Abd al-Rahman’s court splendor coexisted with Christian church oppression

Evidence

Córdoba, however, once called Patricia, now called the Royal City, because of his [‘Abd al-Rahmân’s] residence, has been exalted by him above all, elevated with honors, expanded in glory, piled full of riches, and with great energy filled with an abundance of all the delights of the world, more than one can believe or express. So much so that in every worldly pomp he exceeds, surpasses, and excels the preceding kings of his race. And meanwhile the church of the orthodox groans beneath his most grievous yoke and is beaten to destruction. — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 499