Moorish rule began in 711 when the Umayyad forces led by Tariq ibn Ziyad crossed the Strait of Gibraltar from North Africa and quickly conquered most of the Iberian Peninsula, which was then under the control of the Visigothic Kingdom. The Umayyad emirate, later caliphate, was established in Córdoba and expanded its rule to cover most of the peninsula.
The Moorish rule is known for its cultural and intellectual flourishing, as well as for its military and political achievements. The Moors introduced many new technologies, innovations and cultural practices to the Iberian Peninsula, including the use of paper, the astrolabe, the windmill, the introduction of citrus crops and the development of sophisticated irrigation systems. They also established many madrasas (schools) and centers of learning, which became hubs of intellectual activity and scholarship.
The Moorish rule also had a profound impact on the religious and social life of the region. The presence of Muslims, Christians, and Jews in the Iberian Peninsula led to a rich cultural exchange and mutual influence. However, there were also periods of religious conflict and persecution, particularly during the later centuries of Moorish rule.
The end of Moorish rule came in 1492 with the conquest of the last remaining Muslim kingdom, Granada, by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. This marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as the start of the Spanish Inquisition and the expulsion of Jews and Muslims from the region.
The legacy of Moorish rule in the Iberian Peninsula can still be seen in various aspects of its culture and heritage. The architectural wonders of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, and other historical sites stand as reminders of the grandeur and sophistication of Moorish civilization. The Spanish language itself has many words of Arabic origin, and many culinary traditions and customs in the region have Moorish influences.
In conclusion, Moorish rule in the Iberian Peninsula was a significant period that had a lasting impact on the region's history, culture, and society. It was a period of great achievements, cultural exchange, and religious diversity, but also of conflict and persecution. The legacy of Moorish rule continues to shape the identity and heritage of the Iberian Peninsula to this day.