Spain’s far-right calls for expulsion of Muslims

In Spain, there is a disturbing rise in calls by far-right groups to expel Muslims, labeling them as “invaders” and drawing on historical references such as the fall of Andalusia and the Reconquista. These groups are framing Muslims as a threat to Spanish identity and culture, as highlighted by Sergio Gracia, president of the Center for Research on the Far-Right (CINVED) in Spain, in an interview with Anadolu.

Gracia explains that the far-right invokes the term “Reconquista,” or reconquest, and related historical events to justify their push to reclaim Spanish lands from Muslims and call for their expulsion. They frequently cite figures like Don Pelayo, a Christian king who resisted Arab rule, and refer to battles like Covadonga, Alarcos, and the capture of Granada. These references serve to galvanize support for their agenda, portraying Muslims as a historical and present-day threat.

The far-right portrays Muslims as intruders, using social media to spread messages about expelling them and framing the construction of mosques and other religious centers as a form of “Islamization.” Politicians from the far-right, like Sergio Macian and Rocio de Meer, have used inflammatory rhetoric to stir up fears about changing demographics in Spain.

Gracia noted that during the historical period of the Reconquista, Muslims in the Iberian Peninsula were forced to convert to Christianity, face death, or go into exile. The Moriscos, who were descendants of Muslims that remained in Spain after the fall of Granada in 1492, were coerced into converting but many secretly maintained their faith. Despite an edict in 1502 that required all subjects to be baptized and further prohibitions on Islamic practices, many continued to practice Islam in secret.

Moriscos faced significant pressure, including bans on fasting and prayer and were forced to consume prohibited foods like pork and wine. However, they employed strategies to avoid suspicion and maintain their religious practices. Gracia pointed out that despite resistance from some regions, around 300,000 Moriscos were eventually expelled between 1609 and 1613, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Spain.

Gracia emphasized that despite the expulsion, the cultural heritage left by Muslims remains an integral part of Spain’s history. Spain preserves this heritage through monuments like the Cordoba Mosque, Medina Azahara, the Alhambra of Granada, and the Aljaferia Palace in Zaragoza, as well as cultural elements such as traditional recipes, dances, and Morisco baths, especially in Andalusia.

He also stressed the importance of civil society in combating far-right hate campaigns and crimes, urging continued efforts such as conferences, seminars, and open days in Islamic communities to promote respect for laws that protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

In recent European Parliament elections, a new far-right party in Spain, “The Celebration is Over,” surprisingly gained significant support, securing 4.6% of the vote and sending three Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This party, led by 34-year-old Luis Perez, who is known for his harsh anti-Islam and anti-immigrant rhetoric, aims to disrupt the political system in Spain. The established far-right Vox Party also secured six MEPs. Perez, criticizing Brussels as a place of failed policies and insecurity, refuses to reside there as an MEP, further underscoring the party’s extreme stance against Muslims and immigrants.