Final answer:
The building material named after the Arabic word for brick is adobe, which derives from 'al-tub'. Adobe bricks have been foundational in ancient constructions like those in Mesopotamia and are a key feature in Mudéjar architecture, exemplified in structures like the Mosque of Córdoba.
Step-by-step explanation:
The building material that gets its name from Arabic for the brick is commonly known as adobe. This term is derived from the Arabic word al-tub, which translates to the brick. Adobe bricks have been used for millennia, with their origin tracing back to around 7500 BCE in Mesopotamia. These bricks were formed from a mixture of earth and water and were typically sun-dried to harden. Popular in regions with scarce stone resources, adobe allowed for the creation of sturdy and lasting structures. The widespread use of bricks is evident from the architectural remnants of ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Babylonia, where clay was abundant and stone was not. Architects in these civilizations constructed temples, palaces, and walls, utilizing bricks and buttresses, and adorned their creations with colorful frescoes and enameled tiles.
The term Mudéjar refers to a style that incorporated traditional Islamic and Arab architectural elements into buildings, especially evident during the Reconquista in Iberia when Christians reoccupied areas previously held by Muslims. Mudéjar architecture is characterized by the use of brick, horseshoe and lobed arches, and Arabic inscriptions, as well as other artistic features such as geometric and vegetal motifs, glazed tiles, and ribbed domes. An example of this influence can be seen in the Mosque of Córdoba, where alternating red brick and greyish stone emphasize the beauty and intricate craftsmanship of the period.