2nd British: ADVICE COLUMN

Dear Dr History,

Please, please help me settle this argument I am having with my girlfriend. 

We were watching a film several weeks ago when a scene of Al Andalus appeared. Well, my girlfriend told me that the Berbers were the most important social group in Al Andalus as they were in charge of the government and that the Arabs were former Christians who adopted the religion, language and customs of Islam. She also argued that the Mozarabs played a significant role in the economy. Besides, she thinks that the Muladíes had fewer privileges and that they sometimes rebelled. I said she was wrong. I told her that she might have missed that lesson in High School because everything she said was a mess! 

Ever since then she has been making a big deal out of this and won´t answer my phone calls. I love her, but I don´t think we can get back together until we settle this argument. I´ve checked some History books, but they weren´t very clear. We agreed that I would write to you and let you settle the argument. But, Dr. History, don´t just tell us the answer, you´ve got to explain it so we both understand because my girlfriend is really dogmatic. She said she wouldn´t even trust History Channel unless the explanation was really clear.

Sincerely,

History Blues

***

Dear History Blues:

I hope I can settle your argument with your girlfriend. I can, of course, explain about social groups in Al-Andalus. Here goes.

First, the most powerful groups were the Arabs and the Berbers. The Arabs were in charge of government and had the best land.

On the other hand, the Berbers were more numerous, but had fewer privileges. They sometimes rebelled.

Also, the Muladíes were former Christians who adopted the religion, language and customs of Islam to avoid paying taxes.

However, the Mozarabs didn’t want to adopt their religion (Islam). They paid taxes, and many emigrated to the northern kingdoms, to escape persecution.

Finally, the Jews were the ones who played a significant role in the economy. Sometimes Jewish districts were usually in a separate part of the city.

I hope you can make it up with her.

Sincerely

Dr. History

Ernesto U. G.

2º A ESO

British