Court of the Lions, Granada,
Spain in January 2003
Created by the Moors after they conquered Spain, this courtyard in the Alhambra originally had rich garden plantings, with vivid colors and sweet scents. Water also gently flowed, creating soothing sounds. All the senses were engaged to suggest a paradise. In fact, this represented paradise as it was described in the Koran (the holy book of Islam). This Islamic creation also reflects the beliefs of Islam, because Islamic artists avoid the use of images (which are prohibited in the Koran). All decoration is abstract, including Arabic script from the Koran