Crossroads of Culture: The Enduring Legacy of the Moors

Journey through the heart of romantic Andalucia as we trace the emergence and evolution of Moorish culture in Spain. Beginning 711 CE, Islamic forces from North Africa arrived in the Iberian Peninsula. During seven centuries of Moorish rule, Christians, Jews, and Muslims coexisted to a degree that would seem almost inconceivable in the context of today’s global discourse. While much of medieval Europe was plunged into the “Dark Ages,” besieged by pestilence, famine, and wars, the Moorish cities of Cordoba, Granada, and Seville in Europe, reigned as advanced, cosmopolitan centers in which intellectual centers flourished and rich cultural traditions were born. Through the lens of history, this course will explore not only the unprecedented multiculturalism and interfaith cooperation that gave rise to such creativity but also the counterculture of the Reconquista that introduced a narrative of religious exclusivity that prevails to this day. We'll explore the significance of this compelling period in Spanish and Islamic history, including the lasting impact of the Moorish era on people, cultures, and traditions around the world. From Spain, we will continue across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco, a bridge between two continents, that shares a common heritage with its neighbors in Iberia. A colorful land of rich history, natural beauty, and architectural treasures, our examination of Morocco will be supplemented by film, photos, commentary, and travel anecdotes based on the instructor’s travels including one in which she accompanied ILR participants on an extended “learning on location” tour.