The Alhambra Revealed
The Alhambra is more than a stunning palace—it is a "paradise on earth" built by the Nasrid dynasty.
The Bilateral Education Foundation is proud to partner with Archaeology Now and the Consulate General of Spain in Houston to present an exclusive keynote by Dr. Fernando Martínez Ávila, Director of Archaeology at the Alhambra, during the 19th Annual Bilateral Model Arab League.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Islamic artistry, the Alhambra dazzles with intricate geometry, poetic calligraphy, and paradise-inspired gardens - Dr. Martínez Ávila explores the Alhambra as a dynamic hub of political power, cultural exchange, and artistic collaboration, revealing how centuries of shared influence shaped one of the world’s most iconic monuments.
Dr. Martínez Ávila will give a public talk on Thursday, February 19th, as part of the Archaeology Now series on the Legacy of al-Andalus. He will explore how 13th-century artists, architects, and engineers combined water, light, and intricate geometry to create a timeless masterpiece where a blend of Islamic and Jewish influences might be seen. From the serene Court of the Lions to the "talking walls" covered in poetry, this event will reveal the hidden archaeological and architectural marvels behind the legends of the Alhambra.
Appropriately, this talk is held at the new Ismaili Center whose architects respond to ancient forms to create a bridge between the historic traditions of the Muslim world and the contemporary urban environment.
Presented in grateful collaboration with the Ismaili Center Houston, the Spanish Consulate of Houston, the Spain US Chamber of Commerce, Casa de Espana, and Archaeology Now.
Public Talk
February 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The Ismaili Center Houston
Complimentary Registration
The Bilateral Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and all donations arefully tax-deductible. To learn how you can support our education initiatives, contact: Ms. Sukejna Kovacevic at sukejna@bilateralchamber.org. Thank you to the Bilateral Education Foundation donors: Katherine Wallgren and the Nessim Foundation.
Director of Archaeology, The Alhambra and Generalife (Granada, Spain)
