Ahlan Ya Qurtubi
A little boy ran through the kaleidoscopic passageway, dodging open windows and school friends as he rushed into the courtyard. The cobblestones felt cool against his barefooted leaps. They were meant to meet at 4 p.m. and not a minute earlier. This was very important, as Maulana usually finishes his walk around the estate at precisely 16:00. The mission today is hide and seek—an Arabian Nights special. He was overzealous.
From the onset, it has been a project driven by purpose, with careful consideration granted to every detail of planning and construction. Brick by brick, the farm became a village, and the village became a town. Over the span of a decade, this town has now become home to over 250 Qurtubi families.
“Where is this land of wonder, with its mosaic tiles and vibrant colours? Where families can live, work, and pray safely and freely? Where children roam freely through the lush gardens, past the tranquil lake, and onto the open fields reserved for the majestic Arabian horses?”
In order to discover it, you must voyage North, further North than The City of Gold. The previous generations referred to this land as Linbro, while legend has it that the new name Qurtuba was borrowed from the great city of Cordoba in Andalusia. Its people lived for God in a place remembered as a source of knowledge and a haven of peace that served as an example to the Dark World. Inspired men will always rise, as did the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) and his companions in the time of darkness; later, so too did the Cordobians in a thunderstorm of tyranny; and today, in turn, so shall our Qurtuba. The new Qurtuba has a legacy to fulfil.
Ahlan Ya Qurtubi
Qurtuba Coat of Arms
The Coat of Arms embodies the essence of Qurtuba, combined with the societal vision and values encapsulated within the elements and imagery. The olive wreath symbolizes the offering of serenity and tranquility, the dome is a testament to the quest and fulfillment of one’s spiritual aspirations, and the geometric patterns are abounding to depict God’s infinite nature. Last but not least, the majestic finial above the dome is a replica of the dome that lies above Masjid Tariq bin Ziyad. The colours represent the Qurtuba brand in its entirety. Inscribed along the bottom are the words “Ittaqullah”, which translate to: “To be in harmony with the commands of Allah.”
Property Purchase
The properties at 69 1st Road and 70 3rd Road in Linbro Park were acquired. These adjacent properties, like many of the agricultural plots in the area, were largely undeveloped. The property at number 69 featured an existing house and a dam, while the second property at number 70 was vacant and had no infrastructure.
Construction Begins
The developer’s contribution was instrumental in achieving the aesthetic language viewed in Qurtuba today. Inspired by Moorish architecture, the design brief featured low arches adorning mosaiced entrances coupled with multiple open courtyards surrounded by residential complexes. It was envisioned as a residential estate woven with an Islamic ethos that would provide families with safety and ease of living.
Naming the vision
Amidst the rising of walls and dreams, lead architect Asif Timol suggested “Qurtuba” as the name for this haven. Being so heavily immersed in the design, he stumbled upon the ancient Muslim Empire of Cordoba, Spain, which inspired the Moorish aesthetic language. This ancient city, known as Cordoba in Spanish and Qurtuba in Arabic, was located along the Iberian Peninsula, spanning across modern-day Spain and Portugal.
Naming the vision
During the Umayyad rule of Spain, Qurtuba was the capital of the Islamic Emirate and later became the Caliphate of the Muslim Empire. In the 11th and 12th centuries, it was one of the most affluent cities in the world due to its prominence as a cultural, political, financial, and commercial center. It was readily accepted as the most fitting name, since the glory of this nation (now passed) could inspire this new community towards thriving, creating, and growing.
First Residents
The wheels of what would become a thriving community were set in motion in 2013 when the first tenants took occupancy. The developer, along with their offices, relocated to present-day Qurtuba as well. The garage space situated beneath the offices was used as a Musallah, which was fundamental in establishing a space for prayer and gathering among the early residents.
Qurtuba Old Town
With each passing month and year, Qurtuba grew along with its community. Bridges connected one courtyard to the next, apartments with up to three bedrooms were constructed, and braai areas and laundry yards saw to the growing needs of the residents. The finer details and design elements that edged this once undeveloped land towards becoming everything it was envisioned to be.
Qurtuba Islamic Academy
With Qurtuba residents having to travel outside of Linbro Park for school, the need for a school closer to home was identified. The idea of combining a school and a madressa came to fruition after months of hard work and consultation.
Qurtuba Islamic Academy’s first location was at the present-day Qurtuba Souk. With approximately 120 students, the school hosted grades 1 to 7; however, as the number of children continued to increase, more classrooms were required.
Masjid Tariq bin Ziyad
The masjid was a fundamental space included in the initial architectural plans. Located in the heart of Qurtuba as the gravitational point for residents. It was named after a young man who was instructed by his superior to conquer Spain. His unwavering determination spurred him to instruct his army to burn their ships upon landing, signifying their fortitude in not returning until Spain was conquered.
Masjid Tariq bin Ziyad
The Masjid combines an amalgam of designs and architectural motifs. The ceilings are adorned with intricate artwork, chiseled cladding, and low hanging lanterns. Each element ties back to Moorish architecture with a touch of Turkish design. The open courtyard with its bubbling fountain greets one upon their entry, and as you offer your prayers, the vast windows allow streams of light to encircle you. The masjid awakens your senses and reignites your connection to Allah.
Qurtuba Park
With the growing population of young families, it was essential to create a space where children could roam and explore with freedom and safety. The park was equipped with a jungle gym, swings, and a volleyball court.
Qurtuba Al-Hambra
Built to completion in December 2017, the Spanish-style hall was designed to accommodate 500 guests. It was ideally located diagonally opposite the mosque in the Qurtuba Estate. The design elements displayed throughout the complex are seamlessly integrated with Qurtuba Al-Hambra’s towering arch and hanging lanterns.
Qurtuba Al Qasr
Construction of Qurtuba Al-Qasr began in re sponse to the rising demand for bigger apartments. The four-story building houses one- to four-bedroom apartments, six penthouses, and a basement with covered parking. The first tenants moved in during the month of December 2017. Construction on certain apartments proceeded, as did the completion of the communal areas.
The unique architecture of Qurtuba Al-Qasr was inspired by the significance of its name, which translates to “The Castle.”
Qurtuba Islamic Academy Relocates
53 2nd Road in Linbro Park was acquired and rezoned to be the new premises of QIA. January 2018 witnessed new and existing learners commence classes at the new premises.
The school accommodated children from grade 000 to grade 10, aiming to advance a grade at the end of each academic year.
Qurtuba Boutique Hotel
It was decided to convert the Qurtuba Heritage Home into Hotel. The developer was very passionate about this and was involved in the development from the onset.
Qurtuba Padel
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