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Iberian Cultures: The Mediterranean and Transatlantic Blueprint

Cathedral-Mosque of Córdoba (Photo)

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The Co-existence of Religions and Cultures during Moorish Presence and Moorish impact on Architecture From 711 CE to 1492, Muslims, known as Moors, invaded the Iberian peninsula, conquering and controlling varying portions of Iberia. The Moors' ruling extended over eight hundred years, significantly impacting the Iberian culture. In this brief presentation, the Muslim’s imposition of tolerance towards other religions will be discussed regarding its influence of allowing an environment of co-existence of cultures and religions. Moreover, the Moorish influence on architecture will also be discussed with examples of different historical buildings. #Muslim, #Hybridity
Muslim Origins

The fall of the Visigothic monarchy during the Middle Ages indicates the beginning of Islamic rule in Spain's history. From 711 CE to 1492, Muslims, known as Moors, invaded the Iberian peninsula, conquering and controlling varying portions of Iberia. Originating from the Arabian Peninsula, the Muslims migrated quickly throughout the Middle East and across North Africa and finally established in the Iberian Peninsula. The Moors' ruling extended over eight hundred years, significantly impacting the Iberian culture even after being pushed out of the peninsula after the Fall of Granada and during “La Reconquista.”

Co-existence of religions

Interestingly, the Moors had a distinct form of conquering cities and territories, allowing them to reign successfully for eight hundred years. Throughout history, it is noted that the Muslims navigated through the Iberian Peninsula, going into battle with those that needed to be defeated and conquering the rest without much force or violence. This was key to the religious and cultural co-existence throughout Al Andalusia, the name given to the Muslim-controlled territories within the Iberian Peninsula. Since the Moors resorted to negotiations with local authorities instead of using extreme violence, it allowed for an environment in which the conquered individuals and communities did not feel largely oppressed. The Muslims did not force conversion into their religion on the people they conquered rather they gave them an option if they wanted to convert. It was essential to recognize that the Moors respected and tolerated Christianity and Judaism because they were known as “People of the Book” for being monotheistic. Moreover, the Moors allowed Christians and Jews to co-exist with their religion and culture by prohibiting them “ from proselytizing, by paying special taxes and if they agreed to political restrictions preventing them from having authority over Muslims.” Although these impositions were placed on Christians and Jews, they did not cause an environment of oppression or rebellion because the people who identified with these religions were not forced to abandon their cultures and customs.

An example of this co-existence of religions and cultures can be represented in the image depicting the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. This beautiful Mosque-Cathedral was built in 784- 786 AD and became the largest sacred building within the Islamic world, including the Christian world, because of its multi-function. This combination of architecture represents the co-existence and co- habitation of the different religions and cultures during the Moor’s rule. The architecture that this monument displays a niche found within Mosques on top of this Mosque, the Cathedral was built. Interestingly, this beautiful architecture also withholds additional historical information since a Visigoth church is found at the bottom of the Mosque. This architecture demonstrates the complex relationships between religions and the intermingling of cultures during Muslim rule. Another brief example is the architecture found in La Alhambra. La Alhambra is one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world utilized by the Christian monarchy. La Alhambra is a palace built by Moorish rulers which establishes that the architecture is Moorish however, after the Moorish were defeated in the fall of Granada, the Christian monarchy decided to reside in this palace, building on to the Moorish architecture with Christian style architecture. This breathtaking palace is a prime example of how the co-existence of religions was not just an occurrence rather it was such an embedded aspect of culture that Moorish had an everlasting influence on the peninsula.
Moorish Architecture

As briefly mentioned above, the Muslim presence can be observed throughout the Iberian Peninsula, specifically through the architecture. Referring to one of the previous examples, the architecture displayed in the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba illustrates the Moor’s influence with its unique arches, vibrant colors, and unique and intricate tile-work. Moreover, one form of distinguishing Moorish architecture can be through the unique horseshoe arch, typically accompanied by alternating colors and the intricate tile-work that adorns the surrounding arch, as seen in the image below. The intricate designs that adorn the horseshoe arch can be described as floral, but if looked closely at, you can notice that Arabic words are present, which is an interesting detail to note. Although this architecture is often referenced to a Christian Spain, it is essential to emphasize that Muslims introduced and built these amazing monuments during their stay on the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages.