Africa Speaks Reasoning Forum

AFRICA AND THE DIASPORA => Our Beautiful People => Topic started by: Bantu_Kelani on July 24, 2003, 05:59:38 AM



Title: African Muslims Rule Spain
Post by: Bantu_Kelani on July 24, 2003, 05:59:38 AM
(http://www.mnh.si.edu/africanvoices/images/history/spain/chess.jpg)
Echoes of Africa in Spain. Two Turbaned Muslim noblemen play chess in this 13th-century Spanish painting. Patrimonio Nacional, Spain

1086 to 1147
African Muslims Rule Spain


"At Malaqa [Spain]...the mosque covers a large area and has a reputation for sanctity; the court of the mosque is of unequaled beauty...." Ibn Battuta (1304-1377),
Moroccan geographer.

The Almoravids, African Muslims based south of the Sahara Desert, conquered Spain and Portugal in 1086, forging an empire that spanned two continents. Although African Muslims were prominent in the Arabic conquest of Spain in 711, and in the centuries of Islamic rule that followed, the Almoravid reign marked undisputed African control.

The Almoravids' rigorous Islamic reform movement emphasized equality and led to a period of stability in North and West Africa. In Spain, the Almoravids were succeeded by North African Muslims, the Almohads. Cultural innovators, they became known for the architecture of their glorious mosques.

History Matters
African Muslim cultures have had a strong influence in Spain ever since 711, making important contributions to Islamic law as well as to distinctive architecture, music, and decorative arts.
       

http://www.mnh.si.edu/africanvoices/ax/fs/primary_fs.html?history+intro


Title: Re: African Muslims Rule Spain
Post by: RainMan on October 23, 2003, 04:42:31 PM
Ok!  This is new for me.. Got any more info for us..peace