Two palaces as the administrative centre of the Caliphate of Cordova: Madinat al-Zahra and Madinat al-Zahira

The Iberian Peninsula, which constitute the most western wing of Islam territory began to be conquered by Muslims in the VII. Century. This geography, where Muslims gained the identity of Al-Andalus, was founded independence Emirate of Cordoba in139/156. In rule of emirate the wealth of the east was inherited the Iberian Peninsula. In the X. century Abd al-Rahman III declared his caliphate against the expansionist policies of the Shiite Fatimid Caliphate rising in North Africa and as a result of his political successes. He had the Madinat al-Zahra built near Cordoba for the new caliphate administration. Zehra palace hosted important political and cultural events during reigns of Abd al-Rahman III and Hakam II. In the Caliphate of Cordoba, hajib Abu Âmir al-Mansur (Almanzor) began to have a say in the administration after Hişam II became the caliph at a young age. Almanzor had a new palace called Madīna al-Zahira built and moved the administrative units there. Both complexes have an important place in the architecture of Caliphate of Cordoba. In addition to being prominent as the administrative centers of Caliphate of Cordoba, it appears as the science culture and art center of its period. In this research two palaces as the administrative center of the Caliphate of Cordoba, Madinat al-Zahra, and Medina al-Zahira were discussed in terms of politics, architecture, and culture. It is seen that Madinat al-Zahra reflects the splendor of Califate of Cordova and Madinat al-Zahira was founded to shade this magnificence. However, it is understood what a magnificent palace it was from the ruins of Madinat al-Zahra. Even the remains of Madinat al-Zahira couldn't found. In other words, it has been concluded that Madinat al-Zahira couldn't overshadow the esplendor of Zahra palace.