Background Forced conversions of Muslims in Spain

the capitulation of granada francisco pradilla ortiz (1848–1921), depicting 1492 surrender of granada, last muslim-ruled kingdom in spain.

islam has been present in spain since umayyad conquest of hispania in eighth century. @ beginning of twelfth century, muslim population in iberian peninsula — called al-andalus muslims — estimated number high 5.5 million; among these arabs, berbers , indigenous converts. in next few centuries, christians pushed north in process called reconquista, muslim population declined. @ end of fifteenth century, reconquista culminated in fall of granada, muslim population of spain estimated between 500,000 , 600,000 out of total spanish population of 7 8 million. approximately half of muslims lived in former emirate of granada, last independent muslim state in spain, had been annexed crown of castile. 20,000 muslims lived in other territories of castile, , of remainder lived in territories of crown of aragon. these muslims living under christian rule known mudéjars.

in initial years after conquest of granada, muslims in granada , elsewhere continued enjoy freedom of religion. right guaranteed in various legal instruments, including treaties, charters, capitulations, , coronation oaths. example, treaty of granada (1491) guaranteed religious tolerance muslims of conquered granada. kings of aragon, including king ferdinand ii , charles v, swore protect muslims religious freedom in oaths of coronation.

three months after conquest of granada, in 1492, alhambra decree ordered jews in spain expelled or converted; marked beginning of intolerant policies. in 1497, spain s western neighbor portugal expelled jewish , muslim populations, arranged spain s cardinal cisneros in exchange royal marriage contract. unlike jews, portuguese muslims allowed relocate overland spain, , did.