The Deep-Rooted Ties between Portugal and Islam by Paige Benner

Often when Americans think of Europe as a whole, they often associate Christianity and colonization. While this is often the case, there are beautiful cultures that lie within the minority of people in these areas. This concept is especially true in Lisbon, Portugal, a city I was lucky to study abroad in for the month of June this past summer. While I was there, the city’s architecture sparked my curiosity about Muslim culture in the region. Although Islam is no longer the most prominent religion in the area, the county as a whole still has strong reflections of its Islamic past, particularly in its language, cuisine, architecture, and agriculture. As past Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa so elegantly stated, “Islam is in Portugal’s soul”.

At the start of the 8th century, Muslims originating from North Africa sailed to the areas of Portugal and Spain, ruling for 5 centuries. The 8th to the 13th century around the world is often taught in history as being tumultuous between the Abrahamic religions, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. While this was true in many parts of the world, Portugal and Spain were places where the three groups could coexist peacefully in an area called Gharb Al-Andalus. During this time, the religions created and fostered a unique culture that is preserved today. However, in 1496, King Manuel I of Portugal made an attempt to expel all Muslims and Jews from his kingdom, seemingly ending the period of coexistence in Al-Andalus. Most of these Muslims fled to North Africa, fearing their lives.

Despite this, Muslims who stayed in the area persisted and Islamic culture can be seen today as a result of this. For example, architecture in many areas of the country is heavily influenced by Islamic architecture, with Moroccan inspiration in many homes. An example of this influence is in the design of chimneys and decorative trim above doors. Portugal is also heavily decorated with hand painted ornamental tiles, called azulejos (which comes from the Arabic word alzulayi, meaning polished stone). They adorn the entire city, from museums and businesses to homes and churches. Additionally, Portugal is an economy with a heavy reliance on agricultural exports, and Iberian originated fields of almonds, apricots, carobs, figs, lemons, olives, oranges, sugar, spices, and other vegetables were able to flourish.

My experience visiting the Muslim community in Lisbon was beautiful and informative. As a non-Muslim, I was welcomed into the Lisbon community’s mosque with open arms and a smile. Two other women on the trip attended the Central Mosque of Lisbon with me. As we approached the mosque, we were struck by the beauty of the blue and yellow tiles decorating the entrance, with large Arabic text above the large wooden doors indicating we were in the right place.^[2] As we were approaching the mosque, I was originally nervous to go inside. With my very limited knowledge (and horrible pronunciation) of Portuguese, I was afraid to disrespect those inside. There was a woman in a hijab behind us on the street about to open the door, and I mustered up the courage to ask, “Você fala inglês?” or “Do you speak English?”. She unfortunately didn’t but was kind enough to find someone inside who did. While I had planned on visiting the mosque and packed a scarf to use as a hijab, my friends were not prepared. However, they once again smiled and brought a handful of options for them to choose from and helped them put on the hijab properly.

The man who was showing us around and telling us the history of the mosque spoke little English, and mainly communicated by pointing and hand gestures. (Thank goodness for Google translate!) The mosque was heavily influenced by Moroccan architecture and decorations and was covered in the painted tiles that makes Portugal so unique. It comprised two domes, a prayer hall, reception halls, an auditorium, and four minarets. The main prayer hall’s dome is decorated with the 99 Names of Allah. As we toured, he explained that the main function of the mosque is not to pray but serves as a central location for Muslims to eat, learn, and converse with others in the community. Overall, it was a beautiful and informative experience, and we met several men and women who worked in the mosque who shared their lives with us.

If you are going to Portugal in the near future, I have a few sight-seeing recommendations for you that show the Islamic history and significance of the Muslim community. First of course, is the Central Mosque of Lisbon. Second, is the Saint George Castle and the Castle of the Moors, which were built by Muslims in the 8th century for protection purposes. Finally, the city of Silves was a center of culture, commerce, and knowledge for Muslims during the 8th-13th century. You may be surprised at how much of Portuguese history is influenced by Muslims throughout time!

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Paige Benner is a Senior at the O’Neill school studying Policy Analysis with a minor in Education Analysis. She is also a research assistant for 2 projects centered on civic activity and faith-based organizations in the non-profit sector. At IU, she also serves as the Secretary-General for IndianaMUNC XI, and enjoys making and selling art.