PORTRAITS FROM THE PAST-SPAIN EXPELS THE MORISCOS

THE Spanish monarchy wanted a Christian State under one set of laws.  The Moriscos were considered infidels-so the reasoning went-and hence their presence constituted a grave offense in God's sight. After many years, a decision was made.  The solution?  They should be expelled!

FORCED CONVERSIONS

For hundreds of years, the Moors in Spain-a Muslim minority, called Mudejar-lived in relative peace in areas under Catholic control.  For a time, in certain areas they enjoyed a legal status that allowed them to retain their own laws and customs and to practice their own religion.

But in 1492, the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand II and Isabella conquered Granada, the last part of Iberia still under Muslim control.  The terms of its surrender  granted the Moorish population there rights similar to those of the Mudejar.  However, Catholic leaders soon increased their persecution and pressure on the Muslim minority within their domain to convert.  The Moors protested this violation of prior accounts, and in 1499, they revolted.  Government troops put down the uprising, but thereafter Muslims in one area after another were  made to convert or to emigrate. Spaniards called those who converted and remained in Spain Moriscos. 

Next time: "NEITHER GOOD CHRISTIANS NOR LOYAL SUBJECTS"

From the Awake! magazine, 2014