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Series of “Workshops with History” in Cordoba

From February 21, 2024 until December 20, 2024Check times and dates for each workshop.
CORDOBA
Casa Árabe headquarters (at Calle Samuel de los Santos Gener, 9). Check times and dates for each workshop. Price per workshop: 4 euros for the general public at the headquarters.
3 euros: tickets purchased online, the officially unemployed, Casa Árabe Language Center students and Youth Card holders. Ticket sales on our website (in the section containing information of each workshop).
In Spanish.

For yet another year, Casa Árabe is hosting these craft workshops at its headquarters in Cordoba. They have been organized by SextoMario with the goal of increasing awareness about the region’s history and historical values.

Intended for all types of audiences, the workshops provide participants with historical knowledge by teaching them about crafts. At the same time, our goal is to draw attention towards the potential offered by our cultural heritage and the challenges it is now facing, as well as the impact held by passing it on to others. 

The materials required to take part in the activity will be provided by the organization and are for individual use.
 
Workshop calendar 
1. Automatons - March 7 
2. Sundial - March 14 
3. Hand of Fatima - April 4 
4. Geometric Design - May 9 
5. Jewelry - May 30 
6. Lectern - September 12 
7. Tiles - October 17 
8. Caliphal Arch - November 7 
9. Jewelry boxes- December 5 
10. Games from Al-in Al-Andalus - December 19 

SextoMario is made up of professionals who have earned university degrees in Art History, History and Archeology. They possess excellent backgrounds with training on the history and archeology of Cordoba. They also have a great deal of experience in the field of teaching, which allows them to offer those whose take part in their workshops with extensive, diversified information on the history and archeology of our past, always in accordance with the level of the people participating. SextoMario was created because of a calling to teach History in a fun and entertaining way, without setting aside the basic contents that form part of our values and culture, through a broad catalogue of educational workshops and games. With this focus, the workshops strengthen skills such as paying attention, memory, psychomotor skills and coordination, while youths learn about a wide range of aspects from our past and, in turn, reflect about our present. 
Series of “Workshops with History” in Cordoba
  • Automaton workshop (in memoriam*)
    Recreation of the wings devised by Ibn Firnas, tested by himself in 875

    Automaton workshop (in memoriam*)

    March 07, 20246:00 p.m.
    CORDOBA
    Casa Árabe headquarters (at Calle Samuel de los Santos Gener, 9). 6:00 p.m. 4 euros for the general public at the headquarters (including course materials).
    In Spanish.
    On Thursday, March 7, the first of the “Workshops with History” in 2024 will be taking place at our headquarters in Cordoba, this time dedicated to the creation of an automaton inspired by the figure of Abbas Ibn Firnas, precursor of aeronautics. Sign up before spaces run out!
    The world of Al-Andalus brought back from the classical world the development of automatons, or in other words: various mechanical devices and contraptions that performed movements through a system of gears, wheels and pulleys which became highly valued by the upper classes of the time.

    Among other scientists, contemporary to Al-Andalus, we will talk about the Banu Musa brothers or al-Jazari, among the greatest engineers in history. Inventor of the crankshaft and the first mechanical clocks moved by weights and water, among many other automatically controlled inventions, he was also very interested in the figure of the automaton, creating a work with the title “The book of knowledge of ingenious mechanisms,” considered one of the most important in the history of technology. 

    At this workshop, we will be reproducing an automaton based on the work and figure of the forefather of aeronautics, Abbas Ibn Firnas. 

    Photo: Recreation of the wings devised by Ibn Firnas, tested by himself in 875. (Photo showing a memorial to Arab inventors in Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on June 2, 2007.) 

    *This workshop is the first hosted by Casa Árabe after the death of our beloved Maribel Gutiérrez, founder and director of Sexto Mario on January 5.
  • Workshop: Sundial
    Photo: Solar quadrant (partial). Found at Madinat al-Zahra, on deposit at the Cordoba Archaeology Museum.

    Workshop: Sundial

    March 14, 20246:00 p.m.
    CORDOBA
    Casa Árabe headquarters (at Calle Samuel de los Santos Gener, 9). 6:00 p.m. 4 euros for the general public at the headquarters (including course materials).
    In Spanish.
    On Thursday, March 14, we will be hosting the second of our “Workshops with History” to be held this year in Cordoba. With the help of Sexto Mario, we will be learning how these devices worked and what they were used for. And we will also get the chance to make one of our own. Sign up now!
    The tenth century was the golden age of Al-Andalus, because of its great medical, technological, cultural and, above all, scientific advancements. The Greco-Latin heritage passed down through translations of classical texts made it possible to produce a whole series of scientific treatises and instruments. Amongst the various sciences in which Al-Andalus excelled, Astronomy played a major role as a result of its development and the high level of perfection achieved in that science. 

    Knowledge about the stars, beyond just cosmology and mathematical theory, had a whole series of practical applications through the construction of astronomical instruments, which included the “quadrant,” or sundial. In addition to their eminently practical use, sundials played a religious role in Al-Andalus, determining the time of daily prayers. 

    During this workshop, we will be given the opportunity to reproduce one of the sundials discovered at Madinat al-Zahra.

    Photo: Solar quadrant (partial) Soft limestone Height: 30.1 cm; width: 33 cm; thickness: 5.2 cm Caliphs’ era, tenth century. Found at Madinat al-Zahra, on deposit at the Cordoba Archaeology Museum.
  • Workshop: Hand of Fatima (“Hamsa/Jamsa”)

    Workshop: Hand of Fatima (“Hamsa/Jamsa”)

    April 04, 20246:00 p.m.
    CORDOBA
    Casa Árabe headquarters (at Calle Samuel de los Santos Gener, 9). 6:00 p.m. 4 euros for the general public at the headquarters (including course materials).
    3 euros: tickets purchased online, the officially unemployed, Casa Árabe Language Center students and Youth Card holders. Ticket sales on our website (in the section with information on each workshop) or at Casa Árabe’s headquarters in Cordoba (payment in cash or by credit card).
    In Spanish.
    On Thursday, April 4, we will be hosting yet another workshop on the archeology and history of Cordoba. This time around, we will be creating a protective symbol shared by several cultures and religions from the East.
    The Hamsa or Khamsa (Hand / Five) can be found in Islam, Judaism and Buddhism, though it is given different names (the hand of Fatima, the hand of Miriam and Abhaya Mundra, respectively). 

    At this workshop, those attending will be creating the polychrome coloring for a Hamsa made of plaster, which they can use as a protective symbol in their homes. 

    All of the materials are provided by the organizers and are free of charge. 
  • Geometric design workshop 
    Image from the workshop

    Geometric design workshop 

    From April 25, 2024 until May 09, 20246:00 p.m.
    MADRID
    Casa Árabe headquarters (at Calle Samuel de los Santos Gener, 9). 6:00 p.m. 4 euros: for the general public at Casa Árabe.
    3 euros: tickets purchased online, the officially unemployed, Casa Árabe Language Center students and Youth Card holders. Ticket sales on our website (in the section with information on each workshop) or at Casa Árabe’s headquarters in Cordoba (payment in cash or by credit card). 
    In Spanish.
    Our “Workshops with History” return to Cordoba on Thursday, May 9. This time, we will be devoting the session to this essential feature of art in Al-Andalus. Sign up now before the workshop is full. 
    This workshop is based on geometry, axiality and mathematics, essential elements in Al-Andalus art that show not only the scientific development achieved in Al-Andalus, but also a new art form on accuracy.

    At the workshop, participants will learn how to make a lacquer design from Al-Andalus step by step. They will then apply polychrome coloring to it as they wish, using the watercolor technique, with models of varying complexity to suit the capabilities and taste of each participant.

    All of the materials are provided by the organization and are included in the price of the workshop.
  • Jewelry Workshop: The jewelry of Al-Andalus 

    Jewelry Workshop: The jewelry of Al-Andalus 

    May 30, 20246:00 p.m.
    CORDOBA
    Casa Árabe headquarters (at Calle Samuel de los Santos Gener, 9). 6:00 p.m. 4 euros: for the general public at Casa Árabe.
    3 euros: tickets purchased online, the officially unemployed, Casa Árabe Language Center students and Youth Card holders. Ticket sales on our website (in the section with information on each workshop) or at Casa Árabe’s headquarters in Cordoba (payment in cash or by credit card). 
    In Spanish.
    On Thursday, May 30, our Córdoba headquarters will be hosting a new session of workshops on archeology and history through craftsmanship, and this time we will be making our own jewelry creations. Sign up now so you don’t miss out! 
    The jewelry of Al-Andalus was not something for women alone. Sometimes it served as a sign of prestige for the person wearing it.

    The economic and artistic splendor of the Cordoba of the Caliphs, combined with the tradition of jewelry making, led to the development of new techniques like filigree. Introduced by Jews originating in Damascus, it eventually achieved international fame.

    At this workshop, those attending will get to produce their own jewelry creations, using the filigree techniques from Al-Andalus as a model. 
  • Lectern decoration workshop
    Example of a lectern with Islamic decoration.

    Lectern decoration workshop

    September 12, 2024The workshop will taking place on Thursday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m.
    CORDOBA
    Casa Árabe headquarters (at Calle Samuel de los Santos Gener, 9). The workshop will taking place on Thursday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m. 4 euros: for the general public at Casa Árabe.
    3 euros: tickets purchased online, the officially unemployed, Casa Árabe Language Center students and Youth Card holders. Ticket sales on our website (in the section with information on each workshop) or at Casa Árabe’s headquarters in Cordoba (payment in cash or by credit card).
    In Spanish.
    On Thursday, September 12, the workshops for learning about the region’s archeology and history in an entertaining way through the work of craftsmen will be returning to our headquarters in Cordoba, once again with the help of Sexto Mario. SOLD OUT
    In the Islamic world, lecterns were used to hold great liturgical books and literary works during recitations and readings. 

    Over time, these lecterns have become works of art with a wide range of more and less ornate designs containing geometric shapes and coloring. 

    During this workshop, we will be learning the meaning held by this item and its use in rituals, as well as finding out how to make and decorate a lectern.
  • Tile workshop

    Tile workshop

    October 17, 20246:00 p.m.
    CORDOBA
    Casa Árabe headquarters (at Calle Samuel de los Santos y Gener, 9). 6:00 p.m. 4 euros for the general public at the headquarters. No more than 15 people may attend.
    3 euros: tickets purchased online, the officially unemployed, Casa Árabe Language Center students and Youth Card holders. Ticket sales on our website (in the section with information on each workshop) or at Casa Árabe’s headquarters in Cordoba (payment in cash or by credit card).
    In Spanish.
    On October 17, a new workshop is headed to our headquarters in Cordoba, to learn about the History of Al-Andalus in an entertaining way, through craftsmanship, with the help of Sexto Mario. SOLD OUT!
    During the Islamic era, tiles were made up of a huge number of geometric pieces that were combined symmetrically to compose lovely designs to cover walls, fountains and other items. At this workshop, those attending will be able to choose various geometric shapes

    that can be combined to produce one of these simple puzzles, which they will then paint with the color combination they like most, using the materials provided.

  • “Caliphal arch” workshop in Cordoba

    “Caliphal arch” workshop in Cordoba

    November 07, 20246:00 p.m.
    CORDOBA
    Casa Árabe headquarters (at Calle Samuel de los Santos Gener, 9). 6:00 p.m. 4 euros: for the general public at Casa Árabe.
    3 euros: tickets purchased online, the officially unemployed, Casa Árabe Language Center students and Youth Card holders. Ticket sales on our website (in the section with information on each workshop) or at Casa Árabe’s headquarters in Cordoba (payment in cash or by credit card).
    In Spanish.
    On Thursday, November 7, a new workshop will be held to learn about the region’s history and archeology in an entertaining way through handicrafts, in conjunction with Sexto Mario. Buy your ticket now in order to attend.
    On this occasion, we will be working on caliphal arches or horseshoe arches, a fundamental construction feature during the tenth-century Caliphate of Cordoba, which has survived up to the present day in various forms, through multiple constructions that can be found all throughout our heritage landscape. 

    When speaking of the architecture of Al-Andalus, we immediately think of the red and white horseshoe arches of Cordoba’s mosque. But... are all horseshoe arches the same? During this workshop, we will be discussing the different types and then seeing how the horseshoe arch has evolved across time. 

    Those attending will get the chance to make a caliphal arch using engraved wood pieces. All of the materials will be provided by the organization, and all participants will be able to take their work home at the end of the workshop. 
  • Jewelry box workshop
    Toiletry box

    Jewelry box workshop

    December 05, 20246:00 p.m.
    CORDOBA
    Casa Árabe headquarters (at Calle Samuel de los Santos Gener, 9). 6:00 p.m. 4 euros: for the general public at Casa Árabe.
    3 euros: tickets purchased online, the officially unemployed, Casa Árabe Language Center students and Youth Card holders. Ticket sales on our website (in the section with information on each workshop) or at Casa Árabe’s headquarters in Cordoba (payment in cash or by credit card).
    In Spanish.
    On Thursday, December 5, we will be hosting a craft workshop in Cordoba to learn about the region’s archeology and history in an entertaining way. This time around, the work we do will be inspired by the ivory pots and green manganese decoration typical of the Moorish era. Buy your tickets online now.
    Ivory boats were amongst the finest gifts given by the caliph, including an extremely luxurious piece like the famous Pyxis of Al-Mughira from Madinat al-Zahra. 

    In this case we will not be making it out of ivory, but we will be inspired by that material. The participants will reproduce some of the magnificent designs and decorations seen in ivory pyxides but we using the “cuerdaseca” or “dry rope” technique. Therefore, we will get the chance to learn about and understand one of the most important artistic techniques from the Caliphate period in a practical way, “green-manganese” ceramics.