Is Spain Truly African? Debunking the Myth

In the year 1570, Abraham Ortelius printed a seminal book titled Theatrum Orbis Terrarum in Antwerp. This atlas, a precursor to modern mapping, has since become an important tool for students and academics alike, showcasing the geographical layout of countries, towns, mountains, seas, and lakes around the world. The first edition already included an area called 'Europae,' clearly demarcating Spain as a European nation.

The Geographical Reality

The geographical reality is unambiguous: Spain is attached to the continent of Europe. France, with which it shares borders, is a distinctly European country. Even its exclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, are located on the north African coast but remain administratively part of Spain. These exclaves indeed share a border with Morocco, a country in the African continent, but their primary identification is with Spain.

Understanding Continents

Continents are defined geographical and cultural entities, categorized based on geological and historical factors, not political or administrative ones. The continent of Europe is clearly delineated from the continent of Africa. The blue area on any map – Europe – is where Spain is located. Correctly placed in the blue area, Spain’s position on the European continent leaves no room for ambiguity.

Cultural Heritage and Influences

The cultural heritage of Spain is deeply rooted in its European origins. The Roman and Greek influence have been fundamental aspects of Spanish identity. During the Middle Ages, the Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James, was the most important Christian pilgrimage route in the world, connecting Spain with other European territories. In the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries, Spain played a crucial role in the expansion of European culture to the New World.

The Moorish invasion of Spain, while significant, had a relatively minor effect on the ethnic composition of the population. In contrast, the Roman invasion led to the formation of Hispano-Roman culture, exemplified by the city of Tarragona, which was the second-largest city in the Roman Empire, after Rome itself. The Visigoths, who ruled Spain for two centuries, also contributed to the cultural mix, mixing with the Hispano-Roman populations they governed.

The School of Translators in Toledo was a period of immense cultural exchange, where scholars translated works from Arabic and Hebrew into Latin, significantly contributing to cultural and intellectual growth in Europe. Spain’s subsequent history includes periods of reconquest, the significance of its Catholic heritage, and its role in defending Christianity against Protestantism. The Spanish navy played a critical role in several defensive victories, such as the battle of Lepanto, against the Turkish fleet.

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Spain was a superpower and a significant influence in world affairs. The Spanish crown defended Catholicism, and its global influence was profound, spreading European culture and values across the globe. Given this rich historical and cultural heritage, it is clear that Spain remains a European country in every sense of the word.

Conclusion

Spain stands firmly within the boundaries of Europe, both geographically and culturally. Any suggestion that it should be considered part of Africa is a grave misunderstanding of its historical, cultural, and geographic realities. The connection of Spain to both Europe and its own territories in Africa, such as Ceuta and Melilla, does not negate its European identity. The integration of different cultures and influences over the centuries has shaped a unique and deeply European nation, reaffirming its place on the European continent.