This term is related to music linked to the Muslims that stayed in the Iberian Peninsula from 711 to 1492. It is a specific group of compositions, made by the musicians from the court and it is not traditional music but classical. However, this music was transmitted orally.

The origin of this music is attributed to the great musician Ziryab.

The main musical form is the Nuba (it can last 6 or 8 hours)

The instruments used to play this music were the oud, rabab, tar, qanun and darbuka.