Alhambra Decree

Alhambra Decree

The Alhambra Decree, also known as the Edict of Expulsion, was an edict issued on March 31, 1492, by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. The decree ordered the expulsion of all practicing Jews from the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon (including all its territories and possessions) by July 31, 1492. This event marked a significant point in the history of Spanish Jewry, effectively ending a period of relative religious tolerance and beginning a time of increased Jewish persecution in Spain.

Background

The Alhambra Decree was the culmination of centuries of increasing restrictions and persecution of Jews in Spain. During the Middle Ages, Spain had a large and prosperous Jewish population, which played a significant role in the cultural, economic, and political life of the country. However, the late 14th century saw a rise in anti-Jewish sentiment, fueled by religious fervor, economic envy, and social tensions. The situation worsened significantly in 1391 when violent anti-Jewish riots broke out in several Spanish cities, leading to mass conversions of Jews to Christianity.

These converted Jews, known as Conversos or "New Christians," were often suspected of secretly practicing Judaism, leading to the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition in 1478, aimed primarily at rooting out heresy among the Conversos. Despite these measures, the suspicion and hostility towards Jews and Conversos continued to grow, culminating in the issuance of the Alhambra Decree.

Content of the Decree

The Alhambra Decree accused the Jews of attempting to draw the Conversos back into the Jewish faith and declared that all Jews should be expelled from the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. Jews were given four months to settle their affairs and leave the country, under threat of death. They were permitted to take their belongings with them, except for gold, silver, and minted money, which had to be converted into goods.

Consequences

The immediate consequence of the Alhambra Decree was the forced migration of Spain's Jewish population. It is estimated that around 40,000 to 200,000 Jews were expelled, with many choosing to convert to Christianity rather than leave. Those who left faced difficult journeys and uncertain futures. Many went to Portugal, North Africa, or the Ottoman Empire, where they were welcomed but faced different challenges and adjustments.

The expulsion had long-term effects on Spain, including the loss of an important part of its economic and intellectual community. It also marked a significant moment in the history of the Jewish diaspora, as the Spanish Jews, or Sephardim, established new communities across the Mediterranean and beyond, influencing the cultures and economies of their new homes.

Legacy

The Alhambra Decree was formally revoked in 1968 by the Spanish government. In recent years, Spain and Portugal have offered citizenship to the descendants of expelled Jews, in an effort to make amends for the injustices of the past. The legacy of the Alhambra Decree continues to be a subject of study and reflection, representing a dark chapter in the history of religious intolerance and forced migration.

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