The Misconception of Moroccan Rule over Al-Andalus

The idea that Morocco kept Al-Andalus or that it had a significant role in the region is a widespread misconception. This article aims to clarify the facts surrounding the historical events and clarify why Morocco did not actually keep or have control over Al-Andalus, even though it occupied parts of the Iberian Peninsula for several centuries.

Why Didn't Morocco Keep Al-Andalus?

Morocco did not get to keep Al-Andalus because it was never under Moroccan rule in the first place. Al-Andalus, the name given to the region of the Iberian Peninsula under Muslim rule, refers to the period from 711 to 1492. The last Muslim kingdom, the Nasrid Emirate of Granada, was defeated by Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon in 1492, marking the end of Muslim rule over the Iberian Peninsula.

Granada, the last Muslim kingdom in the Spanish peninsula, fell to Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. This event was the result of a prolonged struggle between the Christian kingdoms of Spain and the Muslim rulers of Granada, not of Moroccan colonization. The union of Castile and Aragon under Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492 was crucial in solidifying the expulsion of Muslims from the Iberian Peninsula.

Al-Andalus Had Little to Do with Morocco

There is a popular misconception that Morocco played a significant role in ruling over Al-Andalus. However, this is far from the truth. The sultanate of Morocco resulted from the expulsion of Moroccan dynasties from Iberia. Therefore, Morocco never colonized Spain as you may claim. The period from the 7th to the 11th century saw several Moroccan dynasties ruling parts of the Iberian peninsula, but this approximately 400-year rule has been greatly exaggerated to fit into a narrative that doesn’t align with historical facts.

Historical Context and Key Figures

The term "Morisco" refers to the Moors who were expelled from the Iberian Peninsula after the Reconquista, which ended with the fall of Granada in 1492. These were the descendants of the Muslim inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula, who were either killed, expelled, or converted to Christianity. The bulk of the Muslims who remained after the fall of Granada were eventually expelled by edict in 1502.

Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon made sure that the Muslims were well and truly evicted from the Iberian Peninsula. They were determined to suppress Muslim rule and establish Christian dominance over the region. This is evidenced by the fact that the expulsion of Muslims was a key part of their policies, as seen in the Treaty of Granada in 1491, which promised peace and protection for the Muslim population in exchange for their conversion to Christianity or their departure from the region.

Conclusion

It is important to understand the true historical context surrounding the events of Al-Andalus and the role of Morocco in that period. Morocco’s rule over parts of the Iberian Peninsula was a complex historical phenomenon, but it does not support the claim that Morocco kept or controlled Al-Andalus. The region’s history is marked by a series of invasions, conquests, and eventual expulsion of Muslim rule. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the region’s history.

Keywords: Al-Andalus, Moroccan Colonization, Granada Invasion