SeattleChange
Intrigued by the history and art of Alhambra, the eponymous palace and fortress complex of the Moorish monarchs of Granada in southern Spain, Dr. Nasar Rustom hoped to one day bring the culture, art, and splendor of Alhambra to the city of Chicago. Over the course of several years and many trips to the Middle East and North Africa, Dr. Rustom amassed a large collection of artifacts to eventually display and furnish at his future restaurant.In order to recreate the splendor of the original Alhambra, Dr. Rustom began commissioning artisans from Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Morocco to recreate the Moorish style of art for the hand carved wood furniture, sculptures, rugs, stone mosaics, arabesques, and crystal chandeliers that were to be found around the restaurant.