The Last Days of Granada E-Book

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• Herausgeber: Gamila Basel
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

"The Last Days of Granada" is an eyewitness account written by an anonymous Muslim author and soldier and translated into English for the first time. The book describes the siege and conquest of the Kingdom of Granada - the last stronghold of the Nasrid dynasty in Andalusia - culminating in the fall of the city in 1492. The author provides a detailed and dramatic portrayal of the events leading up to the surrender of Granada, capturing the political, social, and military dynamics of the time. The author's first-hand experience as a participant in the campaign lends authenticity and immediacy to the narrative, blending historical facts with elements of literary embellishment. "The Last Days of Granada" provides a fascinating glimpse into the final chapter of Muslim reign in Andalusia. Its literary qualities and historical insights make it a significant work that deserves to be studied for its portrayal of a pivotal moment in history.

Leseprobe

Kitab Nubdhat al-’Asr fi Akhbar Muluk Bani Nasr

The Book of the Summary of the Era regarding the Fall of the Kingdom of the Bani Nasr

By an Andalusian author from the men of the ninth century AH, contemporary with the fall of Granada.

Translated By Doaa Elalfy

Gamila Basel

First edition: 2024

© 2024 Gamila Basel

Typesetting & Cover Design: Enso Aellig

ISBN: 9783759207746

Preface by the Editor

The book presented here is one of the few eyewitness accounts that have come to us from the fall of Granada in 1492. For this, it commends our respect even if some of the information conveyed in it may not be accurate or may be tainted by the author’s perceptions. For example, it is highly questionable that Emir Abu al-Hasan’s marriage to Turaya al-Rumiya was the turning point after which everything went downhill, or that Turaya al-Rumiya was the scheming person and ideal scapegoat she was portrayed as. But maybe the anonymous author was in search of an explanation, however, stretched, as he witnessed the downfall of what had been a splendid empire lasting for seven centuries.

Two versions of the same basic information have been transmitted. One is called Nubdhat al-Asr fi Akhbar Muluk Bani Nasr, and the other Ahbar al-Asr fi Inqida Dawlat Bani Nasr. Both texts contain the same historic dates and happenings; they differ slightly concerning the style.

This account has been cited by the 17th-century writer al-Maqqari and later by the 20th-century historian Inan; some of the information it contained was presented in a biased manner, as I have discussed in my research on Turaya al-Rumiya. There is still hope that other eyewitness accounts or other writings from that era may be unearthed. The fate of most documents from that era is unclear; many have been burned or have disappeared; others may still be waiting in archives or libraries in North Africa or Europe. A lot of research – assisted by Digital Humanities and artificial intelligence - needs to be done.

This translation of the Nubdhat does not pretend to be a critical edition; this was started by Müller in the 19th century and was done extensively by Muhammad Ridwan al-Daya who also included annotations on Andalusian Arabic and biographical and historical information. Therefore, we advise readers who want to get into the specifics to consult the latter’s book that was published in Damascus in 1983 and can still be obtained through library services. In our opinion, it is essential that this text be known by a wider, non-academic public for its content more than for the specific differences of the various editions. The more detailed endnotes stem from the translator, Ms. Doaa Elalfy; footnotes refer to dates, places and similar short clarifications.

Sophie Haesen

Preface by the Translator

This book may be small in size, but it carries significant importance, including historical, linguistic, and cultural aspects. Written by a Muslim Andalusian citizen from the elite who had the ability to read and write in a poetic language, the author describes his deep feelings of sorrow for the destruction of his homeland, blaming and sometimes despising certain individuals who contributed to the fall of his country through betrayal and collusion with the enemy.

The book sheds light on linguistic and literary aspects, as it provides an example of the poetic language used in Andalusian society in the 15th century. The author’s mastery of this language is evident in his use of metaphors, similes, and rhymes, which contribute to the artistic beauty of the text.

Moreover, the text provides valuable insights into the climate changes that occurred during the 15th century in Andalusia. The author describes the harsh conditions of drought and famine that the region experienced, which led to social and economic unrest.

The book is an important resource for scholars and researchers interested in the complex historical, linguistic, and cultural context of Andalusia in the 15th century. From a linguistic perspective, the book serves as an important document for studying the phenomenon of semantic changes, which occurred due to the fusion of the Arabic and Latin languages.

One fascinating topic that the book touches upon is the invention of Al-Anfatt, which marked the beginning of the concept of the military cannon. The word has its roots in the Arabic language and serves as an example of how language evolves over time and how the meanings of words can shift and adapt to different contexts and cultures.

Finally, the author’s personality shines through the text, particularly in his witness to the brutal massacres and inquisitions of the time. The author was one of the prominent Andalusians who continued to live in Granada after its fall, forced to outwardly convert to Christianity while remaining faithful to Islam. This book serves as a testament to the resilience and struggles of the Andalusian people during this tumultuous period of history.

In conclusion, this edition of the manuscript is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in the history of Andalusia and the Arab world. It sheds light on a crucial period in the region’s history and provides insight into the political, social, and cultural dynamics of the time. We hope that this English edition will contribute to a deeper understanding of this important period and serve as a basis for further research and study. We extend our gratitude to all those who have contributed to the publication of this edition and hope that it will find a wide readership.

Doaa Elalfy

Contents

Mention of what happened to Amir Abu Al-Hasan Ali bin Saad with his companions, in the year 882 AH

The army and cavalry parade in the Al-Hamra of Granada from the 19th of Dhu al-Hijjah 882 AH to the 22nd of Muharram 883 AH

The great flood of Granada in the year 883 AH

The termination of the peace treaty and the resumption of war between the Christians and the Muslims in the month of Muharram in the year 887 AH

The siege of the city of Al-Hamma

The second siege of Al-Hamma and the retreat

The great battle of Lusha and the victory of the Muslims in Jumada Al-Awwal of 887 AH

The escape of the two sons of Amir Abu Al-Hasan, Muhammad and Yusuf, and the allegiance of the people of Wadi Ash and Granada to them that took place in the year 887 AH

The Battle of Balash and the Eastern part of Malaga and the victory of the Muslims in Safar of the year 888 AH

The Battle of Lucina, and the capture of Amir Muhammad bin Ali in the month of Rabi’ al-Thani in the year 888 AH

The Christians’ takeover of the fortresses of Qartama and Dakwan in 890 AH

The conquest of Randa and its environs in 890 AH

The Battle of Moclín and victory for the Muslims, resulting in the acquisition of the fortress, in the month of Sha’ban in the year 890 AH

The Christians’ seizure of the fortress of Qanabil and the surrounding fortresses and castles in the year 890 AH

The revolt of the people of Rabad Al-Bayazin and their allegiance to Amir Mohammed bin Ali, and their wars with the people of Granada in the year 891 AH

The Christians’ seizure of the city of Lusha on 26 Jumada al-Awwal in the year 891 AH

The Christians’ seizure of the cities of Ilbira, the fortress of Al-Maklin, and Qal’at al-Nabirah in Jumada al-Akhirah in the year 891 of the Islamic calendar

The departure of Amir Muhammad bin Ali to the forts of the eastern region and the resumption of fighting between the people of Rabad al-Bayazin and Granada in Shawwal of the year 891 AH and Muharram of the year 892 AH

The descent of the King of Castile in the district of the city of Balsh and its occupation without a fight, in the Rabi’ al-Thani of the year 892 AH

The invitation of Amir Muhammad bin Ali to Granada in Jumada al-Awwal of the year 892 AH

The siege of the city of Malaga and its glorious defense by Sha’ban in 892 AH

The siege of the city of Basta through the months of Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qa’da, and Dhu al-Hijjah in the year 894 AH

The Amir Muhammad bin Saad pledges allegiance to the King of Castile and, with his troops, assists in subduing the remaining Muslim lands in the year 895 AH

The King of Castile violates the peace treaty and declares war against the Emir of Granada, seizing the tower of Al-Malāhah and the tower of Hamdan

The victory of the Muslims and their capture of villages in the region of Al-Bashra and their recovery of the village of Al-Bidhul in the year 895 AH

The escape of Amir Muhammad bin Saad to Al-Mariya and the entry of Granada’s knights into the fortress of Andarash, and their recovery of the remaining territories that were in the hands of the Christians

The resumption of war and the siege of the Muslims on the village of Hamdan, and the striking of its tower, and it was taken by force in the month of Ramadan of the year 895 AH

The siege of the fortress of Shalubaniya and the retreat from it

The siege of the fortress of Mirshana and the victory of the Muslims

The revolution of the people of the village of Finyana and the displacement of the inhabitants of the Sanad and Wadi Ash to Granada

The return of the King of Castile to Muslim lands and the resumption of fighting in Jumada Al-Akhirah in the year 896 AH

The siege of Granada

The surrender of Granada

Endnotes

References from Endnotes

Names of Places

In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. All praise is due to God, the Creator, the Recreator, the Establisher, the Destroyer, the Effective One, who decrees His rulings with His predestined will on all of His servants, whether in elevating or humiliating them, pushing them forward or holding them back, increasing or decreasing them, guiding or misleading them, and making everything easy for those whom He has created for it, and making them endure what He has written for them.

Exalted is He, and High above all that they associate with Him.

We praise Him, glorified and exalted be He, in all situations, and we thank Him for all His blessings that are countless and immeasurable. We are forever grateful to Him, for our gratitude will never cease even when days and nights come to an end. We bear witness that there is no god but God alone, who has no partner, the Unique in His Might and Majesty.

And we bear witness that our Master, our Prophet, and our Lord Muhammad is His servant and messenger, the seal of the prophets and messengers.

After this, I will mention in this book a summary of some of the events that occurred during the reign of Amir Abu Al-Hasan Ali bin Nasr bin Saad bin Sultan Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Sultan Abu Al-Hasan, who came forth from the dynasty of the Nasrid kings, and the days of his son Muhammad and his brother Muhammad, may God have mercy on them as well, and how the enemy took control of all the lands of Al-Andalus during that period. And I will focus on brevity and concision, leaving out excessive details and elaboration, because my aim in this composition is to be brief, and my eloquence is poor merchandise1. I named it: «The Book of the Summary of the Era regarding the Fall of the Kingdom of the Bani Nasr.»

And God is the One who grants success to the truth, and He is sufficient for us and is the best of protectors.

Mention of what happened to Amir Abu Al-Hasan Ali bin Saad with his companions, in the year 882 AH2

The author (may God forgive him) states that when the rule of Al-Andalus was stabilized under the leadership of Amir Abu Al-Hasan Ali bin Saad, all the lands of Al-Andalus submitted to him without any resistance. This happened after a series of engagements, events, and difficulties that he faced along with his father and companions, which are too lengthy to recount. It is known that he was confined by his companions, and he did not have any real authority except in name. He wanted to establish his authority and remove the constraint, so he separated from his companions and isolated himself, which led to conflicts and hostilities between them. When he withdrew from his companions, they pledged allegiance to his brother Muhammad bin Saad, who was younger in age. This ignited the fire of sedition between them.

After that, Amir Abu Al-Hasan repented to the people and promised them that if they supported him, he would settle their affairs, establish justice, consider the interests of the country, and implement Sharia law. The people leaned toward him and helped him achieve his goals. Eventually, God granted him victory over his enemies after many wars that took place between them. For his brother, Muhammad, fled from the hands of the rebels who had sworn allegiance to him and went to his brother, Abu Al-Hasan, and pledged his obedience. When the rebels learned this, they gathered in the city of Malaga3, but the Amir besieged them there until they obeyed him. He took them and killed them.

And even though the flags of sedition had vanished, and their fire had been extinguished, and all the lands of Al-Andalus had submitted to him without any rebel remaining, he still invaded the lands of the Christians time after time, until he launched many campaigns and enforced the laws.

And he renovated the fortresses and increased the army, which frightened the Christians, and they made peace by land and sea. Goodness increased, and prosperity spread throughout Al-Andalus. The prices became cheaper, security was established in all the lands, and people enjoyed well-being in that period. A new robust coin was issued.

The army and cavalry parade in the Al-Hamra of Granada from the 19th of Dhu al-Hijjah 882 AH to the 22nd of Muharram 883 AH

Then, the Amir wanted to muster the army and show the people the number of knights he had, in order to increase their enthusiasm for the fights. Therefore, he prepared a location for the parade4 in the city of Al-Hamra in the city of Granada, in the location known as Al-Tabla5 near Bab Al-Ghudur6, he built a place to sit and improved the road and the open space for horse riding and called upon the knights.

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