Inquiries Filed Under:

Islamic Spain

About the inquiry

This inquiry provides students with an introduction to a historical example of religious tolerance and cooperation as it evolved in Islamic Spain, also known as Al-Andalus. Muslims settled in Spain and took control from Christian Visigoths in the 8th century. Over the six centuries of Muslim rule in Spain, Muslims, Jews, and Christians lived side by side, sometimes in conflict but more often in harmony. This inquiry examines the establishment of Al-Andalus as an emirate of the Umayyad Caliphate and later as a caliphate of its own in 926 CE. The inquiry provides students with an opportunity to examine the establishment of the caliphate of Córdoba as a center of knowledge, innovation, and religious tolerance.

Compelling Question

Was the Caliphate of Córdoba a Success?

Staging Question

Using the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week as a context, students discuss the role of dialogue among people of different religious faiths.

Supporting Question

How did Muslims come to rule Spain?

Formative Tasks

Make a timeline of events related to the spread of Islam into Spain.

Sources

Source A: Map bank: Establishment and growth of the Islamic Empire and caliphate of Córdoba <br /> Source B: Letter proclaiming Abd al-Rahman III caliph, 929 CE

Supporting Question

How was Córdoba a center of learning and innovation?

Formative Tasks

List examples of learning and innovation in Córdoba.

Sources

Source A: Source bank: Descriptions of Córdoba as a center of learning<br /> Source B: Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi’s surgical instruments<br /> Source C: Drawing of Abbas ibn Firnas flying

Supporting Question

What was the Great Mosque of Córdoba?

Formative Tasks

Write a paragraph about the architectural and cultural significance of the Great Mosque of Córdoba.

Sources

Source A: Image bank: The Great Mosque

Supporting Question

How were Christians and Jews treated in Córdoba?

Formative Tasks

Make a claim with evidence about the experiences of Christians and Jews in Córdoba.

Sources

Source A: Image of Abd al-Rahman III receiving the ambassador<br /> Source B: Excerpted letter from Hasdai ibn Shaprut, 10th century

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Present the argument in an interfaith dialogue about the history of the caliphate of Córdoba.

Taking Informed Action

Understand: Determine the extent to which Muslims, Jews, and Christians are represented in a nearby community.

Assess: Identify ways that Muslims, Jews, and Christians coexist in a nearby community today.

Act: Invite a knowledgeable representative from each of the three religions to clarify and explain cultural traditions.

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