While studying in Granada, I learned a lot about Spain, Andalusia, and myself. I grew up reading Andalusian literature, some of which was written by my ancestors who lived across the region. I wanted to study in Granada to understand how my ancestors lived and whether Andalusia is as beautiful as they described in their poems. Perhaps the most noteworthy of my ancestors is Ibn Al-Khatib. Though one of his poems is engraved in the Alhambra’s walls, Arabs know him for another poem in which he lamented his expulsion from Andalusia, comparing the rain of that day to falling tears:
“Generous are the clouds, if they should shed tears
For our lost ages in Andalusia.
These times can now be only in a dream that cheers,
In sleep, or in the deception of a fleeting idea.”
Throughout the centuries of trials and tribulations that followed, Spain has noticeably evolved beyond such intolerance. I remember reading the El País newspaper my first week in Granada, using my dictionary to translate every single word. “I must be understanding this wrong,” I thought. Coming from the US, where the dehumanization of my community feels like a national sport, I was in near-disbelief to learn the article was actually in defense of Spain’s Muslim minority.
Along similar lines, I remember learning about Spain’s economic crisis, how it forced many qualified youth to leave home in hopes of finding jobs abroad. Nonetheless, Spain continued to open its arms to less-fortunate immigrants. There is nothing more generous than giving more when you have less to spare. This is further exemplified by the coffee shop owner next to our institute, who—everyday—allowed the same elderly man to “have something now but pay later” because he “forgot his wallet.” Everyday.
These memories make me wonder if it would give any consolation to Ibn Al-Khatib to see that not all compassion was lost in Andalusia.
Before departing Granada, I wanted to leave something behind, as the Spanish moors did centuries before. Three types of Islamic art can be seen throughout Andalusia. I chose to leave calligraphy on canvas as a small gift to the CLM. In the Square Kufic font of Arabic, invented 1400 years ago in modern-day Iraq, the script is a verse from the Quran. It addresses several fundamental Islamic concepts, especially the freedom of religion.
Abdullah Almuhanna (University of Delaware)
I always tell my friends to study abroad in Granada, because it was the best month of my life. It exceeded all my expectations. I had the opportunity not only to learn the language but also to understand the culture and history of Spain, especially through the trips to other cities.
Having a host family challenged me to speak Spanish every day and try out the new things I was learning in class. I loved staying with my host family because they made me feel at home and were so kind and patient.
I truly enjoyed my time in Granada because the classes were very interesting and the professors made learning so much fun. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to study at the University of Granada, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank everyone enough!
Corey Perkins (University of Delaware)
