Minority and Social Relations Between Christians and Muslims in the Mediterranean 1400 Essay

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Minority and Social Relations Between Christians and Muslims in the Mediterranean

In the 14th century, a change was occurring on the Iberian Peninsula. This is when the Christians were able to expel the Muslims and cement the foundations for modern European expansionism. To fully understand what took place requires examining the books The Royal Treasure and The Muslims of Valencia. This will be accomplished by focusing on: the author's thesis / supporting arguments, life between Christians / Muslims and the thesis established on minority dissident. Together, these elements will highlight the social relations between these groups during this time.

Both author's thesis and supporting arguments on populations groups' hegemony was secured and established dissident minority

According to Boswell (1977), the Muslims living in Valencia and other areas were provided with greater amounts of protection under the King in comparison with the Catholic Church. This is because the crown allowed them to maintain their cultural practices, forms of dress and legal system. At the same time, they had their own set of basic rights that were respected. The most notable include: the ability to assemble in public, openly practice their religion, bear arms, buy / sell / inherit property and the right to travel / immigrate to various regions.

However, in spite of these protections, they could be eliminated at any point in time by the nobles, landholders, the clergy or the crown. This meant that the Muslims were allowed to maintain a certain way of life. Yet, they were considered to be non-Spaniards and did not have full protection under the law. Instead, they were tolerated by the local officials, who did not want to ferment any kind of anger or animosity inside this segment of the population. This is because they were fighting a larger war against the Muslims in the South of the country. That was not resolved until the Moors were defeated in Granada during the late 14th century. In order to maintain stability, meant that society had to accept the Muslims.

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However, they were not provided with the same basic protections or were viewed as equals by the Spanish. In this aspect, Boswell argues that these groups were afforded a certain amount of guarantees. But, there was always the possibility they could lose these rights at any point in time from a number of officials.

What Meyerson (1991) determined, is that King Ferdinand wanted to keep this population separate. Although, he also needed to ensure they were a vital part of the local economy. This meant walking a fine line by respecting their traditions and offering them with certain rights. Yet, he did not fully trust or believe that the Muslim population was dedicated to Spanish interests. This resulted in this segment facing abuse at the hands of local lords and clergy (who did not want them there). They would openly support the policies of King. However, beneath the surface; they stripped away their land, restricted their movement and charged many individuals with violating different aspects of the law.

In this aspect, the Muslims hegemony was secured and established based upon what they could contribute to the local economy. This meant that it appeared as if they were afforded with various protections in society. Yet, the reality is, they were subject to abuses from local officials. This offered them with the ability to challenge some of the events that were occurring. But, it also meant that they were powerless to do anything about it. As a result, their support was secured through providing them with just enough protections to make everyone happy and not allowing them to enjoy the same rights as Spanish citizens.

Both main argument(s) on life between Christians and Muslims

The main arguments presented by both authors are that were select amounts of segregation which existed inside Spanish society towards the Muslims. This meant that they lived in their own communities and continued to embrace their different cultural traditions / religious practices. However,….....

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