Al-Andalus: Society, Cities, and Economy

Economy and Trade

Economic Activities

The economy was based on agriculture, highly developed crafts, and trade.

Why Highlight Craftsmanship?

Craftsmanship was highlighted through activities like weaving and silversmithing.

Craft's Role in City Development

Craftsmanship was important for the development of cities.

The Almotacén's Function

The almotacén was an official who regulated the souks and markets.

Factors Favoring Foreign Trade

Foreign trade was favored due to the privileged geographical situation of al-Andalus.

Imports to Al-Andalus

Imports included slaves and luxury goods such as spices, gold, etc.

Exports from Al-Andalus

Products exported from al-Andalus included textiles, oil, leather, ceramics, weapons, and wooden objects.

Coins Used in Trade

The coins used in trade were the gold dinar and the silver dirham.

Society and Daily Life

Society's Composition

Society was composed of three coexisting cultures: Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

Who Were the 'Trivial'?

The 'trivial' were Arabs from Saudi Arabia who, although a minority, became great landowners after the conquest. (Note: The term 'trivial' here is likely a mistranslation of a historical group).

Non-Arab Social Groups

Non-Arab groups were found in cities, the countryside, and occupied the lower rungs of society.

Description of Houses

Houses in al-Andalus were typically built around a courtyard, with bedrooms, living areas, and kitchens located around it. Furniture was often simple:

• People sat on low couches.
• They ate at low round tables.

Walls were adorned with wool or silk cloth, and floors were covered with carpets.

Public Baths

Public baths were shared by men and women, but at different times.

Cities of Al-Andalus

Characteristics of Cities

Muslim Hispanic cities were numerous, densely populated, and grew considerably.

How Cities Developed

Cities developed into centers of political, religious, and cultural life.

Distinct Urban Spaces

Distinct spaces in Islamic cities included the Medina, the souk, and the suburbs.

Description of the Medina

The medina was surrounded by walls with several gates that were closed at dusk.

Layout of City Streets

Streets were typically:

• Narrow and winding
• Arranged in an irregular layout
• Dirt, except for the busiest ones which were paved

Cities often had:

• A sewerage system to channel waste
• Public baths
• Fountains to supply water

City Buildings

Buildings found in the cities of al-Andalus included:

• Mosques
• Souks (markets)
• Madrasas (schools)
• Libraries
• Hospitals

Areas Surrounding Cities

Around the cities were green areas, fields, and groves.

Importance of Cordoba

Cordoba was very important because it grew to have more than 100,000 inhabitants.

Other Major Cities

Other major cities included Seville, Murcia, Zaragoza, Granada, Toledo, and Badajoz.

Religion and Coexistence

Religious Beliefs

The people of al-Andalus belonged to monotheistic faiths, believing in one God (Allah for Muslims, Yahweh for Jews, God for Christians).

Religions Coexisting

Three religions coexisted in al-Andalus: Muslim, Jewish, and Christian.

Persecution of Minorities

The persecution of Christians and Jews began in the late eleventh century.

Consequences of Persecution

As a consequence of persecution, Christians and Jews had to convert or feign conversion to Islam if they wished to remain in the territories where they lived.

Jewish Settlement in Toledo

Jews settled in Toledo to escape Almohad persecution.

What Were the Ghettos?

Ghettos were urban neighborhoods where Jews lived, separated from Christian and Muslim areas.

Ghetto Buildings

Characteristic buildings in the ghettos included the synagogue, cemetery, school, and butchery.