Seville, Cordoba - cultural centers for synergy

History of migration, invasion and conquest assumes many faces, not always destruction and death. There are times when a face of assimilation, cooperation and advancement emerges, attributed I think to  human reason and faith.  Europe has seen it's share of both.

This impression was driven home by the our visit to Seville, but especially to Cordoba and the magnificent architecture which once witnessed nearly 700 year peace filled coexistence of Islam, Christian, and Hebrew traditions. Everyone profited, God was honored, and social order thrived.   

I was dumbstruck when touring Cordoba's 8th century Mezquita Mosque which surrounds the more recent (16th century) Gothic Christian church, designed to be built this way by King Charles V, champion of the Roman Catholic counter-reformation. The Jewish quarter and Synagogue are just around the corner.  All this would change during the turmoil of inquisition politics. Our tour guide humbly described facts of this unique time of peace, and hinted at it's significance as part of the soul of Spain.

I was unable make a drawing which captures the harmonious synergy of that time - maybe later as it sinks in and as I do more research.  For now, my sketch of Seville will have to do.