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July 10, 2015
Mezquita and M for Mint
July 15, 2014
Had it not been for the guards around, I would have found a corner and prayed at the La Mezquita (Great Mosque) in Cordoba, Spain. A temple turned cathedral turned Mosque and again turned cathedral, sprawled over 250,000sq. Foot this magnificence is a beautiful example of Islamic grandeur, a proud highlight in Islamic history and central point of identification of all the Muslims around the world.
Before the actual construction of the Mosque in the 8th Century by Emir Abd Al Rahman I it is believed that both Christians and Muslims lived in complete harmony and peace in the area and shared the use of Visigothic church of St. Vincent for their religious obligations. The church was subsequently purchased by the Emir, torn down and replaced by the Mosque. The vision was to build a Mosque at par with the great Mosques in Makkah, Damascus and Jerusalem. The Al Hakam II, in the second half of the 10th century, finally completed, taking over two centuries to make this Mosque. As Cordoba fell in the hands of Christian domination in the beginning of the 12th Century, La Mezquita was converted into a cathedral.
“There is no other building like it in the world, a Great Mosque and a Cathedral, in effect two different buildings representing two major religions, sharing the same space.” Boasting of over 800 pillars made of jasper, granite and marble this heady, amazing place is a brilliant example of tolerance, anti extremism and open mindedness. Something that is amazingly desired in this day and age.
Talking of the 8th century and brilliance and moving onto the featured recipe, I have just the dessert for you, the After Eight Chocolate Mint Mousse. It boasts of a light fluffy texture, a cool mint aroma and an increasingly seductive chocolate mint squares turned ganache turned creamy mousse. Using just two ingredients this minty mousse is an absolute crowd pleaser. You must visit it soon!
It is interesting to note that even now the local worshippers attending mass say ‘Voy a la Mezquita a oir misa’ (I am going to the Mosque to hear the mass) rather than the Cathedral or Church!
Although I never managed to pray there, yet posed enough inside and outside the Mezquita for memorable photographs. So here’s to Mezquita, modeling and mint mousse!
