Scholar examines how medieval Muslim Spain shaped modern Europe's relationship with Islam

The fall of Al-Andalus, the Islamic civilization that flourished in medieval Spain for nearly eight centuries, left an indelible mark on European history and identity that resonates today, according to a new examination of Europe's relationship with its Muslim past. The period, which ended with the final Christian reconquest in 1492, witnessed centuries of cultural exchange, coexistence, and conflict that fundamentally shaped European institutions, knowledge systems, and cultural practices. Yet despite this shared history, the documentary argues that Muslims remain largely treated as external to European identity in modern times. Scholars interviewed suggest the erasure of Al-Andalus from European historical consciousness has contributed to contemporary misconceptions about Islam and Muslim communities on the continent. The analysis raises questions about how societies construct collective memory and whether acknowledging Europe's multicultural Islamic heritage might shift contemporary attitudes toward Muslim minorities. By tracing this historical arc from medieval Iberia to present-day European cities, the project examines the disconnect between historical reality and modern perceptions of Muslim belonging in Europe.