Jews Social and cultural exchange in Al-Andalus

jews formed iota, yet significant ethnic minority in iberian peninsula, constituting 5% of total population in al-andalus. began settle in iberian peninsula in significant numbers around 1st century ad. under christian visigothic rule, jews faced persecution. in 613, visigothic king sisebut issued decree forced jews convert christianity or exiled , have property confiscated. comes no surprise many jews welcomed muslim rulers , saw muslim conquest of iberian peninsula deliverance. after conquest, under islamic law, jews categorized dhimmis, having same social standing christians. jewish communities scattered throughout rural areas of al-andalus remained isolated, jews living in cities , towns, in cordoba became integrated islamic culture , society.

jews came hold influential positions in umayyad bureaucracy. 1 example jewish scholar , physician hasdai b. sharprut, served diplomat of umayyad government. many jews living in cities became involved in trade merchants. under caliphate of cordoba, jews experienced [a golden age of jewish culture] within spain, in jewish scholars, philosophers, , poets prospered. jews contributed scientific , mathematic fields of study prominent in cordoba @ time. overall, jews granted better treatment, coming of muslims invaders, had experience under christian rule. conditions deteriorated under almoravid , almohad rule (see restrictions imposed on christians , jews).