Identity and Violence in Early Modern Granada: Conversos and Moriscos

Tanja Zakrzewski argues that Conversos and Moriscos used similar arguments and rhetorical strategies to establish and defend their place in Spanish society, emphasizing their honor, authority, and loyalty as true Spaniards despite their New Christian heritage. Her book explores their history and how their notions of honor and hispanidad shaped their socio-cultural identities during the Alpujarras Rebellion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Identity and Violence in Early Modern Granada: Conversos and Moriscos, by Tanja Zakrzewski, explores the similarities and differences between Conversos and Moriscos, two distinct sociocultural groups within Spanish society during the early modern period. Zakrzewski argues that despite their differences, Conversos and Moriscos employed similar arguments and rhetorical strategies to establish and defend their place within society. Both groups relied on contemporary notions of honor, authority, and loyalty to emphasize their Spanish identity, despite their New Christian heritage. The book offers an entangled narrative of their history and examines how their notions of honor and hispanidad shaped their socio-cultural identities during the Alpujarras Rebellion.

Conversos and Moriscos were two distinct sociocultural groups within Spanish society during the early modern period. Conversos were individuals who had converted to Christianity from Judaism or Islam, while Moriscos were individuals who had converted to Christianity from Islam but had retained some aspects of their Islamic culture and religion. Despite their differences, Conversos and Moriscos shared many similarities in terms of their social status, economic opportunities, and cultural practices.

One of the key similarities between Conversos and Moriscos was their reliance on contemporary notions of honor, authority, and loyalty to establish and defend their place within society. Both groups believed that they were true Spaniards and that their New Christian heritage was a source of pride and strength. They used these notions to justify their actions and to defend their rights against discrimination and persecution.

Another similarity between Conversos and Moriscos was their emphasis on hispanidad, or Spanishness. Both groups believed that they were part of a larger Spanish community and that their cultural practices and traditions were essential to the preservation of Spanish identity. They used hispanidad to promote their cultural heritage and to assert their rights as Spanish citizens.

However, there were also significant differences between Conversos and Moriscos. Conversos were often viewed as outsiders by the Spanish population, and they faced discrimination and persecution throughout the early modern period. Moriscos, on the other hand, were generally accepted as part of the Spanish community and were allowed to practice their religion and cultural practices.

One of the main reasons for the differences between Conversos and Moriscos was the political and religious context of the early modern period. The Spanish Inquisition was a powerful institution that persecuted individuals who were suspected of heresy or other religious offenses. Conversos were often targeted by the Inquisition, and many were forced to convert to Christianity or face persecution. Moriscos, on the other hand, were generally exempt from the Inquisition and were allowed to practice their religion and cultural practices.

Despite these differences, Conversos and Moriscos continued to interact with each other and to influence each other's cultural practices. Conversos brought their own cultural traditions and practices to Spain, while Moriscos brought their own cultural traditions and practices from the Islamic world. This interaction led to the development of a unique Spanish culture that was influenced by both Conversos and Moriscos.

One of the most significant aspects of Conversos and Moriscos' cultural practices was their music. Conversos and Moriscos had a rich musical tradition that included a variety of instruments, including the guitar, violin, and flute. They also had a unique style of music that was influenced by both Spanish and Islamic music. This music was used to express their emotions and to celebrate their cultural heritage.

In addition to their music, Conversos and Moriscos also had a rich literary tradition. Conversos wrote a variety of works, including poetry, novels, and plays, that reflected their experiences and their cultural heritage. Moriscos also wrote a variety of works, including poetry, novels, and plays, that reflected their experiences and their cultural heritage.

Despite their similarities and differences, Conversos and Moriscos faced many challenges during the early modern period. The Spanish Inquisition was a powerful institution that persecuted individuals who were suspected of heresy or other religious offenses. Moriscos were also often discriminated against by the Spanish population, and they were forced to live in segregated communities.

In response to these challenges, Conversos and Moriscos developed a variety of strategies to defend their rights and to promote their cultural heritage. Conversos used their knowledge of Spanish law and their connections with the Spanish government to defend their rights against discrimination and persecution. Moriscos used their knowledge of Islamic law and their connections with the Islamic community to defend their rights against discrimination and persecution.

In conclusion, Identity and Violence in Early Modern Granada: Conversos and Moriscos, by Tanja Zakrzewski, explores the similarities and differences between Conversos and Moriscos, two distinct sociocultural groups within Spanish society during the early modern period. Zakrzewski argues that despite their differences, Conversos and Moriscos employed similar arguments and rhetorical strategies to establish and defend their place within society. Both groups relied on contemporary notions of honor, authority, and loyalty to emphasize their Spanish identity, despite their New Christian heritage. The book offers an entangled narrative of their history and examines how their notions of honor and hispanidad shaped their socio-cultural identities during the Alpujarras Rebellion.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666915341