Alhambra

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/alhambra

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the location?Granada, Andalusia, Spain
2. What is the builder?Primarily the Nasrid dynasty, particularly Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar and his successors
3. Why does the Alhambra have so many fountains and water?The builders used water to keep the palace cool, make a peaceful sound, and create shiny reflections that change with the light. They even brought water from the nearby mountains with special aqueducts.
4. Where is the Alhambra located and why was that spot chosen?It sits on Sabika Hill in Granada, giving a strong defense and a beautiful view of the city. The hill also lets the palace catch the sunshine and cool breezes.

Nasrid Dynasty: The final Muslim ruling dynasty in the Emirate of Granada, responsible for the construction of the Alhambra.
Muqarnas: A form of ornamented vaulting in Islamic architecture, resembling stalactites or honeycombs.
Reconquista: The historical period of Christian kingdoms gradually conquering the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule, culminating in 1492.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: A place designated by UNESCO for its outstanding universal value and importance to humanity.