CRIK Publishes New Study on the Conquest of Hispania

CRIK Publishes New Study on the Conquest of Hispania
TT
20

CRIK Publishes New Study on the Conquest of Hispania

CRIK Publishes New Study on the Conquest of Hispania

Saudi Arabia’s Center for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge (CRIK) has published a new study entitled “Conquest of Hispania…Study of Plan and Military Strategy,” including a piece that criticizes and scrutinizes the theory of Ignacio Olagüe that argues the Arabs did not conquer Andalusia.

The study is led by Dr. Saleh bin Mohammed al-Sanidi, professor of history at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), and former president of the Islamic Center in Granada.

The study provides a new viewpoint on the conquest of Andalusia including an argument that disputes the theory of Orientalist Ignacio Olagüe in which he claims that “Arabs didn’t conquer Andalusia.”

According to al-Sanidi, the conquest was the result of many strategies Muslims adopted in their wars and military operations in different fields.

In his theory, Olagüe claims that “the conquest of Hispania was a peaceful movement that didn’t involve any Islamic troops; it was the result of influence enhanced by dialogue, and mutual ties.”



Centuries-old Monasteries Damaged in Greece Quake

(FILES) This general view shows the Russian St. Panteleimon Monastery in Mount Athos on May 28, 2016. (Photo by SAKIS MITROLIDIS / AFP)
(FILES) This general view shows the Russian St. Panteleimon Monastery in Mount Athos on May 28, 2016. (Photo by SAKIS MITROLIDIS / AFP)
TT
20

Centuries-old Monasteries Damaged in Greece Quake

(FILES) This general view shows the Russian St. Panteleimon Monastery in Mount Athos on May 28, 2016. (Photo by SAKIS MITROLIDIS / AFP)
(FILES) This general view shows the Russian St. Panteleimon Monastery in Mount Athos on May 28, 2016. (Photo by SAKIS MITROLIDIS / AFP)

At least three centuries-old Greek monasteries in the religious enclave of Mount Athos were damaged in an earthquake over the weekend, the culture ministry said Wednesday.

The ministry said the 5.3-magnitude undersea quake that struck Saturday in the northern Halkidiki peninsula had left structural and decorative damage at the 10th-century Xenophontos and Dochiari monasteries, and the 14th-century Simonos Petras monastery.

There were large cracks in church domes at Xenophontos, and further damage to frescoes that had been weakened by a February quake, AFP quoted the ministry as saying.

Similar damages were noted at Dochiari monastery, and more limited at Simonos Petras.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni in the statement said a team of Greek archaeologists and conservators would remain in the area to complete a damage inspection.

The undersea quake had a depth of just 12.5 kilometers (7.7 miles) and struck northwest of the enclave's administrative capital of Karyes.

An Orthodox spiritual center since 1054, Mount Athos has enjoyed an autonomous statute since Byzantine times.

Known in Greece as the Holy Mountain, the community has around 20 inhabited monasteries, some of whom are over 1,000 years old.