Andalusian Nostalgia: Its Archaeology and Ego in the Mirror of its Past

Abstract

The Arab presence in the Iberian Peninsula built a comprehensive human civilization that combined material urbanism with lofty values, pertaining to respecting cultural specificities and allowing freedom of creativity and belief. The Arab departure from Al-Andalus resulted in a significant rupture in Arab culture that necessitates review and adjustment. Considered a pivotal civilizational setback, the Arab civilization subsequently regressed to primitiveness and endured an era of defeat. This setback gave rise to a strong sentiment, often referred to as Andalusian nostalgia or the pain of longing for Al-Andalus. It embodies a national and self-directed longing for the Andalusian environment, from which the Arab identity has been unable to liberate itself. Across generations, regardless of age, intellectual inclinations, political ideologies, national affiliations, or religious denominations, the love for Al-Andalus has been inherited, and it continues to be celebrated despite the passage of time. The journey to Al-Andalus has transformed from a space for commerce and tourism to mourning for cities and lamenting an ancient past rich in knowledge, literature, and art, whose impact transcended both the universe and humanity as a whole. Testimonies from Western Orientalists themselves serve as evidence of the successes of this civilization, the enduring achievements of which bear witness to its significance to this day.