The Mihrab and the Dome, Al-Hakam II's Addition to the Great Mosque of Cordoba, Mid-10th c. (slides 10, 11, 12) The study of architectural details can reveal information about the cultural and economic aspects of Andalusian life. For example, the additions to the Great Mosque of Cordoba, which were undertaken by Al-Hakam II included the building of an elaborate dome. The dome, which is featured in slides 10 and 12, was covered in costly mosaic of colored glass and gold, imported from Byzantium. It is possible that skilled workers were also imported from Byzantium to help construct the dome, suggesting an economic relationship between the Byzantine Empire and Andalusia. Slide 11 shows the mihrab and the surrounding area, which was also adorned with mosaic. Both the dome and the mihrab (prayer niche) included inscriptions taken from the Quran. These architectural features resemble Islamic structures in Damascus and Jerusalem, such as the famous Dome of the Rock. This may indicate that Al-Hakam undertook particular additions to the mosque in Cordoba in a way that linked the Islamic traditions of Andalusia to those of the eastern domains of Islam. Back to slides