The Light of Al-Andalus

"Al-Rihani''s journey to Al-Andalus was unlike any of his other travels; for Andalusia bestowed upon his narrative its beauty, splendor, and enchantment.The light that Al-Andalus cast upon the author''s imagination, and which he in turn cast upon the pages of his book, flows to the reader—so much so that one feels as though reading the masterpieces of the earliest Andalusian poets. Wherever Al-Rihani moved, from city to shore, he paused to contemplate the arts, beauty, and civilization left behind by the conquerors.From Cordoba to Seville to Toledo, Al-Rihani roamed, carrying with him the noble aim of his journeys: to spread the spirit of love, solidarity, and unity among Arab brothers, elevating it into a handshake of affection and loyalty. And because this work took on a unique and distinguished form, Al-Rihani was awarded the Moroccan Order of Knowledge by the people of Marrakesh, in recognition of his mastery in capturing the rays of Andalusian light and weaving them into his prose."