History of Islam in SpainImage Credit source: Getty Images
When the Spanish team created history by becoming champion on the field of FIFA World Cup 2026, the eyes of the whole world were fixed on this European country. The past of Spain, which today proves its dominance on the sports field, has gone through such a historical turn, which not only changed the geography of this country, but also changed its entire religious fabric forever. This is the story of the end of the Islamic Empire from Spain, where the minarets of mosques once echoed, but a time came when the last Muslim ruler of the empire had to kneel down, hundreds of mosques were converted back into churches and the identity of an entire society was changed. Let us know how the once most powerful Muslim empire came to an end forever from the land of Spain.
How did Islamic rule begin in Spain?
Islam began in Spain in the year 711 AD, when the armies of the Umayyad Caliphate conquered the Iberian Peninsula. After this, Muslim rulers established control over large parts of Spain. For the next several hundred years, Spain became a major center of science, education, agriculture and trade under the rule of Muslim rulers. The city of Granada was counted among the most developed and prosperous cities of the world at that time.
Find Your Mulank with a Simple Calculation
Check Your Moolank
How did Grenada become the last bastion of Muslim rule?
During the 11th and 12th centuries, Almoravid and later Almohad rulers from North Africa ruled many parts of Spain. But with time the Christian states gradually started expanding their territories. The Emirate of Granada was established in 1238. As the Christian armies advanced, large numbers of Muslim populations from the rest of Spain began to settle in Granada. For this reason Granada became the most important center of Muslim culture, education and governance.
Also read: Know the religion of Lamin Yamal, the Spanish player whom Lionel Messi fed in his lap.
How did Muslim rule end in 1492?
By the end of the 15th century, King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile had consolidated their kingdoms. Together they conducted the last military campaign against Grenada. After the Granada War that lasted for nearly 10 years, on January 2, 1492, Boabdil, the last Moor ruler of Granada, surrendered. With this, the Muslim rule that had been going on in Spain for almost eight centuries was defeated. This incident is included among the most important events in history.
What happened to the mosques?
After Christian rule was established over Grenada, major changes began at the religious and administrative level. Many major mosques were converted into churches.
Who was King Ferdinand V?
King Ferdinand V, known to history as Ferdinand the Catholic or Ferdinand II of Aragon, is considered one of the rulers who played an important role in the formation of modern Spain. He was born in 1452 and, along with his wife Queen Isabella I, laid the foundation for the political unification of Spain. The Grenada victory is considered to be one of his greatest military achievements.
How much Muslim population is there in Spain now?
Spain is a democratic and religious freedom country. Christianity is the largest religion here, while Islam is considered the second largest religion. At present the total population of Spain is around 4.9 crores. According to demographic reports, there are about 25 lakh to 30 lakh Muslims living in the country, which is about 5 percent of the total population. Most of the Muslims living in Spain are originally from Morocco. Apart from this, there is also a significant number of people from countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Algeria, Senegal and Mali.
Also read: Which religion’s people live in Spain, which won the FIFA World Cup? What is the number of Hindus and their temples?
