Muslim Spain
Conversion? Islamic society by 10 th and 11 th centuries Berbers, dhimmi, and taxation Not forced, but gradual
Mosque/Mezquita of Córdoba
Built on site of Visigothic cathedral First divided between Christian and Muslim (until 784) – Abd al-Rahman I Expansion – Successive additions from
Mosque/Mezquita of Córdoba Great Mosque of Damascus as model Building finished by 987 Connected to palace by elevated walkway
Mosque: key features Hypostyle: roof supported by columns (856) Red and white arches (similar to Aachen) Mihrab (prayer niche) Tile work, calligraphy, architectural forms
Martyrs of Córdoba Isaac, 851 Qadi Eulogius Other martyrs
Córdoba Prospers Economic revitalization from 9 th -10 th century Standing army Chancery Cultural influences from Baghdad
Consolidation Challenges of provincial rulers = ka’id Muwallad identity
Caliphate of Córdoba: 10 th century Abd al-Rahman III ( ) – Fatimids of north Africa Limited Christian threat Medina al-Zahara Economic prosperity
Caliph “Because the most high God…has shown his preference for us…and has extended our fame throughout the world and exalted our authority…we have decided that we should be addressed by the title Prince of Believers…Anyone, other than ourselves, who uses it, does so improperly and is an intruder and arrogates to himself a title that he does not merit.”
Taifa states Collapse of caliphate in early 11 th century Splintering into individual kingdoms, taifas
Almoravids Ibn Yasin’s mission to Sanhaja in early 11 th century Sparks a revivalist Islamic movement Crossing to Spain
Christian Kingdoms of Spain 11 th and 12 th centuries León Navarre Castile Aragon
Almohads Overthrow Almoravids in Morocco in 1120 Expand into Spain and maintain a hold on this region until 1212 Don’t always honor dhimmi status of Jews and Christians
Jews under Muslim Rule Authority Cultural flowering Golden Age? Almoravids and Almohads
Mozarabs Daily life Language – Christians and Arabic Theology
Mozarabs Tombstone in Toledo for Miguel Semeno In Latin: “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This the grave of Miguel Semeno. He died on Sunday 4 November in the Era 1194” In Arabic: “In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Mikayil ibn Semeno was he who went forth to Allah, with His mercy…May Allah give light to him”
Intellectual Heritage Averroes ( ) Maimonides ( )
Reconquest Toledo and Alfonso VI ( ) Taifas and tributes Alfonso takes city in 1085
Reconquest: el Cid Rodrigo Díaz ( ) Early military career Vassal of Fernando I and Alfonso VI Establishes principality of Valencia
Song of the Cid
El Cid
Reconquest: major events Navas de Tolosa, 1212 James I of Aragon ( ) – Valencia and the Mediterranean coast Fernando III (1199 or ) – Córdoba (1236) – Seville (1248)