The Islamic Sanctuary of Rabida Caliphate: A Peace Offering's Legacy

The Rabida Caliphate archaeological site, situated in Guardamar del Segura, close to Alicante, dates back to the 10th century. It is part of a series of fortified settlements constructed by the Caliph Abderramán III to control the Mediterranean coast. Known as rábidas, these settlements include the Rabida Caliphate in Almeria and the Rabida in Tortosa. The Rabida Caliphate's origins correspond to the remains of a ‘musalla’ wall built in the highest part of the archaeological site around the end of the 9th century.

In the second half of the 10th century, when Abderramán III pacified the country and reorganized its administration, he adopted a policy to control and defend the Mediterranean coast. This policy led to the construction of a series of rábidas, including the Rabida Caliphate. The transformation of the solar of the old ‘musalla’ into an Islamic sanctuary began at this point, becoming the Mosque of the Sun, as attested by the stone discovered in 1897.

Numerous artifacts related to daily life have been discovered at the site, such as candles, pots, jars, and more. A notable collection of graffiti on the walls of some cells was also found, the result of visits by pilgrims to the monastery. Today, the Rabida Caliphate archaeological site is a Bien de Interés Cultural de la provincia de Alicante, drawing tourists eager to catch a glimpse of history.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons