What were the consequences for Muslims after the Reconquista?

After the Reconquista, Muslims in Spain faced forced conversions, expulsion, or life as second-class citizens.

The Reconquista, which culminated in 1492 with the fall of Granada, marked the end of Muslim rule in Spain and the beginning of a difficult period for the remaining Muslim population. The Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, initially allowed religious freedom for Muslims. However, this policy changed dramatically over the next few decades.

In 1499, the Archbishop of Toledo, Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros, initiated a brutal campaign of forced conversions in Granada. This sparked a rebellion, which was harshly suppressed, and led to a royal decree in 1502 that all Muslims in Castile either convert to Christianity or leave. This policy was extended to Aragon in 1526. The conversions were often superficial, and many Muslims continued to practice Islam in secret, becoming known as Moriscos.

The Moriscos were viewed with suspicion by the Christian majority, who believed they were secretly conspiring with the Ottoman Empire and Barbary pirates. This led to a series of Morisco revolts in the 16th century, which were brutally suppressed. The Moriscos were increasingly marginalised and discriminated against, and many were forced into poverty and menial jobs.

In 1609, King Philip III ordered the expulsion of all Moriscos from Spain. This was a traumatic event, with many Moriscos being killed or dying from hardship during their forced exodus. The expulsion also had significant economic consequences, as the Moriscos had been an important part of the agricultural workforce.

In conclusion, the Reconquista led to a period of intense persecution for Muslims in Spain. They were forced to convert to Christianity, live as second-class citizens, or face expulsion. Despite these hardships, many managed to maintain their Islamic faith and cultural traditions, a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity.