Soccer Dad

It wasn't 800 years it was 436, and it was peaceful if you consider a "convert or die" ultimatum peaceful

A recent Washington Post editorial about the "Ground Zero mosque" observed:

It's fine that Imam Rauf decided to call his organization the Cordoba Initiative; Cordova, Spain is an important place of history that merits study and draws tourists to Spain. But any serious statement on Cordova would at least recognize the obvious fact -- that relations among the religions in Cordova were not equal, and that the Muslims at that time considered non-Muslims "dhimmi," meaning second class citizens. Instead,Imam Rauf's reference chose to omit this, declaring instead that that era was marked with "tolerance, inclusiveness and respect." and that Muslims "..honored knowledge and fostered intellectual pursuits." The words "subjugation" and "threats" do not appear.

Well, actually the Post's editorial on the topic said nothing about the misuse of the name Cordoba to show tolerance. What I "quoted" above was paraphrased from an editorial rightly criticizing Gov. McDonnell of Virginia for his declaration of Confederate History month and omitting any reference to slavery.

Rather, the Post's editorial A vote for religious freedom: N.Y. panel clears way for mosque near Ground Zero asserts:

The $100 million Cordoba House takes its name from the medieval Spanish city where Muslims, Jews and Christians lived in peace for 800 years. The developers promise to act in that spirit by bringing people together in peace, healing and collaboration at a center that would include a 500-seat auditorium, art exhibition space, a swimming pool and retail space. It would also include a mosque. This sparked vocal opposition not only in New York but throughout the country.

First of all the Jewish (and Christian) presence in Cordova ended in 1147 century C.E. You see the previous Muslim rulers at that time were replaced by the Almohads from northern Africa. Rather than tolerating non-Muslims, the Almohads offered them a choice "convert or die." So many Jews - including the family of the Rambam (Maimonides) - left.

Second of all, while Jews (and Christians) were tolerated before then, their presence didn't exactly demonstrate Western enlightenment. (h/t to Robert Avrech for pointing this out)

A Cordoba House in Canada offers the same whitewashed version of history that Imam Rauf wishes to peddle and that the editors of the Washington Post gullibly swallow:

The Muslims that governed southern Spain developed an inclusive administrative culture, and the face of public life was diverse. Christians served as administrators, governors and advisors to the Caliphs. Both Jews and Christians were able to practice their faiths with complete freedom and were granted the right to administer separate courts to uphold their biblical traditions and laws. The atmosphere of tolerance, inclusiveness and respect witnessed in Cordoba inspired erudition in the multiple religious traditions in Cordoba. Christian, Jewish and Muslim scholars gathered to translate and subsequently to revive the traditions of the classic Greek philosophers at a time when the rest of the world lay stagnate in feudalistic traditions and overpowering monarchies. Cordoba became the centre of Jewish intellectual endeavors, being home to some of the most influential poets and commentators of the middle ages, such as Judah Halevi, and Maimonides.

In truth, Jewish (and presumably Christian) life in Cordova was a little less romantic:

The occupation of Iberia by the Moors was a welcome occurrence for a well pummeled and remaining Jewish population. Of course the Muslims were not completely tolerant, but they were more tolerant than the rulers of the previous administration. Under the ruling Caliph (the descendant of Mohammed--the prophet of G-d on earth), the Jews were able to preserve their rites and traditions. Peaceful coexistence led to their economic and social expansion. Their status was that of Dhimmis, non-Muslims living in a land governed by Muslims. The Jews had limited autonomy, but full rights to practice their religion, as well as full protection by their Muslim rulers; but this did not occur for free. There was a specific tax called the jizya that Dhimmis had to pay to receive these benefits. Having its origin in the Qur'an, it states Dhimmis who did not pay this tax, should either convert to Islam, or face the death penalty (Qur'an 9, 29). This tax, higher than the tax Muslims had to pay, was in several occasions one of the most important sources of income for the kingdom. The jizya was not only a tax, but also a symbolic expression of subordination (Lewis 14).

So yes, things were better for Jews in southern Spain under Islamic rule, but it was hardly the model of tolerance and understanding that the editors of the Post advertise. If one takes the proper lesson from the name of "Cordoba," it is that Islam wishes to subjugate non-Muslims. It's a shame that the Post's editors, in their attempt to justify the building of the Islamic Center, fail to hold Imam Rauf to the same standard that they held Governor McDonnell.

Tolerance is a two way street.

Crossposted on Yourish.