Al-Andalus: Society, Culture, and Art in Medieval Iberia
Social and Economic Structure of Al-Andalus
Andalusian society during the Middle Ages was hierarchical. At the top was the Jassa, composed primarily of the Arab aristocracy who held high offices, enjoyed enormous privileges, and owned vast tracts of land. Below them were the Famni, consisting of the bourgeoisie, peasants, and the urban populace. The Berbers, the largest group, were primarily engaged in pastoral activities and lived humbly. Most of the lower classes were converted Christians known as Muladíes. While Muslims generally exhibited religious tolerance, allowing the existence of religious minorities, the Mozarabs (Christians living under Muslim rule) faced a situation similar to the Muladíes but were subject to higher taxes. Jews were permitted to organize their own communities, known as ghettos.
Economically, Al-Andalus saw significant development in agriculture. Muslims introduced new crops and cultivation methods based on irrigation. Fruits, vegetables, and industrial plants gained prominence. A thriving livestock industry centered around sheep farming, equine breeding, and beekeeping also emerged. This agricultural surplus fueled urban markets, with the souk and alcacería serving as primary meeting and exchange points. Foreign trade flourished, extending throughout the Mediterranean. This economic activity led to the development of a monetary economy, with the gold dinar and silver dirham serving as the primary currencies.
Cultural Heritage of Al-Andalus
The shared Islamic language and the integration of Greco-Roman culture with contributions from Persians, Egyptians, Syrians, and Hispanics fostered a rich cultural environment in Al-Andalus. Mathematical studies and applied sciences flourished. Notably, advancements were made in water management and irrigation systems. Medicine and surgery also saw significant progress, as did astronomy.
Islamic civilization reached its zenith during the Caliphate period, benefiting from the cultural exchange between the Islamic world and Christian Europe. Córdoba emerged as a major center of Islamic influence in Europe and a hub of cultural activity. Contact with the East led to the development of folk poetry in Al-Andalus, reflecting everyday life. Philosophy thrived, with figures like Averroes and Maimonides making significant contributions, although philosophical inquiry was subject to the fluctuating levels of tolerance, particularly under Al-Mansur. Important geographers and historians also emerged, leaving behind valuable texts and evidence about Al-Andalus that have survived to this day.
Hispano-Moorish Art: Mosques and Palaces
Hispano-Moorish art is the Islamic art that developed in Al-Andalus between the 8th and 15th centuries. Islamic architecture predominantly featured brick buildings with simple structural forms. In contrast, the decoration was elaborate, utilizing marble, mosaic tiles, plaster, and paint, always with epigraphic, geometric, or vegetal themes due to the Koranic prohibition against representing images that could become objects of worship. Eastern influence led to the widespread use of arches and domes, as well as architectural structures like vaults.
The most representative buildings of Islamic architecture were mosques and palaces. The architectural splendor of Al-Andalus reached its peak during the Caliphate, with the completion of the Mosque of Córdoba and the construction of the palaces of Medina Azahara and Medina al-Zahira. During the Taifa period (11th century), the Aljafería Palace, the residence of the kings of Zaragoza, and the citadels of Malaga and Almería were built. The Almohad period (12th century) saw the construction of the Giralda and the Torre de Oro in Seville. Finally, during the Nasrid period, the magnificent Alhambra palace in Granada was built in the 14th century.
Hispano-Moorish art was heavily influenced by Asian art, particularly in its stylized animal drawings and motifs. Decorative arts, such as ceramics with a wide variety of patterns and colors, and miniature illustrations for books, were particularly prominent. Goldwork, tapestry, and fabric production also thrived.