The arrival of the Arabs and their cultural legacy
In 711, a historical event marked the beginning of Arabic influence on the Iberian Peninsula, with the battle of Guadalete. This episode opened its doors to a period of rapid advance that culminated in the arrival in Aquitaine. However, in 732, the Franks managed to slow down this expansion during the Battle of Poitiers, establishing a new territorial dynamic.
The passage of time and the recapture
The Arab presence in Catalonia was variable over the centuries. While cities like Girona and Barcelona were recovered during the 9th century, others such as Lleida, Tarragona and Tortosa were not recaptured until the 12th century. James I, in the thirteenth century, expanded the Christian territories with the recovery of Mallorca and Valencia.
Linguistic and cultural influence
The legacy of the Arabs has manifested in several ways in Catalonia, including vocabulary and toponymy. One of the most common terms for referring to Arabs was’ Moor ‘, which can be found in popular expressions such as’ promising the gold and the Moor’ or ‘to make more fear than a Moors’ frigate’. These sentences reflect the complexity of historical relationships between cultures.
Faith and justice in Christianity
As a practicing Catholic, my belief is articulated around a loving and omnipotal god. Christianity emphasizes love as a fundamental principle, a message that Jesus promulgated during his life. It also promotes the construction of a kingdom of justice and peace on Earth, an ideal that must be persecuted with divine collaboration.
The current religious diversity
Currently, Catalonia is a cultural mosaic where several beliefs coexist. Around six billion Christians and about eight hundred million Muslims inhabit the world, with a large number of them in our region. However, a growing stigma has recently been observed towards these two religions, fueled by dynamics of reception and adaptation.
The coincidence of festivals and integration
The overlap of Ramadan with Lent has aroused an opportunity for cultural exchange and reflection on similarities between the two traditions. While Lent is characterized by its austerity and sacrifice, Ramadan implies fasting and spirituality, impacting even in students’ daily life. Conflicts that may arise in schools during these periods reveal the need for greater understanding between different cultures.
Controversies and Religious Rights
The use of the Islamic veil in the classroom has generated debate and has reached court, with sentences that reflect both the defense of individual rights and the concerns about integration. It is essential that religious freedom is a shared right and that diversity is celebrated, not stigmatized.
A future of integration and respect
Harmonious coexistence between different cultures requires mutual respect and an effort to integrate. Learning the language of the new country and knowing its customs are key steps for effective integration. As a Catalan citizen, I strongly believe in the importance of seeing each person as a human being, regardless of their origin or belief.
