One of the easiest languages in the world to learn is Spanish and the first word which comes to mind is OLE’!
This oft used exclamation has its roots in the Arabic ‘WA ALLAH ‘ meaning ‘ Oh God!’
Now thats a surprise!
Soon one learns that Azucar is Spanish for Sugar,
Aceite for oil ,
Fideo for noodle ,
Jarra for pot or pitcher,
Azar for luck or chance etcetcetc
and that all these are Arabic words ,
routinely used in NORMAL Spanish conversation.
There are some 4000 words ( mostly nouns) along with
one preposition ( hasta.. meaning ‘until’) which form 8% of the Spanish dictionary!
Wow! How come Twinny ??
Hold on Amruta , let me tell you more.
Visit Alhambra ( the MEDINA citystate of Granada in Southern Spain ,’medina ‘again an Arabic word) and you will be startled by the beauty of ISLAMIC architecture in this UNESCO world heritage palace -fortress. Look…
Elegant gardens, fountains , honeycombed vaulted domes( muquarnas)
mesmerising alcoves, cornices, inscriptions ..
800 years older than the Taj Mahal and stunning to say the least !
Similar Islamic elements are in the mosque of Córdoba …
and in the Giralda of Seville …
One begins to wonder
‘ Am I really in a European country which is 90% Catholic or a Middle Eastern one instead??’
Good grief Twinny .. How come ??
There you go again Amruta …
Patience dear!
From 711 AD to 1492AD ,
that’s close to 800 years .. SPAIN was ruled by MUSLIMS !
‘MOORS ‘
from Morocco and Northern Africa ..
Naturally black and superintelligent .
They brought paper which they had learnt to make from the Chinese , cotton , silk, rice, saffron.
They introduced oranges, lemons, peach and apricot trees, figs, dates, ginger !
They constructed libraries ,universities ,
public baths ,pavements and provided street lighting !
Astronomy , Maths , art ,architecture and handicrafts flourished!
As did other religions besides Islam !
Amruta my dear ….in the reign of the Moors …SPAIN saw its GOLDEN AGE !
Wow Twinny that is simply Amazing!
Oh there’s lots more Amruta !
Musical instruments like the Spanish guitar ( kithara), the lute ( el oud) and the lyre added haunting music to soulful poetry and fiesty dances .
Interesting too that many present day
Spaniards/ Hispanics have a mixed lineage from North African blood .
Simply fantastic Twinny !
Tell me Twinny ..the Arabians had such a profound impact on the Spanish ..
Did the Arabs also imbibe something from the Spanish ??
Of course they did Amruta !
THE VEIL!
Veiling was essentially Byzantine in origin .. Orthodox Catholics and Jews used to wear head scarves as a symbol of piety ,devotion, modesty, humility , self expression , liberation!
The Spanish veil or MANTILLA is worn till today ……Here is a picture of a baby wearing one!
Ooooh that’s lovely .. will don one myself ..
The headscarf was one article the Moors / Arabs adopted . Over the last two centuries of course ,they took it to another level ..
Hijab , Niqab , Burkha !
I quite like the hijab Twinny .. there is an element of mystery in it …
And a sense of pride too ..
See!
Who needs a falcon ?
Geese are the new millennial look!
😎!
Hasta Manana( until we meet again )!
A Second Learning 
Cool outfits Twinny…..
Surprising origins of words…
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Yes.. was quite taken by surprise to know that Arabs had ever been to Spain and ruled it too!
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Fascinating account. Well researched. The origin of “ole” was something new for me. Your costumes were delightful. Superb !!
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Thankyou so much Omar !
Yes .. as one digs deeper, one is both bewildered and amazed!
There is so much to learn!
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Hi Twinny, You have really outdone yourself again… simply fantabulous !!!
Great history lessons 👌👌
Keep writing.
Hasta Manana 😘
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Thankyou Rita !
Hope to actually see you soon ! ❤️
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Superb narrative n gift of prose.
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Thankyou Mads !
Discovering something new each day .. ahem outside clinic hours !
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Very interesting and informative post Twinny.Loved your costumes.keep writing
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Yes Pinky .. despite the sultry heat, decided to cover completely !
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I am loving it 😍 The post on” Twinny ” is so very knowledgeable.. Spanish and Arabic.. never ever thought of it. Languages can be so similar.. keep writing Doctor & Keep Sharing.. You Look Awesome in Dressing 😊😉
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Thankyou so much Deepika !
Loads of love
Am super encouraged !
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Absolute delight! Especially the dress ups! Keep writing!
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Thankyou so much Shaila !😘
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Wow!!
The pictures tell a story about the civilization of the place. Splendid Architecture and once a prosperous era.
It was outdone with your pictures added. Each one showed how well it is linked to the place.
Your efforts are outstandingly awesome.
Love to read it.
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Gita ❤️❤️❤️!
Thankyou !!
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Was a sense of deja vu for me. Refurbished my history lessons again. Excellent presentation and it was interesting to know the history of hijab…
Wonderful…
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Thankyou !
History may be history
But art and Architecture lives on to tell a tale .
Have you visited Granada / Alhambra/ Córdoba ?
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You are something else- that was a great informative article and the dressing up with the 5 o’clock shadow and falcons the icing on the cake. Can’t wait for the next instalment . Amruta tell Twinny to hurry up and write!
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Haha Shirin !
Twinny needs no encouragement !
According to Buntoo .. she needs to exercise restraint!
Behave like a lady !!!
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Good post, I enjoyed it!
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Thankyou so much !Feel super encouraged !
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