Madrid’s Islamic Roots: Rediscovering the Forgotten History of Spain’s Capital

When Hashim Weld Mohammed read an Arabic book about ancient history, he was shocked to learn for the first time that Madrid has Islamic origins. This revelation piqued his curiosity, leading him on a journey of discovery. What he found was both fascinating and bittersweet.

Hashim, a 36-year-old community activist in Madrid, explains that most Spaniards know little, if anything, about the Islamic heritage of their capital city. “The past was far more diverse than people imagine. It wasn’t just about conflict and bloodshed,” he says. “It was also a time of cooperation, trade, and many intriguing aspects of history that are absent from the collective memory of Spaniards when it comes to Al-Andalus.”

Madrid’s Islamic Origins: Founded by an Umayyad Prince

The history of Al-Andalus, the region governed by Muslims for over seven centuries (711–1492 CE), spans much of the Iberian Peninsula, which now includes modern-day Spain and Portugal. Madrid, originally known as “Majrit,” was established in 865 CE by the Umayyad Emir Muhammad I. It was one of several fortified outposts along the northern frontier of Al-Andalus, built to protect against the Christian kingdoms in the north.

The name “Majrit” comes from the Arabic word “Mīra,” referring to the underground water channels constructed by Emir Muhammad I to supply the area with fresh water. Despite its Muslim foundation, the city fell to Christian forces in the 11th century. However, a significant Muslim population remained in Madrid until the mass expulsion of Muslims from Spain in 1609.

Today, Madrid is home to an estimated 300,000 Muslims, part of Spain’s larger Muslim population of around two million. Most are immigrants from Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, Senegal, and Pakistan, with a growing number obtaining Spanish citizenship. Many of Madrid’s Muslims live in vibrant neighborhoods such as “La Morería,” an area that was historically home to the city’s Muslim residents after the Christian reconquest.

Traces of Islamic History: Hidden but Present

Despite centuries of erasure, remnants of Madrid’s Islamic heritage can still be found. For example, the royal palace stands on the site of a Moorish fortress built in the 9th century. Similarly, the “Garden of Emir Muhammad I” honors the city’s Muslim founder, featuring a preserved section of a 9th-century wall.

Aurora Ali, a spokesperson for the Islamic Human Rights Association in Madrid, emphasizes the importance of rediscovering this heritage. “We see our history in the architecture, but we’re still treated as outsiders. Acknowledging Madrid’s Islamic roots is a powerful counter-narrative,” she says.

The “Mudejar” architectural style, a blend of Islamic and European influences, is another testament to Muslim contributions. Found in older buildings, this style features intricate tilework, brick patterns, and decorative elements rooted in Islamic design. While these traces are subtle, they highlight how deeply Islamic culture shaped Madrid’s identity.

Reviving Madrid’s Islamic Legacy

Efforts to restore and celebrate Madrid’s Islamic history have gained momentum in recent years, led by organizations such as the Spanish Islamic Cultural Foundation. Encarna Gutiérrez, the foundation’s secretary-general, explains that their mission is to promote Spain’s multicultural heritage through education and research.

In 2017, the foundation partnered with Complutense University to establish the Madrid Center for Islamic Studies. The center conducts archaeological research, protects Islamic historical sites, and raises awareness about Madrid’s Islamic past. By uncovering this history, the center aims to foster a more inclusive society.

One initiative includes guided tours to Madrid’s “places of memory,” such as the remains of Islamic walls and other medieval sites. The tours blend storytelling with history, bringing to life the forgotten Muslim heritage of Spain’s capital. The center also hosts lectures and workshops on Andalusian cuisine, ceramics, and gardening, further connecting modern audiences to their city’s rich history.

Barriers to Awareness: Erasure and Myths

Several factors contribute to Madrid’s obscured Islamic history. First, as Spain’s capital, Madrid is often portrayed as the heart of a unified, Catholic, and European identity. This narrative was solidified in the 16th century when King Philip II made Madrid his permanent royal residence. In doing so, he erased much of the city’s medieval Islamic past to create a capital that reflected Spain’s growing empire.

Second, Madrid lacks the prominent Islamic monuments seen in cities like Córdoba and Granada, where the Great Mosque and Alhambra serve as unmistakable reminders of Al-Andalus. In Madrid, Islamic remnants are subtle and require effort to uncover, making them less visible to the general public.

Changing Perspectives Through Tourism and Education

In recent years, tourism has played a role in changing perceptions. Rafael Martínez, a journalist and historian, started offering guided tours focused on Madrid’s Islamic history in 2014. “I received requests from people curious about their roots,” he says. Today, his tours attract both locals and international visitors eager to learn about the city’s origins.

Flora Saiz, co-founder of Nur & Duha Travels, specializes in “halal tourism” and always begins her Madrid tours with visits to Islamic landmarks. “It would be unthinkable to introduce Madrid without this perspective,” she explains. “Exploring Madrid’s Islamic history helps people see it as part of a broader Andalusian legacy that extended far beyond modern Andalusia.”

Embracing Madrid’s Multicultural Roots

As Spain grapples with rising Islamophobia and far-right rhetoric, efforts to reclaim Madrid’s Islamic history take on greater significance. Gutiérrez argues that acknowledging this history is essential to countering prejudice. “When people lack knowledge, it’s easier to manipulate them into seeing other cultures as foreign rather than integral to our shared history,” she says.

Aurora Ali agrees, noting that these efforts also benefit Madrid’s Muslim community. “Recognizing this heritage makes us feel less like outsiders,” she says. “One day, we hope to be seen as part of the city’s fabric, not as strangers.”

Madrid’s Islamic legacy is a reminder that history is complex and multifaceted. By uncovering and celebrating this past, the city takes a step toward building a more inclusive future.