Concept in Definition ABC

Many words that we use in Spanish come from Arabic, since for more than 700 years the Arabs dominated much of the Iberian Peninsula. The word watchtower is part of the linguistic and cultural legacy of the Arab world.

The origin of the term and its historical significance

Regarding the origin of the term, it is believed that initially this word was related to the military vocabulary and alluded to the soldiers who acted as advance in the enemy field to observe the movements of the troops. Later, the word watchtower was used to refer to a high place, usually a tower, which served to monitor possible attacks by enemy troops. With this kind of building they acted preventively.

It should be borne in mind that during the period of Arab domination in the Iberian Peninsula, Christians and Arabs maintained a permanent military confrontation and the watchtowers became a key element for defense of territory. Obviously, these watchtowers were located in strategic enclaves, had a circular shape and were located near some

population. In order for the guards to respond to an enemy attack, a system of communication: smoke signals at night or mirrored signals during the day.

Of the Arab watchtowers as watchtowers there are remains in some enclaves of the geography Spanish, such as the Atalaya del Vellón from the 10th century in the province of Madrid or the Atalaya de Moclín from the 14th century in the province of Granada. These constructions are part of the Spanish national heritage and are legally protected.

Other meanings of the term

A watchtower is also any strategically located place that allows you to have a privileged panoramic view and, in this sense, a Mountain, a hill or an elevated area can act as watchtowers.

In a figurative sense, it is used to designate a position of privilege for which it is possible to analyze a situation from a special perspective. Thus, it is a term that appears frequently in the Bible to refer to the prophets, who were sent by God to guide men and therefore acted as the sentinel of a watchtower.

In language colloquial very experienced people speak from the vantage point of experience and with this expression it is indicated that his vision of reality is based on deep knowledge and seniority.

Photos: Fotolia - Pakmor / luisfpizarro

Themes in Atalaya