Al-Andalus: Society, Economy, and Politics in Islamic Spain
Al-Andalus: A Diverse and Heterogeneous Population
Al-Andalus had a very diverse population. In addition to the Goths, there were invading Muslims, a majority of whom were Berbers from North Africa, settled in the poorest areas of Hispania. During the most flourishing period of the Caliphate, the population reached five million due to the general economic progress of Al-Andalus. Some Goths remained Christian, but most converted to Islam, and were called renegades or Muladi. Christians and Jews enjoyed a certain autonomy and could practice their religion.
Political Organization
The Caliph represented the maximum authority in Al-Andalus. He exercised absolute power in the political arena and was the spiritual leader of all Islamic believers. Below the Caliph was the Hachib, a kind of prime minister, and at a lower level, the viziers, who can be considered secondary ministers. Revenue was based on alms contributed by Muslims and taxes levied on Mozarabs and Jews. Justice was carried out by the Qadis, who were required to have a thorough understanding of Islam’s holy texts, as well as possessing virtues such as dignity. The army was comprised of fighters on horseback. The maximum commander was the deputy of the Caliph, and under his order came a lesser commander, the Caid. Al-Andalus was divided into Cora, the equivalent of modern-day provinces, each with a governor at its head, and these were further divided into districts.
Economy
Muslims boosted agriculture with irrigation practices, introducing innovations such as the water wheel, while also disseminating crops such as rice. It is important to note that livestock farming focused on the breeding of sheep and horses. Pig breeding had retreated due to the Koranic prohibition. Manufacturing output was enormous. The textile industry was very important, producing linen fabrics and brocades. There were also very important factories producing ceramics, weapons, paper, glass, leatherwork, and precious metals.
Trade was aided by the coinage of two types of coins. Internal trade was conducted in the souks of cities, where bazaars occupied a privileged position, selling high-quality products. Al-Andalus also maintained intense foreign trade with both other Islamic countries and Europe. It exported agricultural products, minerals, and textiles, and imported spices and luxury goods from the Middle East, as well as gold and slaves from Sudan.
Social Organization
Important cities included Madrid, Calatayud, and Almeria. The most important was undoubtedly Cordoba, which had a large population. This city had a trade in books and slaves. From a social viewpoint, there were aristocratic families of Arab origin, although there were also Visigoth lineages. On the opposite side were the masses, both rural and urban, consisting of artisans and peasants. Eventually, an emerging middle class was constituted by merchants and foreign slaves.
Roman Religion
Roman religion was based on official deities, the worship of the emperor, and gods related to the business cycle. The big news was the introduction of Christianity, born of the Jews, to Hispania, which arrived before the end of the first century.