Mezquitas en al-Andalus: un espacio entre las comunidades y el poder

Abstract

Apart from a religious function, mosques had a very important social and political role. And, while the aljama mosque might be considered as an element which represents political power in each city, local mosques drew together different segments of the population. These groups could have followed a familial criterion in the first epoch of al-Andalus so that later, social-professional models would hold sway, as was the case in the farmstead district mosques. This paper considers the relationships held by these mosque communities and their role in connection with State. Finally, the system of finance of the mosques is looked at, since a significant part of Muslim foundations (habices) is brought together, which stood out in terms of their economic, social and political roles.