thematic chapters and chronological framework, documenting the principal cultural, literary, political, and social developments that characterised Al-Andalus over eight centuries—the period of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula, encompassing present-day Spain and Portugal. It further analyses the architectural, civilisational, and scientific achievements that emerged from sustained policies of tolerance, plurality, and equality, which enabled Muslims, Christians, and Jews to coexist within a collaborative society. Within this environment, Al-Andalus emerged as an ideal place for life in Europe, distinguished by the flourishing of culture, science, and the arts.

The author emphasises the enduring and evolving nature of Andalusian civilisation, drawing a conceptual connection with the United Arab Emirates as a bridge between past and present, grounded in shared principles of coexistence and cultural plurality across the two periods. The publication also profiles a selection of prominent scholars, philosophers, writers, poets, and physicians whose intellectual and creative output constituted a defining contribution to Andalusian civilisation and exerted a profound influence on Europe and the wider world, extending into the modern era. Among the artefacts addressed are silver dirhams dating to the reign of ”Abd al-Rahman I, as well as a contemporary silver interpretation of the world map produced by Al-Idrisi in his time.