Conceived as the centre of political and military power in the kingdom of Granada, the Alhambra was the official residence of the Nasrid sultans, who wanted to reflect the grandeur of Islamic culture through the creation of numerous palaces and gardens. The Alhambra was the official residence of the Nasrid sultans, who wanted to reflect the grandeur of Islamic culture through the creation of numerous palaces and gardens. This building zeal gave rise to an imposing enclosure that has become the main reference point for Hispano-Muslim architecture due to its refinement and ornamental exuberance.