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Iberian Cultures: The Mediterranean and Transatlantic Blueprint

Moorish Influences in Art, Architecture and Language in Modern-Day Spain and the Modern World

Muslim reign over the Iberian Peninsula lasted for almost 800 years. It was over the course of these 800 years that Muslims incorporated parts of their Arab Muslim culture into that of the Peninsula and its inhabitants, especially in Southern Spain where the Muslim rulers centered their power. Muslim culture in Spain was not limited to Arab influences, on the contrary, from the point of their establishment in Spain, Muslims sought to differentiate their culture from that of Arab and African Muslims. From there, Spain became the birthplace for many elements of Muslim culture that would continue to persist in Spain and even spread throughout other parts of the world. The Spanish Muslims became known as los moros and their unique cultural elements were seen through art, architecture, language, music, as well as the sciences and math, the first three of which will be the focus of this page.

Architecture
Perhaps the most prominent element of Moorish culture that has persisted throughout Spain and even inspired new construction in the modern world has been the architectural style, also known as the Mudéjar style of architecture. Several elements of mudéjar architecture that are commonly recognized include horseshoe arches, striped arches, scalloped arches, pointed arches, carved wooden ceilings, prayer niches, repeating patterns and minarets or towers.

Though many of the original buildings still exist, the style itself has inspired the construction of many other buildings in other parts of the world, such as here locally in Los Angeles, California at Powell Library. Powell Library at the University of California, Los Angeles has been constructed through the inspiration of Spanish architecture, much of which contains Moorish roots by origin. The wooden carved ceiling is a characteristic feature of the Mudéjar style that is prominent in Southern Spain (Andalusia).

Art
The Moors in Spain built their architecture and created their art centered around their religious beliefs. For many Islamic cultures, including that of the Moors, iconographic depictions in art were heavily frowned upon, which is why much of the art centers around patterns and non-iconographic depictions. Moorish art seldom depicts representations of people because of the belief that devotion should be committed to Allah alone and no other figures. Therefore, the repeating patterns become the characterizing feature of Moorish Art, displayed, for example, in their tile. The art of Moorish tile, also known as Azulejo, is a form of art that persists today even without people knowing directly where it originates. Azulejo is often referred to as Spanish tile, often leading people to think only of the Christian Spain that they know and not the Moorish Spain that actually gave birth to these tiles.

Azulejo is characterized by the repeating patterns, often incorporating at least 4 different colors. Traditionally, the Azulejo tiles were created using green, blue, white, orange/red, black and brown which represented the four elements: earth, water, air, and fire.

Language
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1. Islamic Architecture Influence in Art around the world Islamic influene in Architecture has been very popular throught years. Architecture is very important because it is what builts up where soceity will inhabit. The Moorish population has a great influence to what Architecture is today. We still see how buldings all over the nations have adopted what Muslims felt was artistic to incorparate into buildings. Modern Architects still study the historical content of the moorish archistructure. # moorish, # architecture
2. Coinage in Spain: Money Talks (About Spain's History)
3. Muslim's influence on Alchemy and Chemistry Spain is the land of great cultural richness, once known as the Iberian peninsula at some point in history. It has been greatly influenced by muslims, not only in its language but in other areas as well such as alchemy that later modernized chemistry. Alchemy is an area where philosophy, science, occultism, and theology come together. With the newfound knowledge, scientists were able to develop this information and implement it to what we know today, chemistry.
4. Don Quixote: Reality versus Fantasy
6. Convivencia by Erick Stephens
7. Modern Spain 1492 to 1567: The Debate Over Moriscos and The Expulsion In 1942 King Ferdinand and Isabella granted liberal terms to the Moors upon their surrender in Granada. Seven years later, in 1499 Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros lobbied against this policy and pushed an agenda of zero tolerance towards Islamic practices of any kind in Granada. The Treaty of Granada was not honored, and conflict began to arise. #Hybridity #Muslim #Christian #Jewish #Architecture #Artifact #Monarchy #Moorish
8. Moorish Influences in Art, Architecture and Language in Modern-Day Spain and the Modern World Muslim reign over the Iberian Peninsula lasted for almost 800 years. It was over the course of these 800 years that Muslims incorporated parts of their Arab Muslim culture into that of the Peninsula and its inhabitants, especially in Southern Spain where the Muslim rulers centered their power. Muslim culture in Spain was not limited to Arab influences, on the contrary, from the point of their establishment in Spain, Muslims sought to differentiate their culture from that of Arab and African Muslims. From there, Spain became the birthplace for many elements of Muslim culture that would continue to persist in Spain and even spread throughout other parts of the world. The Spanish Muslims became known as los moros and their unique cultural elements were seen through art, architecture, language, music, as well as the sciences and math, the first three of which will be the focus of this page.
9. Christianity as a Power Not Religion in the Spanish Inquisition The forceful conversion of non-Christians in Spain during the Spanish Inquisition, brings out the ways in which religion can serve as a cover-up for ulterior motives. Spain used Christianity to consolidate power and create a social hierarchy between Old and New Christians. People of non-Christian origins were considered inferior even if they had converted to Christianity. Spain through Christianity, was able to justify taking away rights, erasure of traditions, and prohibiting language. #Muslim #Christianity #Moorish #Monarchy
10. 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.
11. Reconquista- Vision of the Christian Kingdoms
12. Roman Spain Manifested in Art and Architecture The Roman Empire's era of rule over the Iberian peninsula from about 200 BCE to around 470 AD left an undeniable mark on Spanish legacy and history, beginning a period of "Romanization" that encompassed several aspects of life, including the art and architecture of this region. Much of the artistic styling and architectural features of Roman rule are still visible in contemporary times, and underwent a revitalization during the Romanesque era of the Medieval ages, demonstrating the tremendous and lasting impact that the empire had on Spain.

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