With the conquest of Granada, in 1491, by the Castilian troops, a new chapter begins in the history of the area, as the independent Muslim presence in the Iberian peninsula is coming to an end. On the basis of the conditions of the ensuing capitulation, the losers were able to sell their property and to immigrate safely to areas where the Islamic element dominated. At the same time, the whole of Muslim population of Granada had the opportunity, if he wished, to remain on Spanish territory, maintaining the Islamic and religious context in his life. In order to do this, however, the following terms were set: to recognize the power of the kings and nobles who have now dominated the region, to release Christian prisoners, to pay taxes to the young lords and to surrender all the gunpowder they had.
The relationship of this type, between Christian kings and Muslim slaves, had been shaped throughout the Middle Ages both in Castille and Aragon. In fact, from the 11th century onwards it had allowed the coexistence of a different population religion – though it was not completely free of conflict.
Between 1491 and 1493, about 10,000 people migrated to North Africa.
Although there is no accurate data on the Muslim population that chose to leave Granada, it is estimated that between 1491 and 1493, about 10,000 people migrated to North Africa.
As for the other choice, that of the peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims in the terms described, it failed to last long. According to the conditions of the capitulation, the city church was able to initiate an attempt to proselytize with mild means. Head of the effort was the Spanish clergyman and consultant of Queen Isabella of Castile, Ernado Talavra, who sought to spread Christianity to the Muslim elites. But it did not have immediate and tangible results.
Thus, in 1499 it was replaced by Cardinal Hymeneth of Thisner, who applied a much more dynamic policy (including forced measures) to convert to the Catholicism The children of those who were embracing Islam. The actions of Cardinal Tisneros caused tension, culminating in the uprisings in Albaisin and Alpuhara, who were stifled by the army of Count Tediya. The uprising and its defeat in 1501 were the trigger that the Christian authorities needed to claim that the Muslims had violated the agreements that had been made.
Deportation was not an essential alternative as there were significant restrictions on age and the place of expulsion.
In this context, on February 14, 1502, a decree was issued that the Muslims of Granada would either change religion or were expelled from the Kingdom of Castile. However, deportation was not an essential alternative as there were significant restrictions on both age – under 14 years of age could not leave Castille – as well as in the place of expulsion as the selected part they could leave. were exclusively the ports of Viscaya in the north Spain.
Given the difficulties of such a long and dangerous journey for themselves and for their goods, many were forced to change. In this way, the Castilian Mundechares, as the Muslim populations in the area were known, officially embraced Christianity.
Column: Myrto Katsigera, Vassilis Minakakis, Antigoni-Despina Poumenidou, Athanasios Syroplakis
