Final answer:
A major criterion used to measure the distinctive civilization found in Cordova is the presence of impressive monuments and visual cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
A major criterion used to measure the distinctive civilization found in Cordova is the presence of impressive monuments and visual cultures. The passage mentions that Cordova and its surroundings have incredible monuments that shed light on the visual cultures of early Islamic Iberia, indicating the presence of a developed and sophisticated civilization. These monuments were the result of a growing Islamic presence in the region and efforts to establish a coherent and shared sense of identity in the new land.
The development of impressive monuments and visual cultures is a characteristic of civilizations, as they represent the creativity and cultural expressions of a distinct group of people.