Inter-faith understanding

The guide explained that, under Moorish rule in this area, there were good relations between Muslims, Christians and Jews. This courtyard was built to symbolise that - it is in the Moorish style, but in the shape of a Christian cloister. The box in the middle is covering a fountain which is normally surrounded by 12 lions (currently away for restoration). There are no representations of animals in Islamic art, but these lions came from the Jewish community - representing the 12 tribes.

From a Christian perspective, we are inclined to view the reclamation of this last Muslim foothold in Europe in a positive light. However, the story doesn't seem to cover Christianity with glory. When, after a long siege, the Moorish king surrendered the Alhambra to Queen Isabella, he got her to promise that she would keep things as they were, with all three faiths living happily together. However, once he was gone, the Inquisition soon moved in and Muslims and Jews were forced to convert to Christianity or flee from persecution.

There is no doubt that Isabella was a deeply devout woman, yet can our loving Saviour really want people to worship Him under threat of torture and death? I'm sure there are many messages for us today about our attitudes to people with different beliefs from our own.