This image is one of the many pictures I took while at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. This particular image is important because it reflects the intricate work that covered the entire palace. Carved in the stone walls were Arabic says and beautiful designs that must of have taken years of labor. The Arabic writing reflects the style and era called Mudejar in which Muslims ruled the Iberian Penisula during the 9th-11th centuries. These Muslims allowed the christians who lived there to practice their faith, but in most cases dominated other areas of the culture including archetecture and art. Furthermore, the Arabic language, seen in part here, influenced the language of the people. The presence of the Muslims and their influlence on the culture and development of the Peninsula also reflects the unique history of the Iberian Penisula and Spain as compared with more centrally located European nations. There were several locations within the Muslim Palace where it was clear later, christian influences had covered the orgival work. In some examples this was mosaics of latin writing and in others it was a ceiling with Roman archetecture and figures which stuck out from the surrounding walls and decor. Even the musuem on location displayed several pictures of exit of the Muslims from the palace and their mournful faces as they packed their things. Because of its geographical location, this peninsula has been held and conquered by a number of different cultures and didn't unify for the first time until the 15th century. The beauty of the Alhambra proved to be an example of the rich history and the influence of past conquered cultures to create the unique blend of modern day Spain.