Editing Alhambra (section)

=== Architects and poets ===
Little is known about the architects and craftsmen who built the Alhambra, but more is known about the ''Dīwān al-Ins͟hā''', or [[Chancery (medieval office)|chancery]].{{Sfn|Arnold|2017|p=237}} This institution seems to have played an increasingly important role in the design of buildings, probably because inscriptions came to feature so prominently in their decoration.{{Sfn|López|2011|p=259}}{{Sfn|Arnold|2017|pp=237–238}} The head of the chancery was often also the [[vizier]] (prime minister) of the sultan. Although not exactly architects, the terms of office of many individuals in these positions coincide with the major phases of construction in the Alhambra, which suggests that they played a role in leading construction projects.{{Sfn|Arnold|2017|pp=237-238}} The most important figures who held these positions, such as [[Ibn al-Jayyab]], [[Ibn al-Khatib]], and [[Ibn Zamrak]], also composed much of the poetry that adorns the walls of the Alhambra. Ibn al-Jayyab served as head of the chancery at various times between 1295 and 1349 under six sultans from Muhammad II to Yusuf I.{{Sfn|López|2011|p=259}}{{Sfn|Arnold|2017|pp=237-238}} Ibn al-Khatib served as both head of the chancery and as vizier for various periods between 1332 and 1371, under the sultans Yusuf I and Muhammad V.{{Sfn|López|2011|p=259}}{{Sfn|Arnold|2017|pp=237–238}} Ibn Zamrak served as vizier and head of the chancery for periods between 1354 and 1393, under Muhammad V and Muhammad VII.{{Sfn|López|2011|p=259}}{{Sfn|Arnold|2017|pp=237-238}}<ref name=":052">{{Cite book |last=Granja |first=F. de la |title=Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition |publisher=Brill |year=2008 |isbn=9789004161214 |editor-last=Bearman |editor-first=P. |location= |pages= |chapter=Ibn Zamrak |editor2-last=Bianquis |editor2-first=Th. |editor3-last=Bosworth |editor3-first=C.E. |editor4-last=van Donzel |editor4-first=E. |editor5-last=Heinrichs |editor5-first=W.P.}}</ref>