The Forgotten History of the Mozarabs: Christians Living Under Muslim Rule in Medieval Iberia

Mozarabs were Christians living in Muslim Iberia (present-day Spain and Portugal) during the Middle Ages. The term "Mozarab" comes from the Arabic word "Moslim" meaning "Muslim" and the Latin word "Arabus" meaning "Arab".

The Mozarabs were a distinct cultural and religious group that emerged as a result of the Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century. They were Christians who lived under Muslim rule and spoke Arabic, but they also maintained their own unique traditions and customs.

Mozarabs played an important role in the cultural and intellectual life of Muslim Iberia, contributing to fields such as literature, poetry, music, and philosophy. They also had a significant impact on the development of the Spanish language, which was influenced by Arabic and other languages spoken in the region.

Despite their cultural achievements, the Mozarabs faced discrimination and persecution under Muslim rule, particularly during periods of religious intolerance. Many Mozarabs were forced to convert to Islam or face expulsion or death. As a result, their community declined over time, and by the 13th century, they had largely disappeared as a distinct group.

Today, the legacy of the Mozarabs can be seen in the cultural heritage of Spain and Portugal, including their language, literature, music, and architecture. Their story is an important reminder of the complex history of religious coexistence and conflict in the region, and the ways in which different cultures have shaped each other over time.