Kasbahs of the Gharb Al-Andalus

[Portuguese version]

International Colloquium

Castelo de São Jorge (Sala São Jorge - Sala Multiusos), Lisbon, September 20, 2024

Organized by: Center for History of the University of Lisbon (CH-ULisboa), Center for Archaeology of the University of Lisbon (UNIARQ), and the Gabinete de Estudos Olisiponenses (GEO-CML)

Supported by: Lisboa Cultura - Castelo de São Jorge

Scientific and Organizing Committee: Hermenegildo Fernandes (FLUL/CH-ULisboa), Catarina Viegas (UNIARQ), and Manuel Fialho (GEO-CML/CH-ULisboa/UNIARQ)

Contact: alcacovasgarb@gmail.com

Free Entry

Download Poster | Download Program

In Al-Andalus, cities were mostly equipped with an al-qaṣbah, also known as an alcáçova. A multifunctional space combining military defense with the symbolism of power, these structures were erected both in plains, near bridges, and on hills overlooking the cities they defended, protecting their elites. Alcáçovas always had two clear objectives: to house urban power through a fortress and simultaneously to enable visual and effective control over a specific urban landscape and the territory within that city’s sphere of influence. This scientific event brings together a group of national and international experts, archaeologists, and historians to discuss various topics, including specific case studies, operational models, and strategic placements in the territory of the Gharb, i.e., the current Portuguese territory and the westernmost part of Castilian Extremadura.

Program 

(09:30) Opening

Dr. Pedro Moreira (President, Lisboa Cultura)

Prof. Dr. José Horta (Director of the Center for History of the University of Lisbon)

Prof. Dr. Mariana Diniz (Director of UNIARQ - Center for Archaeology of the University of Lisbon)

Arch. Jorge Ramos de Carvalho (Director of the Cultural Heritage Department of the Lisbon City Council)

Session 1 | Moderation: Hermenegildo Fernandes (FLUL/CH-ULisboa)

(10:00) The Alcazaba of Badajoz or From Medieval Archaeology to the Management of Archaeology

        Fernando Valdez (UAM) and Rodrigo Cortez Gomez (Alamut. Estudios de Arqueología y Patrimonio, S.L.)

(10:20) The Alcazaba of Mérida: Architecture and Historical Profile

        Bruno Franco Moreno (Consorcio Ciudad Monumental de Mérida)

(10:40) Debate (20 min.)

(11:00) Coffee-Break

Session 2 | Moderation: Catarina Viegas (UNIARQ)

(11:20) Alcáçova and Castle of Mértola (9th to 13th Centuries). Space of Power and Living Space

        Susana Gomez Martínez (University of Évora/CAM-CEAACP)

(11:40) Some Questions About Alcáçovas: Who? When? Where? Why?

        Fernando Branco Correia (University of Évora/CIDEHUS)

(12:00-14:00) Lunch

Session 3 | Moderation: Manuel Fialho (GEO-CML/CH-ULisboa/UNIARQ)

(14:30) Reconquest and New Models of Power in the Fortresses of the Gharb

        Santiago Macias (Director, National Pantheon/NOVA-FCSH)

(14:50) The Alcáçova of Palmela Castle (8th/9th to 13th Centuries) Through Archaeological Research

        Isabel Cristina Fernandes (GEsOS - Municipality of Palmela/CIDEHUS-UÉ/IEM NOVA)

(15:10) Debate (20 min.)

(15:40) Coffee-Break

Session 4 | Moderation: Santiago Macias (Director, National Pantheon/NOVA-FCSH)

(16:00) The Alcáçova of Lisbon: An Overview of Archaeological Work

        Ana Gomes (Cultural Heritage I.P.) and Alexandra Gaspar (Cultural Heritage I.P.)

(16:20) Santarém and Lisbon: Two Alcáçovas for One Territory

        Hermenegildo Fernandes (FLUL/CH-ULisboa), Catarina Viegas (UNIARQ), Manuel Fialho (GEO-CML/CH-ULisboa/UNIARQ)

(16:40)  Debate (20 min.)

(17:00) Final Comments and Closing: Hermenegildo Fernandes (FLUL/CH-ULisboa)