EXC 2060 A3-4 - Discourses of Purity and Purification in Medieval Spain

Keywords
Religion: Politics; Discourses; Purity; Purification; Spain; Middle Ages
Period
Status
Finished
Funding Source
DFG - Cluster of Excellence
Project Number
EXC 2060/1
Type of Funding
Unknwon Project Type

  • Description

    Discourses against entanglement, advocating the return to an allegedly pristine state of purity, developed in historical circumstances perceived as threatening situations of crisis by certain historical actors. Since the 19th century, Spanish intellectuals have been debating the issue of the so-called convivencia, the allegedly peaceful coexistence of the three monotheistic religions in the middle ages. These debates were influenced by different opinions regarding the issue whether the culture of modern Spain can be viewed as resulting from processes of entanglement involving the three religions, or whether Spain should rather be regarded as having preserved its alleged purity, based on Gothic and Catholic traditions, against all foreign intrusions. In this context, according to one opinion Jews and Muslims cannot be regarded as Spaniards at all. Such discussions centring on the issue of identity derived from conflicting opinions regarding the question whether foreign invaders and their descendants could ever be regarded as contributing to Spanish culture, which was allegedly determined by ethnic, national and religious parameters. In the context of the research cluster, the project forms part of the discussion group debating issues of transcultural entanglement, which will be focussing on issues of disentanglement as well as narratives of entanglement. Moreover, the project tries to answer the question whether and how religions can stimulate, contain or modify social as well as political conflicts. Moreover, it addresses the issue of dynamic potentials within religions and the reasons for the capacity of religions to mobilize social actors. Finally, the tension between ambiguity and decision as well as between religious pluralism and political unity will also be taken into consideration.

  • Persons