The Rise and Fall of Al-Andalus: Islamic Spain History

The Rise of Al-Andalus: Islamic Spain (711–1031)

The Muslims called the territory they controlled on the peninsula, Al-Andalus. This territory became a province, or emirate, of the Umayyad Caliphate of Damascus. The capital of the emirate was Córdoba. When the Abbasids of Baghdad took over from the Umayyads, the only Umayyad survivor, Abd ar-Rahman I, came to Al-Andalus. He declared himself an emir over the Independent Emirate.

The Fragmentation of Al-Andalus and the Taifa Kingdoms

In 912, Abd ar-Rahman III became emir. He governed very well and declared himself Caliph of Al-Andalus. He had absolute power. The Caliphate of Córdoba was formed, and a golden age began.

After 1008, the Caliphate of Córdoba was no longer unified. Al-Andalus was divided into 25 kingdoms, called Taifas. The Taifas were rich, but they were constantly under attack from Christian armies. Almoravid and Almohad armies from North Africa came to help the Taifas, but almost all of them were conquered by the Christians in the 13th century.

The Nasrid Kingdom of Granada was the only Taifa to survive. It included Almería, Granada, Málaga, and part of Cádiz. The Taifa had to pay taxes to the Kings of Castile to survive.

Economy and Society in Al-Andalus

In the Islamic world, the city was the center of economic activity. They had markets that sold all types of products. However, most of the people in Al-Andalus worked in agriculture. New agricultural tools and techniques were introduced into Al-Andalus. There were also artisans who made products. Trade was very important.

Social Structure

The population of Al-Andalus was diverse:

• Muslim Population: Arabs, Berbers, and Muladis (Iberian converts to Islam).
• Non-Muslim Population: Mozarabs (Christians living under Muslim rule) and Jews.

Cultural Achievements of Islamic Spain

Islamic civilization was very important between the 8th and 12th centuries. Islam used only Arabic, which helped to exchange ideas. The Muslims introduced Arabic numerals. They also introduced paper, gunpowder, and irrigation systems.

Scientific and Intellectual Advances

Islamic civilization made significant advances in several fields:

• Medicine
• Philosophy
• Engineering
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Astronomy

Al-Andalus became a great cultural center. As Muslims could not make images of the sacred, they specialized in architecture and decorative art. Islamic architecture was decorated with marble and mosaics. Lots of mosques were built in this period, but the Muslims also built palaces, markets, and public baths.