The Muslim West
Defence
Citadels: the final urban stronghold.
Along with the outer walls, a town's citadel formed part of its defensive system. The fortified enclosure was located within the town, usually at its highest part and could accommodate and protect either the ruling classes, if the threat came from within the town itself, or the urban population, if the threat was external. The citadel was used by the ruling classes as a stronghold from which to put down rebellions, prepare campaigns and defend their borders.
Citadel

Hegira 4th–10th centuries / AD 10th–15th centuries
Umayyad, Taifa kingdoms, Nasrid, Christian kings
Almería, Spain
This fortified enclosure accommodated the governor and his garrison. It could provide for all of its inhabitants' day-to-day needs, allowing them to resist sieges of considerable duration.