The Spanish term alizar, which derives from the Andalusian Arabic word issal meaning "low" or "bottom part", is normally used to refer to a tile or panel of tiles decorating the lower part of a wall. The specific use of the word alizar discussed here implied that the tile was connected to other similar tiles forming a frieze decoration on the edge at the corner of the sill on low windows. It comes from the room in the tower-balcony of Abu i-Yuyus Nasr, also known as Abu l-Hayyay, and more generally as the Queen’s Dressing-Room.

In order to fit perfectly into the edge of the sill, it was made with a mould with an angled or L-shaped profile. This is why it has a broad horizontal base on the back which was not normally visible and helped embed the piece into the wall. On the outside it has a vertical face which thickens towards the top. This surface, which was visible, was glazed and decorated.

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Office of the Emperor

Emperor's Bedroom

Timetable: From 8:30 to 18:00. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Access: Show general entrance ticket to the Monumental Ensemble of the Alhambra.
Forum: Maximum 30 people at one time.

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