The Moors were a diverse group of Muslim people from North Africa who played a significant role in the history of the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) during the Middle Ages, particularly from the 8th to the 15th century. The term “Moor” is a broad historical designation rather than a precise racial or ethnic category.
Ethnic Background:
The Moors were primarily composed of the following groups:
- Berbers (Amazigh): The indigenous people of North Africa, who formed a significant part of the Moorish population. Berbers played a leading role in the early Islamic conquests of Spain.
- Arabs: Following the Islamic expansion, Arabs from the Arabian Peninsula also became part of the Moorish society. Many of the leaders and rulers in Moorish Spain (known as Al-Andalus) were of Arab descent.
- Sub-Saharan Africans: There were also sub-Saharan Africans, particularly from regions like the Sahel, who were integrated into Moorish society, often through trade, migration, or as part of the military.
Race and Identity:
The Moors were a racially mixed group with diverse appearances, ranging from lighter-skinned Berbers and Arabs to darker-skinned individuals from sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the term “Moor” does not refer to a single race but rather to a cultural and religious identity that encompassed a wide range of ethnic backgrounds.
In historical texts, “Moor” often referred to Muslims from North Africa or, more broadly, any Muslims in medieval Europe, regardless of their specific ethnicity.
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