Al-Hamraa [AR: الحمراء] is just the definite feminine noun for "the red one" the definite male noun being Al-Ahmar [الأحمر]. There's no mention of castle here, but, as usual in Arabic, there might be a case of abbreviation by omission.
The full noun of the complex is one of these, which are all used:
1. Al-Qalâatu Al-Hamraa [القلعة الحمراء] (translated as: The red castle)
2. Qasr Al-Hamraa [قصر الحمراء] (translated as: The palace of the red one [fem])
4. Qalâat Bani-l-Ahmar [قلعة بني الأحمر] (translated as: The castle of the sons of Al-Ahmar)
3. Qasr Bani-l-Ahmar [قصر بني الأحمر] (translated as: The palace of the sons of Al-Ahmar)
The latter two might be the originals, since the complex is named after the other name of the Nasrids, "Bani Al-Ahmar" (sons of the red one [male]).
So, both Palace and Castle are used interchangeably, so the name here holds no evidence if it's a castle or a palace, nor should it do, which brings us to ...
II) Epistemologically :
The Alhambra complex is a fortification surrounding many quarters, gardens and buildings; some of which were added later. The most important and central parts are the Nasrid royal palaces (yes there's many). One could say that the other parts were initially built and made to serve this central one.
I would argue that the correct description for Al-Hambra is "citadel", even though the Al-Qasaba garrison within it usually takes that definition.
Anyway, I believe the meaning lies not in words, but in context. I encourage anyone who's able, to go visit Al-Hambra and similar "Palaces".
I'll have to correct that.
I) Linguistically :
Al-Hamraa [AR: الحمراء] is just the definite feminine noun for "the red one" the definite male noun being Al-Ahmar [الأحمر]. There's no mention of castle here, but, as usual in Arabic, there might be a case of abbreviation by omission.
The full noun of the complex is one of these, which are all used: 1. Al-Qalâatu Al-Hamraa [القلعة الحمراء] (translated as: The red castle) 2. Qasr Al-Hamraa [قصر الحمراء] (translated as: The palace of the red one [fem]) 4. Qalâat Bani-l-Ahmar [قلعة بني الأحمر] (translated as: The castle of the sons of Al-Ahmar) 3. Qasr Bani-l-Ahmar [قصر بني الأحمر] (translated as: The palace of the sons of Al-Ahmar)
The latter two might be the originals, since the complex is named after the other name of the Nasrids, "Bani Al-Ahmar" (sons of the red one [male]). So, both Palace and Castle are used interchangeably, so the name here holds no evidence if it's a castle or a palace, nor should it do, which brings us to ...
II) Epistemologically :
The Alhambra complex is a fortification surrounding many quarters, gardens and buildings; some of which were added later. The most important and central parts are the Nasrid royal palaces (yes there's many). One could say that the other parts were initially built and made to serve this central one.
I would argue that the correct description for Al-Hambra is "citadel", even though the Al-Qasaba garrison within it usually takes that definition.
Anyway, I believe the meaning lies not in words, but in context. I encourage anyone who's able, to go visit Al-Hambra and similar "Palaces".