Spanish Reconquista
“Be courteous when you argue with the People of the Book, except those among them that do evil. Say: “We believe in that which is revealed to us and which is revealed to you. Our God and your God is one.”
Islamic conquest of Spain Islamic armies conquered Spain in 711 CE, taking power from the Visgoths who’s power weakened due to violence and scheming within the Kingdoms government. Islamic rulers did not force conversion to Islam. Islamic population grew because of immigration, intermarriage and conversion.
Cordoba Umayyad rulers (Islamic rulers) wanted to create a sense of national identity. Began to create the Great Mosque of Cordoba Became center of city Place of learning Greatly influenced Spanish identity
Cordoba Everyday life: Muslims help with improving farming practices. Women – ran households, but some also went to University and worked. Men – ran businesses and trades. Lively discussions on philosophy, science and literature took place throughout their neighborhoods. Laws were based on both Islamic and local laws. Non-Muslims were allowed to take part in government. Muslims help with improving farming practices. Repaired Roman aqueducts.
Spanish Reconquista By early 1000s Islamic rule began to decline. Allowed for Christian kingdoms to expand their territories and control in Spain. With the creation of the Ottomon Empire in Turkey and their expansion into Europe, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile married and began the process of making Spain a Christian country.
Spanish Reconquista Ferdinand & Isabella began to give both Jews and Muslims the option of accepting baptism or be banished from Spain. The expulsion of Jews made it hard for Spain to maintain it’s economic growth. After a while even Muslims that converted to Christianity were forced to leave the country. Luckily knowledge in science, technology, medicine, architecture, navigation, astronomy and philosophy was discovered in the Islamic libraries.
Spanish Reconquista Ferdinand & Isabella were allowed by Pope Alexander VI to use torture to get confessions out of people they suspected to not be Christian.