Al-Andalus History and Land Repopulation Dynamics

Al-Andalus: Islamic Iberia (711–1492)

Al-Andalus is the name given by the Arabs to the Iberian Peninsula after its conquest during the Middle Ages. This period spanned from their arrival in 711 until the defeat of the Kingdom of Granada in 1492. The origin of the invasion was caused by the internal crisis of the Visigoth kingdom, whose king was defeated by the Muslims. In less than five years, they became masters of almost the entire peninsula.

Phases of Al-Andalus

This territory experienced four main phases:

• Dependent Emirate of Damascus (714–756): A period of great political instability ruled by the Umayyad caliphs from Baghdad.
• Independent Emirate (756–929): Laid the foundations of Islamic power and the future state led by the Umayyad dynasty.
• Caliphate of Cordoba (929–1031): The peak phase, assuming independence from the Abbasid Caliphate. It degenerated into a military dictatorship that led to its division into Taifa kingdoms.
• Taifa Kingdoms (11th–13th centuries): Governed by the Almoravids and Almohades.

The great Christian expansion in the 13th century reduced the space dominated by Muslims to the Kingdom of Granada until 1492.

City Economy and Society

As for political and commercial relations, agriculture became important in irrigated areas. The society was heterogeneous, with religion and ethnicity serving as differentiators for economic and social stratification. Political and religious power resided with the caliphs. Culture reached its zenith.

Land Repopulation (Restocking) in the Peninsula

Restocking refers to the process of consolidating the conquered territory of Al-Andalus to ensure land defense and its definitive incorporation into the Crown.

Early Repopulation Efforts

The earlier restocking in the eleventh century profited from no man's land. In contrast, during the eleventh century, lands were owned by the monarch on a contractual basis. One can distinguish between the reforestation of land following the Islamic conquest and the internal colonization within the Christian kingdoms.

Repopulation under Islamic Influence

The restocking of land following the Islamic conquest involved installing emergency Christian military populations. The area between the Douro River and the Central System was characterized by an extensive, almost deserted region where privileges were established for colonies, as documented in their charters (e.g., Sepúlveda 1076).

Regional Differences

• Pit Area: As it had a dense previous population, extensive privileges were granted to settlers, which paradoxically led to expansion by the Muslims.
• Ebro Valley: Showed a mix; large groups split their houses and lands among settlers, while Muslims left the fields. The jurisdiction south of the Ebro was similar to that of Sepúlveda.
• Guadiana and Turia Rivers: Repopulation was very slow and weak, leading to colonization by large, elegant estates.
• Coastal and Valley Areas: In the Balearic Islands, Valencia, the Guadalquivir Valley, and present-day Extremadura, the focus was on urban areas. The distribution and delivery of lots were managed by a committee of royal officials.

Internal Colonization Objectives

Internal colonization had two main objectives:

1. Economic Exploitation: Utilizing rural and marine resources at a strategic level to secure trade routes.
2. Political and Social Transformation: Changing the existing system based on large estates and noble jurisdictions.