The fall of Granada and the expulsion of the Jews

The last Muslim kingdom

For almost 800 years, Muslim states ruled parts of Spain, which they called al-Andalus. By 1490 only one was left, the Emirate of Granada in the south, with its palace-fortress, the Alhambra.

A royal marriage

In 1469 Isabella of Castile married Ferdinand of Aragon. Together they ruled the two largest Christian kingdoms in Spain. In 1482 they began a war to conquer Granada.

A ten-year war

10 years

The war lasted about ten years, with sieges and cannons. In 1491 the Spanish army surrounded the city of Granada. Its ruler, Boabdil, surrendered, and on 2 January 1492 the Spanish monarchs entered the city.

Promises on paper

The surrender treaty promised Muslims safety, their property and freedom to practise their religion. Within a few years the promises were broken, and Muslims were forced to convert or leave.

The Jews must leave

On 31 March 1492 the same monarchs signed the Alhambra Decree. Jews had to convert to Christianity or leave Spain by the end of July. Many tens of thousands left, and they went to Portugal, North Africa, Italy and the Ottoman Empire.

Why it still matters

Spain now had one ruler and one official religion. Later in 1492, Ferdinand and Isabella also paid for Columbus's voyage. Sephardic Jews, named for the Hebrew word for Spain, kept their Spanish language for centuries.

Review question

Who surrendered Granada in 1492?

Answer: Boabdil, the last emir. Boabdil handed the city to Ferdinand and Isabella on 2 January 1492. Saladin lived 300 years earlier.

What did the Alhambra Decree of 1492 order?

Answer: Jews had to convert or leave Spain. The decree gave Jews until the end of July. The pressure on Muslims came in the following years.

Image credits

• The Surrender of Granada, painting by Francisco Pradilla, 1882 · Francisco Pradilla y Ortiz · Public domain · Source page