Interview with Jason Webster: Author of ‘Andalus’

It was an absolute pleasure to talk with Jason Webster (author and historian) about his book ‘Andalus’, and to ask him more about the history and impact of Moorish rule on Spain.

In his book, Jason states: “In the year 711 a small Moorish force led by the commander Tariq crossed the Strait of Gibraltar. ‘Moor’ was the term often used to describe the Muslims in Spain - an ethically diverse group comprising Arabs, Berbers, Syrians, Persians and eventually Spaniards themselves.”

In 1492 the Moors were expelled from Spain, but the influence they exerted in 700 years of rule was massive. They integrated into Spanish life and culture, and vice versa. It was a melting pot and the result was a diverse, highly sophisticated and culturally rich society.

I will also be reading Jason’s more recent book ‘Violencia: A New History of Spain: Past, Present and Future of the West, in order to explore the subject in more detail.

The longer version of the interview is on my YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UCu-MxHD4_CEczU6RBrDFW0A