Again on Forced Conversion in the Almohad Period
In: Forced Conversion in Christianity, Judaism and IslamPurchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Abstract
Together with offering a review of recent studies on the forced conversion of Jews and Christians that took place under the Almohads, this contribution aims at highlighting the need to understand such episode and its treatment in the few sources that mention it as part of what the Almohads stood for in the early stage of their movement. Changes in their political and religious policies affected the way the episode was remembered and talked about, as it provoked both anxiety and embarrassment. Additional information allows us to explore the impact forced conversion had in the preoccupation with Jewish ancestry and the interest in portraying converts from Judaism in a positive light. Finally, how the Muʼminids towards the end of their rule faced the issue of conversion from Islam to Christianity is explored.