Muslims Social and cultural exchange in Al-Andalus

a self-depiction muslims in iberia. taken tale of bayad , riyad.

in al-andalus, muslims divided 3 distinct ethnic groups. largest group berbers. important note these berbers, came north africa, sedentary in lifestyle, not confused nomadic berbers found in same geographic region of north africa. in terms of social class, after invasion, berbers went on form rural proletariat. although number of them went cities, working pursue crafts. in terms of religion berbers muslims, ancestors having converted share in wealth of arab conquests.

the second group of muslims found in al-andalus arabs. formed relatively small section of al-andalus’ total population. tended have higher economic position in society , constituted majority of ruling class. owned land in richest parts of country. important cultural elements brought them language , arabic tradition of learning , high culture, emulated found in caliphate of damascus. however, actual amount of culture these arab invaders brought them has been disputed historians. historian w. montgomery watt argues ancestors of arabs came invade iberian peninsula had been living rough life in steppes of arabia, actual invaders had little time acquire high level of culture. these arab , berber invaders busy consolidating control, having little time , money devote purposefully spreading culture newly conquered regions. iberian umayyad golden age also, in part, result of geographic location , relative isolation central part of arabian empire. these umayyad rulers felt need prove equals of in homeland. combined need prove worth independent region. can concluded invading arabs brought level of culture peninsula, high culture achieved during golden age of al-andalus result of combination , growth multiple cultures present in geographic area.

the muwallads, or muslims of iberian descent, far more numerous of purely arabic descent. composed of descended marriages of original invading arabs native women of iberia along converted islam choice since invasions. muwallads adopted arabic genealogies , became further fused arabs ethnically on time. 10th century, no clear distinction existed between muwallads , arab muslims , 10th century, muslims represented 80% of total population of al-andalus, including christian converts , berber muslims.