Monthly Archives: December 2021

More Mozarabic Export Words

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Ruth

The Arabic way of life in Spain introduced some traditional musical instruments that hadn’t been part of Europe before. Names of musical instruments were far from standardized in the Middle Ages, perhaps because they were rarely enough seen. Whatever a … Continue reading →

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Mozarabic Exports: and more Arabic words in Spanish

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Ruth

Spanish Andalusia got involved in Europe’s international markets in completely new ways. In the early Middle Ages, trade operated mostly through fairs. Near to major highways, rivers and harbors, certain places had a traditional time during the year when people … Continue reading →

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Mozarabic Culture in Andalusia: Arabic words in Spanish

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Ruth

Spanish natives who converted to Islam were known as Muladi; those who remained Christians or Jews but just dressed and talked in an Arabic manner were Mozarabs. Mozarabic culture left a huge imprint on Spain; it was the majority culture … Continue reading →

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Greening Up Arid Spain with Arab Water Tech

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Ruth

Spain and Portugal share a peninsula that is mostly a high, arid plateau. Portugal’s western coast receives most of the rain. The capital cities of Muslim Andalusia were clustered on the arid plateau; Cordoba gets about 7 inches of rain … Continue reading →

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Christians in Early Muslim Spain (Andalusia)

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Ruth

One of the big questions people ask about the medieval years when Islam was ascendant is, “Is it true that they were much more tolerant of Christians and Jews? Was it a “golden age” of co-existence?” Part of the answer … Continue reading →

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Emirs of Cordoba, 756-822

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Ruth

“Emir” or “Amir” means prince in Arabic. It acted as a general title for a ruler who wasn’t claiming to be the successor (Caliph) to Muhammad. Abd al-Rahman was probably too busy actually winning a kingdom for himself to think … Continue reading →

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Charlemagne and the Caliph, 797

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Ruth

With Abd al-Rahman’s power increasing in Andalusia, the new Frankish kings, Pippin and his son Charlemagne, found that they had a common interest with the Caliphs in Baghdad. Baghdad was too far away to feel like a threat to Frankland. … Continue reading →

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Idris I of Morocco, 788-791

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Ruth

Idris was one of the family members of Ali’s descendants who attempted to rebel against the Abbasid Caliphs. His great-grandfather was Hassan, the older son of Ali and Fatimah. His half-brother was al-Nafs al-Zakiyyah, the Pure-Hearted One, whose uprising against … Continue reading →

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Europe’s First Great Mosque, Cordoba 786

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Ruth

Abd Al-Rahman, the half-Berber Umayyad prince, was firmly in control of the Iberian peninsula by the time Charlemagne became King of the Franks. He ruled until his death at age 58, which was long past the average life-expectancy of the … Continue reading →

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Cordoba, the new Umayyad Capital

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Ruth

Cordoba probably became the capital of Muslim administration because during the conquest years, around 711-715, it did not surrender. It was conquered militarily. When cities surrendered, their current officials could work out a deal to send tribute; when they didn’t, … Continue reading →

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