Welcome to the enchanting city of Malaga, where artistry and history intertwine to create a captivating destination. Today, we embark on a journey to delve into the ancient Moorish heritage of this remarkable location, gaining a deeper appreciation for its rich past. Our journey through time begins in front of what appears to be an Arabic building, adorned with intricate Moorish details on the upper part of the walls. Specifically, we find ourselves at one side of the so-called Atarazanas Market of Malaga, a place that traces its origins to the old Moorish legacy of this enchanting town. Standing in front of it, let us now pause here for a moment, to unravel the intricate origins of such a place.

Malaga is a city with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Long long ago, the Phoenicians, an ancient seafaring civilization, originating from the coastal regions of the eastern Mediterranean, founded a first settlement here, in the 8th century BCE, naming it “Malaka“. As centuries passed, the city underwent the shifting power of nearby expanding kingdoms, such as the Carthaginian one, and the Roman Empire. It was so that the city grew in prosperity, until the fall of the Western Roman Empire, which left the area uncontrolled, and exposed to nomad populations. Nevertheless, the conclusion of this era was significantly punctuated by a pivotal event, which continues to shape our present, and allows us to delve into this vibrant history: the arrival of Muslim armies from North Africa.

Specifically, in the 8th century CE, the Iberian Peninsula, formerly known as Hispania, bore witness to the conquest led by southern warriors. Arriving from the Strait of Gibraltar, these forces swept across the land, displacing the post-Roman Visigoth kingdoms, and establishing their own dominion. Granada, referred to as “Elvira” at that time, became the splendid caliphal capital of this newly formed kingdom, encompassing a significant portion of what is now Spain and Portugal. Moreover, during this period, Malaga and other crucial fortified cities, served as strongholds of the so-called Hammudite Taifa, an emerging state following the Caliphate‘s division in 1009. Interestingly, the collective rule of these kingdoms, shaping what we now recognize as Spain, was referred to as “Al-Andalus” during that time. This term, denotes the Islamic civilization and cultural heritage in the region, from the 8th to the 15th century, likely influencing the contemporary region’s noun “Andalusia”.

However, before jumping to another historical chapter, and delving deeper into Malaga’s captivating past, let’s pause here, to appreciate the old building that once graced this ground. Now replaced by the modern Malaga’s market, the so-called Mercado de Atarazanas, this place exudes an Arabesque charm, notably visible in the square’s perimeter.

More specifically, the Atarazanas Market, occupies the historical grounds where Nasrid shipyards thrived in the 14th century, during the era when Malaga was a vibrant part of the previously mentioned Al-Andalus. Notably, the only section which survived the test of time, is the grand front door you currently face. This marble gate, represents the authentic component of a broader structure, that once defined a meticulously organised space, dedicated to naval purposes.

The intricate details, carved on the upper walls’ edge, still evoke a Moorish style, offering glimpses into the hidden treasures of a bygone era. These details serve as the hidden treasures we’ll be exploring on today’s journey—a distant yet poignant reminder of a bygone era, that once flourished in the shadows of time.

And so, with an open mind and keen eyes, let’s now follow the marked path on the map, and reach the next stop, located just on the other side of the market.

Ptolemy

Malaga: Pablo Picasso

Malaga: Pablo Picasso