Convivencia: the Burden of Spain?

Bibi Tasleema RASHID

Master's thesis

Abstract:

One of the most fascinating out-growths of medieval Spanish history is the period of coexistence born out of the almost 700 year presence of Muslim rule. Labeled convivencia; this period remains a contentious issue among scholars; with many either endeavoring to address its importance, claim that it is a hindrance to understand Medieval Iberian studies or downplay its emphasis. Regardless, most tend to agree that the coexistence of Jews, Muslims and Christians created a culture of tolerance. In today?s global climate, where Islam is portrayed as being both incompatible and intolerant; there is a growing tendency to refer to the convivencia period in an attempt to show that this was not always the case. Unfortunately, the actions of a few have allowed for all Muslims to be cast as intolerant; thereby, making it necessary for all to justify the apparent loss of the tolerance that was a part of the convivencia period. Since, this has become a burden on the Muslim, should it not be a burden of modern Spain. The tendency is to look to the past to address the present. Spain has to deal with its growing Muslim immigrant population while simultaneously witnessing the current preoccupation with the period of coexistence. Therefore the purpose of this thesis is to address whether or not convivencia is a burden on contemporary Spain; the answer to which, is dependent on the extent that convivencia is deemed identifiable as an aspect of Spanish identity.

Abstract:

One of the most fascinating out-growths of medieval Spanish history is the period of coexistence born out of the almost 700 year presence of Muslim rule. Labeled convivencia; this period remains a contentious issue among scholars; with many either endeavoring to address its importance, claim that it is a hindrance to understand Medieval Iberian studies or downplay its emphasis. Regardless, most tend to agree that the coexistence of Jews, Muslims and Christians created a culture of tolerance. In today?s global climate, where Islam is portrayed as being both incompatible and intolerant; there is a growing tendency to refer to the convivencia period in an attempt to show that this was not always the case. Unfortunately, the actions of a few have allowed for all Muslims to be cast as intolerant; thereby, making it necessary for all to justify the apparent loss of the tolerance that was a part of the convivencia period. Since, this has become a burden on the Muslim, should it not be a burden of modern Spain. The tendency is to look to the past to address the present. Spain has to deal with its growing Muslim immigrant population while simultaneously witnessing the current preoccupation with the period of coexistence. Therefore the purpose of this thesis is to address whether or not convivencia is a burden on contemporary Spain; the answer to which, is dependent on the extent that convivencia is deemed identifiable as an aspect of Spanish identity.

Keywords

convivencia, burden, tolerance, nation-branding, national identity

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 15. 8. 2011

Accessible from:: 15. 8. 2011

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. Antonín Kalous, Ph.D.

PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY IN OLOMOUC

Philosophical Faculty

Master programme / field:
Cultural Studies / Euroculture