Hi all - this is my first post, hope someone has a comment.
I am researching the origins of a particular feature of Iberian Military Arcitecture called, in Spanish, 'Torre Albarrana'. These are detached towers placed in front of defensive circuits of walls around some fortresses and towns of medieval Iberia.
They seem to be almost unique to Iberia and date from the Islamic period and Al-Andalus. From my research to date, the earliest example of these detached towers is from the city of Badajoz in present day Spain and known as the Atalaya Tower (amongst other names). A picture is posted below. This tower (now much restored) is said to date from c.1170.
The form of the detached towers varies from place to place and over time from the uncommon octagonal form here at Badajoz to the more usual square or rectangular forms.
The towers are always connected to the main circuit of wall by a bridge, usually with a removable section allowing the detached tower to be isolated from the curtain wall if need be.
My question to the forum is whether anyone is aware of similar towers from other parts of the medieval muslim world providing a similar purpose?.
The three photo's are from the castles of Badajoz, Trujillo and Jaen, all in Spain. There are many other examples in this country and in Portugal.
Many thanks
Peter
Edited by Hellios - 01-Jan-2007 at 18:58