Concept in Definition ABC

In the early eighth century, Muslims invaded much of the Iberian peninsula, which at that time was dominated by Visigoth Christians. The territory conquered, it was renamed Al-Andalus. This situation caused a profound change in society, as the religion Muslim prevailed mostly over Christian.

Who were the muladíes?

The word muladi comes from the language Arabic, specifically from the word muwallad, which refers to people who are not originally of Muslim religion.

The term muladi in the context of Al-Andalus can be understood in two different ways. In the first place, it is the individual who renounces his beliefs and traditions Christians and converts to Islam. At the same time, it is the person who descends from a marriage mixed between a Muslim and a Christian.

The conversion of Christians to the Islamic religion was not due to religious reasons, but the main cause was character economic. Keep in mind that Christians had to pay high taxes to religious authorities and the only way to get rid of this was to adopt the dominant religion.

The population Muslim in the Iberian Peninsula was divided into two large groups: those who were originally Arabs and the Muladíes or new Muslims. This division generated social differences, since some considered themselves as authentic Muslims and the others (the Muladis) were seen as "false Muslims."

Moorish, Mozarabic, Mudejar and Jewish

The Moors were Muslims who were forced to convert to Christianity after the definitive reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula by the Catholic Monarchs. At the beginning of the seventeenth century the Moors were expelled from Spain, as they were considered "new Christians" compared to the authentic Christians.

The Mozarabs were the Christian group that maintained their religious beliefs and customs and did not want to convert to Islam.

The Mudejars were Muslims who remained living in the territories reconquered by the Christians. This group could maintain their religious beliefs, but was obliged to pay high taxes to the Christian authorities.

During the domination Arab of the Iberian Peninsula, the population of Jewish origin was able to maintain their beliefs and customs in exchange for high taxes. However, over time the Jews who did not want to convert to Islam were persecuted or exterminated.

Photo: Fotolia - Leo Lintang