The Riḥla: a trip to Arab–Norman Palermo – a story of a Mediterranean koine by way of two buildings

Arab-Norman Palermo exemplifies a unique architectural synthesis blending Arab, Norman, Latin, and Byzantine influences. The study draws parallels with Ibn Jubayr's 12th-century travelogue The Riḥla, which documented the Mediterranean cultural koine of the era. Through an analysis of two key buildings—Palermo's Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale—the research reveals how Muslim artists' expertise, particularly in decorative motifs and structural techniques, transcended surface-level aesthetics to shape innovative architectural forms. This synthesis reflects a broader Mediterranean paradigm under Guglielmo II's court, where diverse cultural traditions coexisted harmoniously. The study underscores the enduring legacy of this multicultural heritage, offering insights into the tectonic and stylistic innovations that defined Arab-Norman architecture.

Fernández, L. (2016). The Riḥla: a trip to Arab–Norman Palermo – a story of a Mediterranean koine by way of two buildings. Islamic Heritage Architecture and Art, 1, 183–195. https://doi.org/10.2495/iha160161