The secret Muslim history of Spanish Culture

Islam was a social and political force in Spain for over 800 years; 3 times the entire history of the United States. And yet, the impact the Muslims had on Spain and modern Spanish culture is rarely ever acknowledged.

In this episode, I tell you the story of how Islam entered Spain, how the Muslims of that time still have influence on modern Spanish Culture and some possible reasons why Spain's Muslim past is rarely discussed today.

[PabloRodriguezIzquierdo]

I would say that in Spain we are complete aware of our muslim and Arab influence. And I say more... we are proud of it! If you ask a Spaniard "where it comes Spanish culture from?" MOST probable the answer will be "roman, Gothic, muslim and Christian", no one will skip those 800 centuries. BUT, maybe because christianity became very strong in the next centuries, the rest of the world see us as fanatical catholic. It is the rest of the world who is unaware of this. Not us españoles.

[lolololen]

As a Mexican. This is SO EXCITING. Like jaw dropping! This is an amazing informative video.

[SBSMusicChannel]

Great video, wonderful production value and great information presented throughout! This is one of my favorite concepts to ponder about, the Arabic influence on Spanish culture and language! I’d love to see more videos like this!

[Brandon-xpob]

Islamic Spain fascinates me.
I've seen the mosque in Cordoba and the Alhambra and to say they are works of art is a massive understatement. Andalucia is an amazing place especially for it's Muslim past.

[WalshyFire]

I have watched many videos on this subject. None have offered so much info that I find un bias. Ten out of ten. Thank you for teaching me about Queen khalifa. Please do a vid about her

[mariacarmona]

this was so easy to understand and very interesting, great job explaining this topic!

[MarianaSilva-gnxo]

Most of this applies to Portuguese too. As a Brazilian, I know that we have many words in our Brazilian Portuguese that came from Arabic, and I learned more about it from my Lebanese friends here. Beside the names, there are also many surnames in South America that were derived from Arabic, such as the last name of my uncles "Medina", which is an Arabic word that means "The Luminous City", which also refers to one of the most holy Muslim cities in the Arabian Peninsula.

[Ali-ymdm]

i am algerian with Andalusian origins from Gharnata or granada . i did an ADN test and i have 42% iberian ... until today we still play Andalusian songs written 700 years ago in Granada and Andalusian music run in my blood

[HappyDonuts]

My grandmother was born in Puerto Rico of Spanish decent. When the Americans invaded they eventually gave Puerto Ricans US citizenship but they had to swear allegiance. My grandmother refused. She swore she would never even speak the language. I will always remember her with pride. She was a tough old lady.

[rickbailey]

I have Spanish heritage from my paternal mother's side. I also travelled to Spain in the mid-70's as a child and got to witness with my own eyes the Arabic architecture in Granada and in many places throughout the Iberian peninsula. Nearly 800 years of influence was imbedded into the Spanish culture and one can witness the culture from many centuries past. Castles were abundant throughout the land. If you have never been there, go and see the this rich culture of Spain.

[sohaileym.hadjiabdulracman]

This documentary is very awakening. I happened to visit Malaga to gather evidences of Islamic remnants and relics there. I found Alcazava, GilAlfaro, the oldest Muslim market there, the mosques which were converted to churches, Islamic bath house, and many more interesting archaic artifacts made by Muslims.

[theDADA-agency]

I am Spanish and proud of all the richness of influences in our history

[MicroUrb]

Thank you for this. I have shared this history for years with anyone who would listen. I am appreciate your ability for taking it further than I.

[faisanfg]

"Spain and Portugal completely erased the last indigenous presence", the muslims invaded the peninsula, I am form Spain I have absolutely no problem recognicing the islamic presence in my culture. But how much do you want to push a political message like the ones you said were pushed by parts of my country to say that the muslim invaders are natives. 13:52

[dpacms]

I am of Spanish descent. My father was Spanish and my mother was Asian. I remember my father telling me that we have Arab blood through my great grandfather from my grandfather’s side. While my grandmother left us with quite a number of her things with many Islamic designs/decorations. I only met her twice when I was a toddler and then she passed. She had many photos of her in Andalucía. I decided to go there in 2018 to visit and Córdoba and Granada as well. It is obvious that there was Islamic influence there and was also told of the history of Al-Andaluz when we went to the former palace. Having mentioned about my father, my surname perhaps has it’s origin from the Arabs from my great grandfather’s side which is Azad/Azada, which is Spanish for hoe that farmer’s use?

[jimbob]

You have presented one of the finest short summaries of this history that I've seen. Bravo.

[ashikelahie]

Masha Allah. Excellent work, brother. Really enjoyed the presentation. Looking forward for more.

[maqboolahmad]

Absolutely refreshing to see and learn something about a topic I always wanted to learn. I am a Muslim, but I enjoy learning about how different cultures influence each other. I believe we need to embrace the truth how we have been influenced by other cultures. By doing so, we can come closer and respect each other. Love for all Hatred for none.

[fernandovillanueva]

A real pleasure to have found this magnificent video on the historical subject of Islam in Spain, I am a Lebanese descendant. And a new Mexican fan, from Guadalajara

[Carambirubí]

Spain was the main producer of olive oil in the Roman Empire, almonds have been cultivated for millennia, potato omelette has nothing to do with Muslims, it is a recipe from the 18th century, gazpacho too, there are many examples in the Spanish gastronomy and culture that have a Muslim origin, there is no need to lie