The Co-existence of Religions and Cultures during Moorish Presence and Moorish impact on Architecture
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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.
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2023-08-02T23:37:22-07:00
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.”
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, it did not cause an environment of oppression or rebellion because, in the end, 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 and even 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 ruling. Another brief example is the architecture found in La Alhambra, La Alhambra is one of the best- preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world that was also utilized by Christian monarchy.
Like briefly mentioned above the Muslim presence can be observed throughout the stretch of the Iberian Peninsula, specifically through the architecture. Drawing back to one of the previous examples, the architecture displayed in the Mosque- Cathedral of Córdoba illustrates the Moor’s influence with it’s unique arches, vibrant colors, and unique and intricate tile-work. Moreover, one form of distinguishing Moorish architecture can be through the unique horseshoe arch that is typically accompanied by the alternating colors. As well as the intricate tile-work that adorns the surrounding of the arch which can be seen in the image below.