Córdoba,also calledCordova, is a city in the southern Spanish province of Andalusia.It was conquered by invading Islamic armies in the eighth century, and then became the capital of the IslamicEmirateand thenCaliphate of Córdoba, including most of theIberian Peninsula.It has been estimated that in the 10th century Córdoba was the most populous city in the world,and under the rule ofCaliphAl Hakam IIit had also become a centre for education under its Islamic rulers. Al Hakam II opened many libraries in addition to the many medical schools and universities which existed at this time. During these centuries Córdoba became a predominantly Muslim society with minorities living in arestricted second-class status. It returned to Christian rule in 1236, during theReconquista.
Today it is a moderately sized modern city.Thehistoric centrewas named aUNESCOWorld Heritage Site.
