Written by: Emma Coonan (Session 1)
Throughout the Middle Ages, many developments and changes occurred in Spain. Faith was a main theme of the time period and three main religions were present: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Today, if you ask many people in Spain about the history during the time period of Christopher Columbus, they do not know about the presence of the Jews and Muslims in Spain. Nevertheless, they both had an important influence due to the many technological, scientific, and literature advances.
Many important events took place during this time, especially in 1492: the fall of Granada, the expulsion of Jews (along with the presence of Muslims), and the expedition of Christopher Columbus. The cultures of the Jews and Muslims had a great effect on the development of Spain as a country. For example, the Jews worked as carpenters, shoemakers, and merchants that assisted with everyday necessities. In addition to these useful occupations, they created astronomical tables that showed information about the stars to help with navigation at sea, which had a lasting impact and is still relevant today. Additionally, the Muslims greatly impacted scientific, literature, and philosophical advances resulting in the rise of intellectual literature in Spain. However, conflicts of religion occurred and the Muslims were expelled to the north of Africa, but the Jews stayed and because they were not allowed to practice their religion, they had to do so in secret, resulting in them being called “marrones,” or pigs. Why a country would want to expel a group of people who greatly contributed to society remains a mystery, and was pointed out by the Ottoman Empire, who happily welcomed them, saying “How can anyone call Ferdinand wise when he impoverishes his own kingdom to enrich mine” (Fintz).
Unfortunately, those who practiced in secret were sometimes discovered and then executed, tainting their family name for the rest of history. As seen in class, the Jewish slums, where the Jews were forced to live, still exist today in Spain. The mosques where the Muslims practiced still exist; for example, the Abu Bakr, which is seen in the included photo. These landmarks in Spain show the lasting impact and influence of the Jews, Muslims, and Christians in the Middle Ages.
