Image for Al-Andalus

Al-Andalus

Al-Andalus refers to the Muslim-ruled territories on the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) from the 8th to the 15th centuries. It began after the Umayyad conquest in 711 and became a center of cultural, scientific, and architectural advancement. Cities like Córdoba and Granada flourished, showcasing a rich blend of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish influences. Al-Andalus is renowned for its contributions to philosophy, mathematics, and the arts. The Reconquista, a series of Christian campaigns, gradually reclaimed the territory, leading to the fall of Granada in 1492, which marked the end of Muslim rule in Spain.

Additional Insights

  • Image for Al-Andalus

    Al Andalus refers to the period of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula, which lasted from 711 to 1492. Beginning with the Umayyad conquest, it became a culturally vibrant society characterized by a blend of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish influences. Major cities like Córdoba and Granada flourished with advancements in science, philosophy, and architecture, exemplified by landmarks such as the Alhambra. The term also evokes a legacy of convivencia, or coexistence, where diverse cultures interacted. Al Andalus ultimately ended with the Reconquista, the Christian reclamation of the territory, concluding with the fall of Granada.