In this blog you are to comment on one or more of the assigned articles in relation with any of the topics touched on in the lecture PDFs every week. Your posts should be brief (150 words or the equivalent to 1 paragraph) and, most importantly, a reflection of your preparation for class.
The articles "Pope Visiting a Changing Spain" and "Spain and Portugal: Neighbors or Strangers?" are quite interesting in comparison to the lecture from this week. "Pope Visiting a Changing Spain" shows how people are not in favor of the Pope visiting because Spain no longer holds a Catholic identity as it did before because it has embraced secularism now. The Pope has now been visiting Spain to "reconquest" Spain and make Spain embrace Catholicism, just as the Christians attempted to reconquest Spain from the Muslims centuries earlier. Since times have changed, people have been protesting the Pope's visit because they have embraced atheism. This relates to how the Christians invaded and defeated the Almohads. The other article, "Spain and Portugal: neighbor or stranger?" is interesting because for a long time, there was no distinction between Spain and Portugal until the 12th century. Still, the countries are very similar in language and culture, but Spain overshadows Portugal. Because of this, people would not mind Portugal and Spain joining and becoming one. At the same time though, it is as though Portugal is a stranger to Spain because the Spanish are not concerned with Portugal and its cultural distinctions or happenings. Maybe someday, any sort of distinction between Portugal and Spain will disappear and Spain and Portugal will merge, since there already are no geographic separations between the two nations anyway.
Es increíble de los problemas que suceden a causa de la religión. Los artículos de esta semana estuvieron muy interesantes porque nos enseña de los problemas que existen en España. Como los musulmanes enojados con el gobierno de España por que España les esta dando a los judíos algo que también muchos grupos en España quieren, que es la ciudadanía. También los problemas que renacieron entre los morocos y los españoles por acusaciones de racismo. Por otro lado están los portugueses que sienten que los españoles les dan la espalda, igual se sienten los españoles con respecto a los franceses. Tan cercas viven los españoles a los portugueses que ha habido platicas de que las dos naciones se unan y se hizo la broma de que el equipo de futbol seria muy bueno. Finalmente hablare de la visita del Papa a españa y como había muchos protestantes en contra de el, lo curioso es que esto hace veinte años no hubiera ocurrido.
While reading across the articles, I was shocked by the changing times and how different things are now from in the past. For example, after the Christian Reconquest of Spain, the country has retained a strict form of Catholicism for several hundred years. It was surprise to find out how secular this country has become since then (Spain is one of the least religious countries in Europe now). People have been brought up as Atheist so the role of religion has diminished in Spain and thus the people protest the arrival of the Pope. One major factor that I think are affecting the religious fervor could be the economic woes that have people worrying. In regards to the article about Muslims angered by Spain granting citizenship to descendants of expelled Jews during the 1492 Inquisition, I believe Spain should grant the same rights to Muslims because it wouldn’t be fair. After all, the Christians did have to incorporate both Jews and Muslims into their society after the conquest of Toledo. Next, Spain and Portugal has always been rivals since Portugal fought for its independence from Castile-Leon. However, in recent times people on both sides are supporting a union between the two countries and I am in support of this as well because they could benefit from each other instead of fighting.
This week the reading about the Pope visiting Spain struck me by surprise especially after learning about the Christian Reconquest during lecture. One point that caught my attention is that the Pope visited Spain many more times than any other country. The article suggested that it looked as if the Pope was trying to reconquest Spain once more. Like professor Torecilla said during lecture, the Muslim invasion faced strong resistance because most of the people residing in the Iberian Peninsula saw themselves as Christians. Thus, when the “Loss of Spain” myth was created, the idea grew and created much fervor. However it seems as if the Pope’s idea to reconquest Spain back to its religious self is not spreading. Like the article noted, many protestors stood yelling for the Pope to leave Spain. Spain is now one of the least religious countries in Europe in the sense that the people do not follow religious guides in their everyday lives. Personally, I think it’s very interesting to see this drastic change. Christianity used to be part of the identity in the Iberian Peninsula and now religion is a small part of the identity.
This week’s readings had two flavors: one of Spain’s diminishing power and the other of the inherent conflict between Spanish government, Arabs and Jews. Firstly, the lack of a warm welcome as well as criticism for the Pope on national Youth day expresses the dire conditions in Spain and the changing cultural upbringing for many youth. People would rather allow the corporations hosting the event be disallowed tax breaks to aid the economic situation than to host this event. A key theme here is that Christianity and Catholicism are not considered model religions any more neither is any other single religion. Instead, mixed beliefs incorporating various religions as well as atheism are beginning to govern the way Spanish youth are brought up. Secondly, Muslim’s made a logical claim against Spain when they allowed only expelled Jew descendants to acquire citizenship and not Muslims. They are questioning the Spanish judgment and this instance allows us to see the turmoil that is present in the presently frail government. Another instance that solidifies this notion is that of the conflict between Morocco and Spain over two territories. Yet again, Morocco recognizes the Spanish frailty, and Spain cannot threaten opposition with war due to dire economic situation, thus further weakening their position. This frailty, primarily caused by economic crisis, has paved the way for Moroccans as well as groups such as Muslims to challenge the Spanish government to validate it’s position of authority.
This week’s readings had two flavors: one of Spain’s diminishing power and the other of the inherent conflict between Spanish government, Arabs and Jews. Firstly, the lack of a warm welcome as well as criticism for the Pope on national Youth day expresses the dire conditions in Spain and the changing cultural upbringing for many youth. People would rather allow the corporations hosting the event be disallowed tax breaks to aid the economic situation than to host this event. A key theme here is that Christianity and Catholicism are not considered model religions any more neither is any other single religion. Instead, mixed beliefs incorporating various religions as well as atheism are beginning to govern the way Spanish youth are brought up. Secondly, Muslim’s made a logical claim against Spain when they allowed only expelled Jew descendants to acquire citizenship and not Muslims. They are questioning the Spanish judgment and this instance allows us to see the turmoil that is present in the presently frail government. Another instance that solidifies this notion is that of the conflict between Morocco and Spain over two territories. Yet again, Morocco recognizes the Spanish frailty, and Spain cannot threaten opposition with war due to dire economic situation, thus further weakening their position. This frailty, primarily caused by economic crisis, has paved the way for Moroccans as well as groups such as Muslims to challenge the Spanish government to validate it’s position of authority.
The article “Pope Visits A Changing Spain” was interesting. I come from a Roman Catholic background, and I grew up with my elders respecting and honoring the Pope. In most countries, there is extreme excitement when the Pope visits, especially riding the streets in his popemobile. He is almost like a celebrity-to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. So why were people so offended by his visit to Spain? If they do not believe in the Catholic religion, and they do not support the Pope, then they do not need to attend the procession, and there is certainly no need for protest or violence. A woman states in the article that there were no protests against the Pope even during the revolutionary Post-Franco era, so why is there so much intolerance and defense against the Pope when Spain has become more tolerant of religion?
One of this week’s readings highlights certain groups and the tension between them. Many current events arising today stem from both the fact that centuries ago, power over the peninsula was frequently changing hands, and also the heterogeneity that resulted. The article from The Algemeiner focuses on the upset shared by Muslims that Spain now grants instant citizenship to Sephardic Jews. As we learned in lecture, after the invasion of the Muslims the Iberian Peninsula was largely split between Muslims in the South and Christians in the North. However, it is important to remember the strong Jewish presence during this time (and even prior to this), especially in the more heterogeneous region of Al-Andalus. After all, during the 12th century, the two most important cultural figures were Averroes and Maimondes: the former, a Muslim, the latter, a Jew. Considering these two groups’ paralleled histories of expulsion from Spain, Muslims today are very offended by the “flagrant segregation.” Muslims feel that because, like the Jews, their ancestors were also expelled from Spain during the Middle Ages, that as such, Muslim descendents should be equally granted citizenship just like Jews. Thus, even today—centuries later—there is conflict surrounding the different people groups that ruled most powerfully in certain historical periods of the Iberian Peninsula long ago, and the melting pot of cultures and religions that consequently emerged.
On Wednesday’s lecture, Professor Torrecilla discussed the “Reconquest” which led to the beginning of Christian hegemony, during which time the Muslims were expelled from Spain. One of the articles for this week “Muslims Angered by Spain’s Granting Sephardic Jews Path to Citizenship,” discusses the fact that the Spanish government has announced plans to grant automatic citizenship to all Jewish descendants that were expelled from Spain during the 1492 Inquisition. Many Muslims whose ancestors were also expelled from Spain are infuriated that they are not being offered this same privilege, and hence the same respect as the Jewish community. The Muslim community has spoken out against this plan by the Spanish government and deemed it flagrant discrimination. Another article featured this week, “Pope Visits a Changing Spain” discusses the changing ideologies of Spain, as we see the country move from a predominantly Catholic country to an agnostic country. This new wave in the religious make-up of Spain can be seen as a result that for a majority of history the people of Spain were forced to practice Catholicism and know in an attempt to assert their new found freedom they are moving away from the religion that confined them for many years.
The reconquest of Christian kingdoms in the 11th-13th century as mentioned by Professor Torrecilla in lecture brought many problems that can still be seen today. One of them is the fact that Muslims and Jews became part of the kingdom that Christians established in the Iberian Peninsula. Although many people assimilated and lived peacefully with one another, the three different religions created divisions between the people that often times lead to segregation. In the 11th-13th centuries, Christians were seen as warriors and priests while Muslims were seen as cultivators and artisans and Jews as technicians and traders. These divisions can be seen today through the confrontations between Spain and its Muslim and Jew population. Spain has agreed to grant direct citizenship to people who are direct descendants of Jews who were expelled from the country during the 1492 Spanish Inquisition. Never the less, Muslims argue that that same apology should be extended to descendants of Muslims who were expelled during the middle ages. The segregation of people due to religion is still prominent in Spain. As a result, Muslims fight for the same rights as the Jews; they fight against the discrimination that was established during the times of reconquest.
I think the article that most interested me is the article “Pope Visits a Changing Spain.” I think what most interests me is that even a country whose history is pretty much entwined with the history of two very powerful religions has started turning towards a more secular view of itself and its people. The power that the Catholic Church and by extent the Pope has over people is absolutely terrifying. The Muslim religion in contrast does not have a direct analogy to the Pope; there is no true central authority figure in the Muslim religion. I think that both of these religions have a very heavy cultural impact in Spain, as such they shouldn’t be eradicated or anything like that. But for one man to be able to decide that two people who love each other can’t get married seems wrong; for one man to be able to decide that a woman who has an abortion to save her life should be condemned to hell is disheartening. Still, from reading the article it seems that even Spain is moving away from the Catholic Church: even Spain, where there are still great Cathedrals, where Christian kingdoms ruled and whose history is tied to two powerful religions. However, I also believe that religious tolerance is important, so while there are still some problems with Muslims, it is encouraging to see Spain issue an apology and grant citizenship to Jews that were expelled during the Inquisition, a period of great intolerance, as demonstrated in the article “Muslims Angered by Spain’s Granting Sephardic Jews Path to Citizenship.”
In the article, “Muslims Angered by Spain’s Granting Sephardic Jews Path to Citizenship” it is expressed that Muslims are upset that Spain is making an effort to reconcile with decedents of Jews that were executed. I feel that it is unfair for Spain to offer a form of apology to the Jews without trying to make the same effort to apologize to the Muslims. Only acknowledging one group and without acknowledging the other can lead to more conflict between the Muslims and Spain. The article expresses how this could jeopardize the investments that Muslims have made on Spain’s territory. I feel that this is a huge consequence as a result of Spain’s decision. In section, we spoke about whether Spain should apologize to the Muslims for expelling them. If Spain offers an apology to the Jews I believe it is equally important for them to offer and apology to the Muslims as well.
The article that I would like to discuss is "Pope Visits a Changing Spain." This article interests me because it completely wiped away all my preconceived notions about Spain and Catholicism. With the combination of not knowing much about the current religious state and also studying European History AP in high school, the picture I had in my mind of Spain was probably what most people have: the grand Conquistadors, and religious fanatics. I assume that Spain is still heavily religious and Catholic, after all they were the progenitors of Catholicism in the New World. However, after reading this article I see that the Spanish community is trying very hard to distance themselves from the age old image of fanaticism and actually are overcompensating in the opposite direction by actively protesting Catholicism.
We discussed the first and the second phases of the Reconquest. Between 711-1000 AC, the Muslims in Al Andalus were seen as more advanced and sophisticated than the fragmented Christians in the North. However, after the Christians recaptured Toledo in 1085, the Muslims have proved to be weakened that they had to call for help from North African Muslims. Finally in the second phase of the 11th-13th centuries, the Muslim kingdom was reduced to Granada in the South and we have seen the rebirth of the Portuguese and Castilian kingdoms among others in the North. The article about granting Jews citizenship upon proof of their ancestry of expelled Jews in 1492 angered many Muslims. Muslims believe that Spain should also grant Muslims expelled from the Middle Ages citizenship as well. The article about the loss of Power in Spain due to economic reasons created tension with Morocco over two islands in the Mediterranean. The historic tension between the Muslim North African Morocco and the Christian Spain is manifested today not over a religious conflict but an economic and political level. In the article about how Spain ignores Portugal is paradoxical to the time period we are studying in which the Castilian and Portuguese Kingdoms were reborn in the Reconquest. Today the similar cultures and languages show that 30-40% of both countries are willing to form and Iberian federation.
It was interesting to read the article of the Pope visting Spain since the country has historically been known to be a religious one. Although Catholicism is not as strong as it used to be in Spain, I was intrigued by the fact that the journalist at the end commented by saying that the Pope purposely visited Spain to "reconquer it." However, as the article now claims, Spain is a country with "liberal laws" such as gay marriage and abortion. This is something that I thought the Catholic church would have a problem with but was surprised when the article announced that the Church would not condem women who had abortions procedures done. Clearly both the Church and the State are adapting or at least trying to adapt to the new laws society has accept while simultaneously keeping a tie with a religious community.
The third invasion in the Iberian Peninsula, the Muslim invasion culminated with the Reconquista. During the period of time of Muslim domination, the Iberian Peninsula was divided in two; in the North the Christians had their less develop and fragmented empires and in the south Muslims were unified. However, as a consequence of Muslim fragmentation, they became vulnerable and lost Toledo to the Christians. Also, the homogenous Christian population changed as a result of the Reconquista of territories occupied by Jews and Muslims. In addition, the Christian empires united into three main ones, Aragon, Portugal and Castile. The Reconquista period is still relevant to the political social and cultural issues in the Iberian Peninsula today. The articles reveal the current hostile situation that historical conflicts caused, for example, it is evident that the expulsion of Muslims are causing economical conflicts for Spain. Also, the deep sense of religion that characterized the Iberian Peninsula during the Reconquista has been replaced by the mostly atheistic Spain that protested the Pope’s visit.
It is interesting to see these internal battles within the Spanish culture and how they affect the other cultures that surround them. One can example can be found in the inner anger that the Spaniards have against the Moroccans and the unfair treatment that they are providing to the Moroccans, the Spaniards are now seeing the repercussions of their actions against them, by causing food shortages for the Spaniards all due to the fight that both countries are going through over the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Those situations aren’t getting any better and are causing Moroccans to become hostile, to the point where they want to prevent Spaniards from getting food resources that they need to survive. This is basically putting the nail in the coffin to the Muslim-Spaniard relations.
Muslims Angered by Spain’s Granting Sephardic Jews Path to Citizenship
The Spanish government is offering citizenship to Jews that were expelled from Spain during Muslim rule. But they will not grant it to Muslims who were expelled from Spain. That is racist to some Muslims. But I want to raise a question, just to play the devils’ advocate game. The article talks about how some Muslim faith followers feel that the Spanish should offer apologies. But I ask, why offer apologies? Weren’t Muslims the ones that invaded the Spanish/Iberian peninsula in 711 A.C., which triggered them, being expelled from Spain? To my understanding, the story goes as Iberian and Canti-berian tribes were in the Iberian peninsula first, but were invaded by the Romans and then invaded by the Visigoths THEN, invaded by the Muslim kingdoms, causing the Spanish Christians to want to regain back their country and expelled them from the Iberian peninsula. So making the invaders, the Muslim people. So why then are Muslims fighting to something that wasn’t even theirs in the first place?
Pope Visits A Changing Spain
Spain’s religion is devaluating in a sense because people are just not that into leading their lives in the ways God would like them to live. I think the fact that this is the case because Spain is such a liberal country, and this influences the choices that people make with regards to their faith. So much has changed in the last 20 years that not even the pope visiting could help mitigate this un-interest in their religion.
Trans-Iberian Spain and Portugal: Neighbors or Strangers
Spain and Portugal are so close yet so far. But from a couple of years until now, there has been a slight movement towards creating a union, in comparison to before where they couldn’t even stand each other.
It is interesting to see these internal battles within the Spanish culture and how they affect the other cultures that surround them. One can example can be found in the inner anger that the Spaniards have against the Moroccans and the unfair treatment that they are providing to the Moroccans, the Spaniards are now seeing the repercussions of their actions against them, by causing food shortages for the Spaniards all due to the fight that both countries are going through over the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Those situations aren’t getting any better and are causing Moroccans to become hostile, to the point where they want to prevent Spaniards from getting food resources that they need to survive. This is basically putting the nail in the coffin to the Muslim-Spaniard relations.
Muslims Angered by Spain’s Granting Sephardic Jews Path to Citizenship
The Spanish government is offering citizenship to Jews that were expelled from Spain during Muslim rule. But they will not grant it to Muslims who were expelled from Spain. That is racist to some Muslims. But I want to raise a question, just to play the devils’ advocate game. The article talks about how some Muslim faith followers feel that the Spanish should offer apologies. But I ask, why offer apologies? Weren’t Muslims the ones that invaded the Spanish/Iberian peninsula in 711 A.C., which triggered them, being expelled from Spain? To my understanding, the story goes as Iberian and Canti-berian tribes were in the Iberian peninsula first, but were invaded by the Romans and then invaded by the Visigoths THEN, invaded by the Muslim kingdoms, causing the Spanish Christians to want to regain back their country and expelled them from the Iberian peninsula. So making the invaders, the Muslim people. So why then are Muslims fighting to something that wasn’t even theirs in the first place?
Pope Visits A Changing Spain
Spain’s religion is devaluating in a sense because people are just not that into leading their lives in the ways God would like them to live. I think the fact that this is the case because Spain is such a liberal country, and this influences the choices that people make with regards to their faith. So much has changed in the last 20 years that not even the pope visiting could help mitigate this un-interest in their religion.
Trans-Iberian Spain and Portugal: Neighbors or Strangers
Spain and Portugal are so close yet so far. But from a couple of years until now, there has been a slight movement towards creating a union, in comparison to before where they couldn’t even stand each other.
Claire Lemieux: This week’s article from The Algemeiner presents an interesting aspect of the continuing conflicts between Christian and Muslim Spaniards, as well as those Muslims outside of Spain whose ancestors were forced out of the Iberian Peninsula during the Reconquista. The general reaction of Muslims to the Spanish government’s decision to grant automatic citizenship to (still) Jewish descendants of all those expelled from Spain in the 1492 Inquisition, but not to Muslims in the same situation, is, not surprisingly, outrage at the “unquestionable discrimination” in this policy. Because of the centuries of Moorish rule (the Caliphate, Taifa kingdoms, Almoravids, Almohades), it seems that the present day, mainly Christian, Spanish government stills views Muslims as a competing power, rather than a persecuted minority. On the other hand, in offering automatic citizenship to the much smaller population of Sephardic Jews, the government appears to be making amends for the past, without having to grant citizenship to the larger population of the Moriscos, who might be more interesting in rocking the boat by asserting their political power. Since the Holocaust, the world seems much more concerned in supporting Jewish people, and respecting their place in the world, while continuing conflicts in the Middle East and the September 11th attacks have created the dominant image in the Western world of Muslims as powerful, violent, and dangerous.
This week I learned a lot of insightful information that is currently occurring in Spain. It is interesting to note that everything that occurs in present day, somehow always ties into history. This can be shown in the articles we have read this week. In the article, Why Is Morocco Picking A Fight With Spain?, shows that just like Christian Spain took advantage of the weakness and fragmentation of Muslim’s Al-Andalus in the 11th century, Morocco is now taking advantage of the weakness of Spain. Moreover, in another article I noted that Spain’s problem of incorporating Jews and Muslim’s after the Reconquest continues today. Currently, Muslims are angered by Spain’s action of granting Sephardic Jews instant citizenship, but not granting citizenship or an apology to Muslims. Going back in history, it is hard to decide if Muslims deserve this opportunity because the Muslims of Al-Andalus before the 11th century did not discriminate against Christians or Jews, but rather were tolerant with their religions. A hard decision continues to haunt the Spanish government with this issue of citizenship, segregation and discrimination. Even though these issues of the past continue today, what has changed throughout history is the religious fanaticism of the Spaniards in the Christian faith. The religious fanaticism of the Crusaders during the Reconquest is not present in Spain today. According to the article, Pope Visits a Changing Spain, today Spain is one of the least religious countries in Europe. This was widely evidenced when the Pope Benedict XVI visited Spain on August 18, 2011 to celebrate World Youth Day. Several protesters wanted the pope out of the country. The end of this religious fanaticism in Spain has changed because of present-day issues of abortion and gay marriage; however, the problems among Muslims, Jews and Christians continue today in Spain. -Mitzi Marquez-Avila
It seems to be that Spain has had major internal disputes since it’s founding. In class, we have learned about many battles occurring within the last few thousand years. Battles between Christians and Muslims, Romans and (everyone), and more. The Christians have dominated the land for a long period of time, even today. But as time parts from Christ’s time on earth, people are separating from their grown Christian values (including Catholic and other Jesus-centered religions). The rejection of certain religions, and usually religion as a whole, is engulfing the country. The acceptance of the Pope visiting Spain has drastically changed in the last thirty years. This relates to the rejection of Christian and Jewish people is the historical Iberian peninsula. People are (and were) arguing for freedom: the ability to reject certain people based on their beliefs. Sounds like freedom to me.
This weeks lecture was interesting. The division of the kingdoms was in particular strange for me but interesting. Also I have not been to Spain but I have heard that the Camino de Santiago is still a location today and that its a long walk. A friend took the journey and did the whole walk. If I recall correctly it took him 2 months to finish. Some day I want to walk El Camino De Santiago and experience this. In other issues, I find it interesting, brave and necessary for moors to demand for rights and protest. I might disagree with aspects such as blocking entrance of food but I personally believe that moors have as much right to be respected in Spain. A moor is as Spanish as a non-Moor Spanish. Moors play a large role in the history of Spain; they are responsible for part of the economy, culture, architecture, ect...GO MOORS.. and I am not just saying this because I live in the US. I believe in equal rights for everyone and in peace. I am Spanish too and I would not like to be a moor in Spain living in those conditions.
I think the reconquest of Spain is an interesting topic. I think during lecture what i found most interesting is the fact that the Almohads wanted to purify Islam, what does that necessarily mean?
I really likes the readings this week. I think it is important for us to realize the background that we come from. I think the articles regarding DNA data and they show that there is a great majority of Jewish descendants in Spain now tells us that the Jewish had a major role in Spain. Just as the Muslims did as well, they can consider themselves Spaniards because they helped change and shape today's society in Spain. I believe Jewish influence can be considered a part of the national identity because of the long lines of families they have today in the Spanish communities.
The articles "Pope Visiting a Changing Spain" and "Spain and Portugal: Neighbors or Strangers?" are quite interesting in comparison to the lecture from this week. "Pope Visiting a Changing Spain" shows how people are not in favor of the Pope visiting because Spain no longer holds a Catholic identity as it did before because it has embraced secularism now. The Pope has now been visiting Spain to "reconquest" Spain and make Spain embrace Catholicism, just as the Christians attempted to reconquest Spain from the Muslims centuries earlier. Since times have changed, people have been protesting the Pope's visit because they have embraced atheism. This relates to how the Christians invaded and defeated the Almohads. The other article, "Spain and Portugal: neighbor or stranger?" is interesting because for a long time, there was no distinction between Spain and Portugal until the 12th century. Still, the countries are very similar in language and culture, but Spain overshadows Portugal. Because of this, people would not mind Portugal and Spain joining and becoming one. At the same time though, it is as though Portugal is a stranger to Spain because the Spanish are not concerned with Portugal and its cultural distinctions or happenings. Maybe someday, any sort of distinction between Portugal and Spain will disappear and Spain and Portugal will merge, since there already are no geographic separations between the two nations anyway.
ReplyDeleteCarlos G. Gutierrez
ReplyDeleteEs increíble de los problemas que suceden a causa de la religión. Los artículos de esta semana estuvieron muy interesantes porque nos enseña de los problemas que existen en España. Como los musulmanes enojados con el gobierno de España por que España les esta dando a los judíos algo que también muchos grupos en España quieren, que es la ciudadanía. También los problemas que renacieron entre los morocos y los españoles por acusaciones de racismo. Por otro lado están los portugueses que sienten que los españoles les dan la espalda, igual se sienten los españoles con respecto a los franceses. Tan cercas viven los españoles a los portugueses que ha habido platicas de que las dos naciones se unan y se hizo la broma de que el equipo de futbol seria muy bueno. Finalmente hablare de la visita del Papa a españa y como había muchos protestantes en contra de el, lo curioso es que esto hace veinte años no hubiera ocurrido.
While reading across the articles, I was shocked by the changing times and how different things are now from in the past. For example, after the Christian Reconquest of Spain, the country has retained a strict form of Catholicism for several hundred years. It was surprise to find out how secular this country has become since then (Spain is one of the least religious countries in Europe now). People have been brought up as Atheist so the role of religion has diminished in Spain and thus the people protest the arrival of the Pope. One major factor that I think are affecting the religious fervor could be the economic woes that have people worrying. In regards to the article about Muslims angered by Spain granting citizenship to descendants of expelled Jews during the 1492 Inquisition, I believe Spain should grant the same rights to Muslims because it wouldn’t be fair. After all, the Christians did have to incorporate both Jews and Muslims into their society after the conquest of Toledo. Next, Spain and Portugal has always been rivals since Portugal fought for its independence from Castile-Leon. However, in recent times people on both sides are supporting a union between the two countries and I am in support of this as well because they could benefit from each other instead of fighting.
ReplyDeleteThis week the reading about the Pope visiting Spain struck me by surprise especially after learning about the Christian Reconquest during lecture. One point that caught my attention is that the Pope visited Spain many more times than any other country. The article suggested that it looked as if the Pope was trying to reconquest Spain once more. Like professor Torecilla said during lecture, the Muslim invasion faced strong resistance because most of the people residing in the Iberian Peninsula saw themselves as Christians. Thus, when the “Loss of Spain” myth was created, the idea grew and created much fervor. However it seems as if the Pope’s idea to reconquest Spain back to its religious self is not spreading. Like the article noted, many protestors stood yelling for the Pope to leave Spain. Spain is now one of the least religious countries in Europe in the sense that the people do not follow religious guides in their everyday lives. Personally, I think it’s very interesting to see this drastic change. Christianity used to be part of the identity in the Iberian Peninsula and now religion is a small part of the identity.
ReplyDeleteThis week’s readings had two flavors: one of Spain’s diminishing power and the other of the inherent conflict between Spanish government, Arabs and Jews. Firstly, the lack of a warm welcome as well as criticism for the Pope on national Youth day expresses the dire conditions in Spain and the changing cultural upbringing for many youth. People would rather allow the corporations hosting the event be disallowed tax breaks to aid the economic situation than to host this event. A key theme here is that Christianity and Catholicism are not considered model religions any more neither is any other single religion. Instead, mixed beliefs incorporating various religions as well as atheism are beginning to govern the way Spanish youth are brought up.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, Muslim’s made a logical claim against Spain when they allowed only expelled Jew descendants to acquire citizenship and not Muslims. They are questioning the Spanish judgment and this instance allows us to see the turmoil that is present in the presently frail government. Another instance that solidifies this notion is that of the conflict between Morocco and Spain over two territories. Yet again, Morocco recognizes the Spanish frailty, and Spain cannot threaten opposition with war due to dire economic situation, thus further weakening their position. This frailty, primarily caused by economic crisis, has paved the way for Moroccans as well as groups such as Muslims to challenge the Spanish government to validate it’s position of authority.
This week’s readings had two flavors: one of Spain’s diminishing power and the other of the inherent conflict between Spanish government, Arabs and Jews. Firstly, the lack of a warm welcome as well as criticism for the Pope on national Youth day expresses the dire conditions in Spain and the changing cultural upbringing for many youth. People would rather allow the corporations hosting the event be disallowed tax breaks to aid the economic situation than to host this event. A key theme here is that Christianity and Catholicism are not considered model religions any more neither is any other single religion. Instead, mixed beliefs incorporating various religions as well as atheism are beginning to govern the way Spanish youth are brought up.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, Muslim’s made a logical claim against Spain when they allowed only expelled Jew descendants to acquire citizenship and not Muslims. They are questioning the Spanish judgment and this instance allows us to see the turmoil that is present in the presently frail government. Another instance that solidifies this notion is that of the conflict between Morocco and Spain over two territories. Yet again, Morocco recognizes the Spanish frailty, and Spain cannot threaten opposition with war due to dire economic situation, thus further weakening their position. This frailty, primarily caused by economic crisis, has paved the way for Moroccans as well as groups such as Muslims to challenge the Spanish government to validate it’s position of authority.
The article “Pope Visits A Changing Spain” was interesting. I come from a Roman Catholic background, and I grew up with my elders respecting and honoring the Pope. In most countries, there is extreme excitement when the Pope visits, especially riding the streets in his popemobile. He is almost like a celebrity-to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. So why were people so offended by his visit to Spain? If they do not believe in the Catholic religion, and they do not support the Pope, then they do not need to attend the procession, and there is certainly no need for protest or violence. A woman states in the article that there were no protests against the Pope even during the revolutionary Post-Franco era, so why is there so much intolerance and defense against the Pope when Spain has become more tolerant of religion?
ReplyDeleteFrancesca Zuccola
Riley Bryson, Discussion 1F
ReplyDeleteOne of this week’s readings highlights certain groups and the tension between them. Many current events arising today stem from both the fact that centuries ago, power over the peninsula was frequently changing hands, and also the heterogeneity that resulted. The article from The Algemeiner focuses on the upset shared by Muslims that Spain now grants instant citizenship to Sephardic Jews. As we learned in lecture, after the invasion of the Muslims the Iberian Peninsula was largely split between Muslims in the South and Christians in the North. However, it is important to remember the strong Jewish presence during this time (and even prior to this), especially in the more heterogeneous region of Al-Andalus. After all, during the 12th century, the two most important cultural figures were Averroes and Maimondes: the former, a Muslim, the latter, a Jew. Considering these two groups’ paralleled histories of expulsion from Spain, Muslims today are very offended by the “flagrant segregation.” Muslims feel that because, like the Jews, their ancestors were also expelled from Spain during the Middle Ages, that as such, Muslim descendents should be equally granted citizenship just like Jews. Thus, even today—centuries later—there is conflict surrounding the different people groups that ruled most powerfully in certain historical periods of the Iberian Peninsula long ago, and the melting pot of cultures and religions that consequently emerged.
On Wednesday’s lecture, Professor Torrecilla discussed the “Reconquest” which led to the beginning of Christian hegemony, during which time the Muslims were expelled from Spain. One of the articles for this week “Muslims Angered by Spain’s Granting Sephardic Jews Path to Citizenship,” discusses the fact that the Spanish government has announced plans to grant automatic citizenship to all Jewish descendants that were expelled from Spain during the 1492 Inquisition. Many Muslims whose ancestors were also expelled from Spain are infuriated that they are not being offered this same privilege, and hence the same respect as the Jewish community. The Muslim community has spoken out against this plan by the Spanish government and deemed it flagrant discrimination. Another article featured this week, “Pope Visits a Changing Spain” discusses the changing ideologies of Spain, as we see the country move from a predominantly Catholic country to an agnostic country. This new wave in the religious make-up of Spain can be seen as a result that for a majority of history the people of Spain were forced to practice Catholicism and know in an attempt to assert their new found freedom they are moving away from the religion that confined them for many years.
ReplyDeleteThe reconquest of Christian kingdoms in the 11th-13th century as mentioned by Professor Torrecilla in lecture brought many problems that can still be seen today. One of them is the fact that Muslims and Jews became part of the kingdom that Christians established in the Iberian Peninsula. Although many people assimilated and lived peacefully with one another, the three different religions created divisions between the people that often times lead to segregation. In the 11th-13th centuries, Christians were seen as warriors and priests while Muslims were seen as cultivators and artisans and Jews as technicians and traders. These divisions can be seen today through the confrontations between Spain and its Muslim and Jew population. Spain has agreed to grant direct citizenship to people who are direct descendants of Jews who were expelled from the country during the 1492 Spanish Inquisition. Never the less, Muslims argue that that same apology should be extended to descendants of Muslims who were expelled during the middle ages. The segregation of people due to religion is still prominent in Spain. As a result, Muslims fight for the same rights as the Jews; they fight against the discrimination that was established during the times of reconquest.
ReplyDeleteI think the article that most interested me is the article “Pope Visits a Changing Spain.” I think what most interests me is that even a country whose history is pretty much entwined with the history of two very powerful religions has started turning towards a more secular view of itself and its people. The power that the Catholic Church and by extent the Pope has over people is absolutely terrifying. The Muslim religion in contrast does not have a direct analogy to the Pope; there is no true central authority figure in the Muslim religion. I think that both of these religions have a very heavy cultural impact in Spain, as such they shouldn’t be eradicated or anything like that. But for one man to be able to decide that two people who love each other can’t get married seems wrong; for one man to be able to decide that a woman who has an abortion to save her life should be condemned to hell is disheartening. Still, from reading the article it seems that even Spain is moving away from the Catholic Church: even Spain, where there are still great Cathedrals, where Christian kingdoms ruled and whose history is tied to two powerful religions. However, I also believe that religious tolerance is important, so while there are still some problems with Muslims, it is encouraging to see Spain issue an apology and grant citizenship to Jews that were expelled during the Inquisition, a period of great intolerance, as demonstrated in the article “Muslims Angered by Spain’s Granting Sephardic Jews Path to Citizenship.”
ReplyDeleteIn the article, “Muslims Angered by Spain’s Granting Sephardic Jews Path to Citizenship” it is expressed that Muslims are upset that Spain is making an effort to reconcile with decedents of Jews that were executed. I feel that it is unfair for Spain to offer a form of apology to the Jews without trying to make the same effort to apologize to the Muslims. Only acknowledging one group and without acknowledging the other can lead to more conflict between the Muslims and Spain. The article expresses how this could jeopardize the investments that Muslims have made on Spain’s territory. I feel that this is a huge consequence as a result of Spain’s decision. In section, we spoke about whether Spain should apologize to the Muslims for expelling them. If Spain offers an apology to the Jews I believe it is equally important for them to offer and apology to the Muslims as well.
ReplyDeleteJazmin Henderson
The article that I would like to discuss is "Pope Visits a Changing Spain." This article interests me because it completely wiped away all my preconceived notions about Spain and Catholicism. With the combination of not knowing much about the current religious state and also studying European History AP in high school, the picture I had in my mind of Spain was probably what most people have: the grand Conquistadors, and religious fanatics. I assume that Spain is still heavily religious and Catholic, after all they were the progenitors of Catholicism in the New World. However, after reading this article I see that the Spanish community is trying very hard to distance themselves from the age old image of fanaticism and actually are overcompensating in the opposite direction by actively protesting Catholicism.
ReplyDeleteWe discussed the first and the second phases of the Reconquest. Between 711-1000 AC, the Muslims in Al Andalus were seen as more advanced and sophisticated than the fragmented Christians in the North. However, after the Christians recaptured Toledo in 1085, the Muslims have proved to be weakened that they had to call for help from North African Muslims. Finally in the second phase of the 11th-13th centuries, the Muslim kingdom was reduced to Granada in the South and we have seen the rebirth of the Portuguese and Castilian kingdoms among others in the North. The article about granting Jews citizenship upon proof of their ancestry of expelled Jews in 1492 angered many Muslims. Muslims believe that Spain should also grant Muslims expelled from the Middle Ages citizenship as well. The article about the loss of Power in Spain due to economic reasons created tension with Morocco over two islands in the Mediterranean. The historic tension between the Muslim North African Morocco and the Christian Spain is manifested today not over a religious conflict but an economic and political level. In the article about how Spain ignores Portugal is paradoxical to the time period we are studying in which the Castilian and Portuguese Kingdoms were reborn in the Reconquest. Today the similar cultures and languages show that 30-40% of both countries are willing to form and Iberian federation.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read the article of the Pope visting Spain since the country has historically been known to be a religious one. Although Catholicism is not as strong as it used to be in Spain, I was intrigued by the fact that the journalist at the end commented by saying that the Pope purposely visited Spain to "reconquer it."
ReplyDeleteHowever, as the article now claims, Spain is a country with "liberal laws" such as gay marriage and abortion. This is something that I thought the Catholic church would have a problem with but was surprised when the article announced that the Church would not condem women who had abortions procedures done.
Clearly both the Church and the State are adapting or at least trying to adapt to the new laws society has accept while simultaneously keeping a tie with a religious community.
The third invasion in the Iberian Peninsula, the Muslim invasion culminated with the Reconquista. During the period of time of Muslim domination, the Iberian Peninsula was divided in two; in the North the Christians had their less develop and fragmented empires and in the south Muslims were unified. However, as a consequence of Muslim fragmentation, they became vulnerable and lost Toledo to the Christians. Also, the homogenous Christian population changed as a result of the Reconquista of territories occupied by Jews and Muslims. In addition, the Christian empires united into three main ones, Aragon, Portugal and Castile. The Reconquista period is still relevant to the political social and cultural issues in the Iberian Peninsula today. The articles reveal the current hostile situation that historical conflicts caused, for example, it is evident that the expulsion of Muslims are causing economical conflicts for Spain. Also, the deep sense of religion that characterized the Iberian Peninsula during the Reconquista has been replaced by the mostly atheistic Spain that protested the Pope’s visit.
ReplyDeletey is Morocco Picking a Fight with Spain?
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to see these internal battles within the Spanish culture and how they affect the other cultures that surround them. One can example can be found in the inner anger that the Spaniards have against the Moroccans and the unfair treatment that they are providing to the Moroccans, the Spaniards are now seeing the repercussions of their actions against them, by causing food shortages for the Spaniards all due to the fight that both countries are going through over the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Those situations aren’t getting any better and are causing Moroccans to become hostile, to the point where they want to prevent Spaniards from getting food resources that they need to survive. This is basically putting the nail in the coffin to the Muslim-Spaniard relations.
Muslims Angered by Spain’s Granting Sephardic Jews Path to Citizenship
The Spanish government is offering citizenship to Jews that were expelled from Spain during Muslim rule. But they will not grant it to Muslims who were expelled from Spain. That is racist to some Muslims. But I want to raise a question, just to play the devils’ advocate game. The article talks about how some Muslim faith followers feel that the Spanish should offer apologies. But I ask, why offer apologies? Weren’t Muslims the ones that invaded the Spanish/Iberian peninsula in 711 A.C., which triggered them, being expelled from Spain? To my understanding, the story goes as Iberian and Canti-berian tribes were in the Iberian peninsula first, but were invaded by the Romans and then invaded by the Visigoths THEN, invaded by the Muslim kingdoms, causing the Spanish Christians to want to regain back their country and expelled them from the Iberian peninsula. So making the invaders, the Muslim people. So why then are Muslims fighting to something that wasn’t even theirs in the first place?
Pope Visits A Changing Spain
Spain’s religion is devaluating in a sense because people are just not that into leading their lives in the ways God would like them to live. I think the fact that this is the case because Spain is such a liberal country, and this influences the choices that people make with regards to their faith. So much has changed in the last 20 years that not even the pope visiting could help mitigate this un-interest in their religion.
Trans-Iberian
Spain and Portugal: Neighbors or Strangers
Spain and Portugal are so close yet so far. But from a couple of years until now, there has been a slight movement towards creating a union, in comparison to before where they couldn’t even stand each other.
y is Morocco Picking a Fight with Spain?
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to see these internal battles within the Spanish culture and how they affect the other cultures that surround them. One can example can be found in the inner anger that the Spaniards have against the Moroccans and the unfair treatment that they are providing to the Moroccans, the Spaniards are now seeing the repercussions of their actions against them, by causing food shortages for the Spaniards all due to the fight that both countries are going through over the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Those situations aren’t getting any better and are causing Moroccans to become hostile, to the point where they want to prevent Spaniards from getting food resources that they need to survive. This is basically putting the nail in the coffin to the Muslim-Spaniard relations.
Muslims Angered by Spain’s Granting Sephardic Jews Path to Citizenship
The Spanish government is offering citizenship to Jews that were expelled from Spain during Muslim rule. But they will not grant it to Muslims who were expelled from Spain. That is racist to some Muslims. But I want to raise a question, just to play the devils’ advocate game. The article talks about how some Muslim faith followers feel that the Spanish should offer apologies. But I ask, why offer apologies? Weren’t Muslims the ones that invaded the Spanish/Iberian peninsula in 711 A.C., which triggered them, being expelled from Spain? To my understanding, the story goes as Iberian and Canti-berian tribes were in the Iberian peninsula first, but were invaded by the Romans and then invaded by the Visigoths THEN, invaded by the Muslim kingdoms, causing the Spanish Christians to want to regain back their country and expelled them from the Iberian peninsula. So making the invaders, the Muslim people. So why then are Muslims fighting to something that wasn’t even theirs in the first place?
Pope Visits A Changing Spain
Spain’s religion is devaluating in a sense because people are just not that into leading their lives in the ways God would like them to live. I think the fact that this is the case because Spain is such a liberal country, and this influences the choices that people make with regards to their faith. So much has changed in the last 20 years that not even the pope visiting could help mitigate this un-interest in their religion.
Trans-Iberian
Spain and Portugal: Neighbors or Strangers
Spain and Portugal are so close yet so far. But from a couple of years until now, there has been a slight movement towards creating a union, in comparison to before where they couldn’t even stand each other.
Claire Lemieux:
ReplyDeleteThis week’s article from The Algemeiner presents an interesting aspect of the continuing conflicts between Christian and Muslim Spaniards, as well as those Muslims outside of Spain whose ancestors were forced out of the Iberian Peninsula during the Reconquista. The general reaction of Muslims to the Spanish government’s decision to grant automatic citizenship to (still) Jewish descendants of all those expelled from Spain in the 1492 Inquisition, but not to Muslims in the same situation, is, not surprisingly, outrage at the “unquestionable discrimination” in this policy. Because of the centuries of Moorish rule (the Caliphate, Taifa kingdoms, Almoravids, Almohades), it seems that the present day, mainly Christian, Spanish government stills views Muslims as a competing power, rather than a persecuted minority. On the other hand, in offering automatic citizenship to the much smaller population of Sephardic Jews, the government appears to be making amends for the past, without having to grant citizenship to the larger population of the Moriscos, who might be more interesting in rocking the boat by asserting their political power. Since the Holocaust, the world seems much more concerned in supporting Jewish people, and respecting their place in the world, while continuing conflicts in the Middle East and the September 11th attacks have created the dominant image in the Western world of Muslims as powerful, violent, and dangerous.
This week I learned a lot of insightful information that is currently occurring in Spain. It is interesting to note that everything that occurs in present day, somehow always ties into history. This can be shown in the articles we have read this week. In the article, Why Is Morocco Picking A Fight With Spain?, shows that just like Christian Spain took advantage of the weakness and fragmentation of Muslim’s Al-Andalus in the 11th century, Morocco is now taking advantage of the weakness of Spain. Moreover, in another article I noted that Spain’s problem of incorporating Jews and Muslim’s after the Reconquest continues today. Currently, Muslims are angered by Spain’s action of granting Sephardic Jews instant citizenship, but not granting citizenship or an apology to Muslims. Going back in history, it is hard to decide if Muslims deserve this opportunity because the Muslims of Al-Andalus before the 11th century did not discriminate against Christians or Jews, but rather were tolerant with their religions. A hard decision continues to haunt the Spanish government with this issue of citizenship, segregation and discrimination.
ReplyDeleteEven though these issues of the past continue today, what has changed throughout history is the religious fanaticism of the Spaniards in the Christian faith. The religious fanaticism of the Crusaders during the Reconquest is not present in Spain today. According to the article, Pope Visits a Changing Spain, today Spain is one of the least religious countries in Europe. This was widely evidenced when the Pope Benedict XVI visited Spain on August 18, 2011 to celebrate World Youth Day. Several protesters wanted the pope out of the country. The end of this religious fanaticism in Spain has changed because of present-day issues of abortion and gay marriage; however, the problems among Muslims, Jews and Christians continue today in Spain.
-Mitzi Marquez-Avila
It seems to be that Spain has had major internal disputes since it’s founding. In class, we have learned about many battles occurring within the last few thousand years. Battles between Christians and Muslims, Romans and (everyone), and more. The Christians have dominated the land for a long period of time, even today. But as time parts from Christ’s time on earth, people are separating from their grown Christian values (including Catholic and other Jesus-centered religions). The rejection of certain religions, and usually religion as a whole, is engulfing the country. The acceptance of the Pope visiting Spain has drastically changed in the last thirty years. This relates to the rejection of Christian and Jewish people is the historical Iberian peninsula. People are (and were) arguing for freedom: the ability to reject certain people based on their beliefs. Sounds like freedom to me.
ReplyDeleteThis weeks lecture was interesting. The division of the kingdoms was in particular strange for me but interesting. Also I have not been to Spain but I have heard that the Camino de Santiago is still a location today and that its a long walk. A friend took the journey and did the whole walk. If I recall correctly it took him 2 months to finish. Some day I want to walk El Camino De Santiago and experience this. In other issues, I find it interesting, brave and necessary for moors to demand for rights and protest. I might disagree with aspects such as blocking entrance of food but I personally believe that moors have as much right to be respected in Spain. A moor is as Spanish as a non-Moor Spanish. Moors play a large role in the history of Spain; they are responsible for part of the economy, culture, architecture, ect...GO MOORS.. and I am not just saying this because I live in the US. I believe in equal rights for everyone and in peace. I am Spanish too and I would not like to be a moor in Spain living in those conditions.
ReplyDeleteI think the reconquest of Spain is an interesting topic. I think during lecture what i found most interesting is the fact that the Almohads wanted to purify Islam, what does that necessarily mean?
ReplyDeleteI really likes the readings this week. I think it is important for us to realize the background that we come from. I think the articles regarding DNA data and they show that there is a great majority of Jewish descendants in Spain now tells us that the Jewish had a major role in Spain. Just as the Muslims did as well, they can consider themselves Spaniards because they helped change and shape today's society in Spain. I believe Jewish influence can be considered a part of the national identity because of the long lines of families they have today in the Spanish communities.
ReplyDelete