From the Classroom to a Mosque
Granada’s architecture, elaborate gardens, and beautiful Alhambra demonstrate its rich Islamic roots. Simply walk down one of the cobblestone lined streets and a find yourself face to face with a bounty of delicate, honey-coated Arabic treats. Bright colored shawls, ornate lamps, and thousands of fragrant spices overflow from the outdoor stalls.
Clearly, Granada provides the idyllic setting for an Islamic culture class. I am so grateful my school offers a course based on learning about the historical, religious, and cultural aspects of the Islamic world. Contrastingly from many other courses, this class is half classroom based, half excursion based. We spend our days in class learning about the origins of Islam, significant Islamic buildings, and customs in Arabic culture. Then instead of just seeing images on a slideshow, we walk around the city and see the sights we study in class with our own eyes.
My favorite excursion so far has been visiting the “Mezquita Mayor”, the oldest mosque in Granada. This mosque sits perched on the top of a hill, providing a beautiful bird’s eye view of the entire city. During this excursion we took a tour of the mosque, which is still used for religious services today. I had never seen the inside of a mosque before and discovered several unique characteristics of Islam. The interior of the mosque was all carpet, as Muslims pray on their knees to place everyone on the same level. I also learned the importance of intention in Islam. If something is done without intention, it loses almost all its value. Although I am not religious, I believe these are incredibly valuable lessons and am grateful I had the opportunity to see such a sacred and religiously significant place.
Fiona Finger
Hometown: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Major: Psychology
Program: Illinois in Spain: Granada