Mudejar - Definition and Overview

Mudejar Medieval Spanish corruption of the Arabic word "Mudajjan" مدجن, meaning "domesticated".

The term means "those who accepted submission" to non Muslim authorities in lands taken over by Christians in the Mediterranean.

The most common use of the term was in Spain, during and after the Spanish Reconquista, when large numbers of Spanish Muslims remained under Christian rule.

Their distinctive style is still evident in architecture, music, art, and crafts.

After the fall of Granada in January of 1492, Mudejars kept their status for sometime. However, they were forced to convert to Christianity in mid 16th century, and were known as Moriscos from that time, till their forced expulsion in 1610.

References:

• Royal Treasure: Muslim Communities Under the Crown of Aragon in the Fourteenth Century (http://libro.uca.edu/boswell/contents.htm) by John Boswell