What is the primary historical definition of the term "Moor" as used in European languages?

Historically, the term "Moor" was an exonym used in European languages to primarily refer to Muslim populations from North Africa (the Maghreb) and the Iberian Peninsula, particularly during the Middle Ages.

Is the term "Moor" used to describe a single, distinct ethnic group?

No, "Moor" is not used to describe a single, distinct, or self-defined people. Europeans in the Middle Ages and early modern period applied the term broadly to various groups, including Arabs, Berbers, Muslim Europeans, and even black peoples.

What diverse populations did Europeans in the Middle Ages and early modern period refer to when using the term "Moor"?

Europeans during the Middle Ages and early modern period used the term "Moor" to refer to a variety of groups, including Arabs, Berbers, Muslim Europeans, and black peoples. It was often used in a broad sense to encompass Muslims in general, especially those of Arab or Berber descent from al-Andalus or North Africa.

What did the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica state about the ethnological value of the term "Moor"?

The 1911 edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica observed that the term "Moor" had no real ethnological value, indicating it was not a scientifically defined ethnic category.

How has the scholarly use of the term "Moor" evolved since the mid-20th century?

Since the mid-20th century, the scholarly use of the term "Moor" has declined due to its racial connotations and lack of precise ethnological meaning. However, it sometimes persists in specific contexts, such as referring to "Moorish" architecture.

In what other regions has the term "Moor" been applied to specific ethnic groups?

The term "Moor" has been applied to various other ethnic groups, including "Ceylon Moors" and "Indian Moors" in Sri Lanka, Bengali Muslims, the "Moro people" in the Philippines, and in modern Mauritania, the Haratin ("Black Moors") and Beidane ("white Moors") peoples.

What is the proposed origin of the word "Moor"?

The etymology of the word "Moor" is uncertain, but it is traced back to the Phoenician term *Mahurin*, meaning "Westerners."

How did the term "Moor" evolve from its Phoenician roots through Greek and Latin?

The term is believed to have originated from the Phoenician *Mahurin* (meaning "Westerners"). From this, the ancient Greeks derived *Mauro*, which was then adopted into Latin as *Mauri*.

How did the term "Moor" come to be applied to the inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula?

The term "Moor" was applied to the inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula because Muslim Berbers and Arabs from North Africa conquered the peninsula starting in 711 AD. These inhabitants under Muslim rule were known in this context as al-Andalus.

What term was used for the Muslims remaining in the Iberian Peninsula after 1492, and what was their fate?

After the fall of the Emirate of Granada in 1492, the remaining Muslims in the Iberian Peninsula came under Christian rule and were known as Moriscos (meaning 'Moorish' or 'Moor-like'). They were eventually expelled from Spain in 1609.

How did the term "Moor" develop racial connotations in English?

By the 14th century, the word "Moor" had entered English and was commonly used as a racial term for dark-skinned or black people.

How were "Moors" depicted in medieval European literature compared to the Renaissance and early modern period?

In medieval European literature, the term "Moor" often denoted Muslim adversaries of Christian Europe, frequently carrying derogatory connotations. However, during the Renaissance and early modern period, depictions became more romanticized, sometimes portraying the "Moor" as a courageous warrior or a sexually overt personality, even when Muslims were otherwise viewed negatively.

Can you provide examples of literary characters referred to as "Moors"?

Examples of characters referred to as "Moors" in Renaissance and early modern literature include those found in the Spanish Poem of the Cid and Shakespeare's play Othello.

What distinction did late medieval Portuguese sources make regarding different groups of Moors?

Late medieval Portuguese sources often distinguished between *mouros brancos* (white Moors), referring to Arabian and Turkish Moors, *mouras da terra* (moors of the land) for North African Berbers, and *mouros negros* (black Moors) for sub-Saharan Africans.

How is the term "Blackamoor" related to the term "Moor"?

During the early modern period, the term "Blackamoor" was used in English specifically to refer to black Africans, alongside other racial terms, and is related to the broader usage of "Moor" for dark-skinned people.

What did Andrew Borde describe about the inhabitants of Barbary in his 1542 work?

In his 1542 work, The First Book of the Introduction of Knowledge, Andrew Borde described Barbary as a plentiful country inhabited by people called Moors, noting the existence of both "white Moors" and "black Moors," whom he identified as infidels.

How are the terms "white Moors" and "black Moors" used in modern Mauritania?

In modern Mauritania, "white Moors" refers to the Beidane people, who are of Berber and Arab origin and are socially dominant. "Black Moors" refers to the Haratin people, who are former slaves and are almost exclusively of black origin.

Beyond historical contexts, what does "Moor" or "Moorish" designate in modern times?

In modern times, "Moor" and "Moorish" can designate a specific ethnic group that speaks Hassaniya Arabic, primarily inhabiting Mauritania and parts of Algeria, Western Sahara, Tunisia, Morocco, Niger, and Mali.

How is the term moro used in the Spanish language according to its authoritative dictionary?

According to the authoritative dictionary of the Spanish language (RAE), the word moro does not have any derogatory meaning listed and generally refers to people of Maghrebian origin or Muslims in general.

How is the term moro sometimes used colloquially in modern Spanish?

Despite the official dictionary definition, some authors note that in modern colloquial Spanish, the term moro can be used derogatorily, particularly when referring to Moroccans.

How is the term Moro used in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, a former Spanish colony, many Filipinos use Moro as a catch-all term for the large, local Muslim minority concentrated in Mindanao and other southern islands. This term was originally introduced by Spanish colonizers.

How has the term Moro been reappropriated in the Philippines?

The term Moro, originally introduced by Spanish colonizers, has since been appropriated by Filipino Muslims, with many now self-identifying as members of the Bangsamoro, meaning "Moro Nation."

What does the Spanish word moreno mean, and how does it relate to the term Moor?

In Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and the Philippines, moreno can mean "dark-skinned." The term moro (Moor) came to have a broader meaning among Spanish speakers, applied to various groups, and is linguistically related to moreno, both referring to dark complexions.

What are the enchanted moura in Portuguese folklore?

In Portuguese folklore, the enchanted moura are supernatural beings, often described as siren-like fairies with golden or reddish hair and fair faces, believed to possess magical properties. The term Moor in this context implies alien and non-Christian.

How did Portuguese historians categorize Muslims in South Asia?

Portuguese historians distinguished Muslims in South Asia into two groups: Mouros da Terra (Moors of the Land) and Mouros da Arabia or Mouros de Meca (Moors from Arabia/Mecca), also known as Paradesi Muslims.

Who are the Ceylon Moors and Indian Moors in Sri Lanka?

In Sri Lanka, Ceylon Moors are descendants of Arab traders who settled there around the mid-6th century, while Indian Moors are another group of Muslims on the island. The Portuguese applied the term Moors to all Muslims they encountered, seeing a resemblance to North African Moors.

How are Goan Muslims referred to by other communities in Goa, India?

Goan Muslims, who follow Islam in the Indian state of Goa, are commonly referred to as Moir by Goan Catholics and Hindus.

What is the origin of the term Moir used for Goan Muslims?

The term Moir, used for Goan Muslims, is derived from the Portuguese word mouro, meaning "Moor."

What heraldic symbol is frequently associated with Moors in medieval European heraldry?

Moors, or more commonly their heads (often crowned), appear frequently in medieval European heraldry.

What are the Anglo-Norman heraldic terms used for Moors or their heads?

In Anglo-Norman blazon, the language of English heraldry, Moors are referred to as maure. They are also sometimes called moore, blackmoor, or negro.

From approximately when do Maures appear in European heraldry, and where have they persisted?

Maures appear in European heraldry from at least the 13th century, with some attestations as early as the 11th century in Italy. They have persisted in the heraldry and vexillology of regions like Corsica and Sardinia into modern times.

What are some potential reasons for armigers to include Moors or their heads in their coats of arms?

Armigers might have adopted Moors or Moors' heads to symbolize military victories, such as in the Crusades; as a pun on the bearer's name (canting arms); or, in specific historical cases like Frederick II, to demonstrate the reach of their empire.

What is the significance of the moor's head in the coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI?

The coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI features a moor's head, crowned and collared red, which serves as a reference to the arms of Freising, Germany.

What is the traditional explanation for the moor's heads in the heraldry of Aragon, Corsica, and Sardinia?

The traditional explanation is that the four moor's heads in the arms of Aragon, adopted around 1281-1387, represent four Moorish emirs defeated by Peter I of Aragon and Pamplona in the 11th century. Corsica and Sardinia, later coming under Aragonese dominion, adopted similar symbols.

How did the meaning of the blindfolds on the moor's heads in Corsican heraldry change?

In Corsica, the blindfolds on the moor's heads were lifted to the brow in the 18th century, symbolizing the island's newfound independence.

How is the use of Moors or their heads viewed in modern heraldry in North America?

The use of Moors, particularly their heads, as a heraldic symbol has been deprecated in modern North America, with organizations like the Society for Creative Anachronism advising caution to avoid causing offense.

What was the primary meaning of the term "Moor" in European languages during the Middle Ages?

During the Middle Ages, the term "Moor" was primarily used in European languages as an exonym for Muslim populations residing in North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.

According to the provided text, what is the origin of the term "Mauri" used by the Romans?

The term "Mauri" was used by the Romans to refer to the Berber tribes inhabiting the region of Mauretania, which encompassed parts of modern-day Morocco and Algeria.

How did the term "Moor" evolve in its application to the Iberian Peninsula?

Following the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in 711 AD, the term "Moor" was applied to the inhabitants of the region under Muslim rule, known as al-Andalus.

What does the term Moriscos signify in the context of Iberian history?

Moriscos was the term used for the Muslims and their descendants in the Iberian Peninsula after the fall of the Emirate of Granada in 1492, up until their expulsion from Spain in 1609.

How did the term "Moor" function in medieval European literature?

In medieval European literature, the term "Moor" often served to denote Muslim adversaries of Christian Europe, frequently carrying derogatory connotations.

What specific groups in modern-day Mauritania are referred to as "Black Moors" and "white Moors"?

In modern Mauritania, "Black Moors" refers to the Haratin people, and "white Moors" refers to the Beidane people.

What is the origin of the term "Moro people" in the Philippines?

The term "Moro people" in the Philippines was introduced by Spanish colonizers to refer to the local Muslim community, who predated their arrival.

What does the Portuguese term moura refer to in folklore?

In Portuguese folklore, moura can refer to supernatural beings known as enchanted moura, often depicted as siren-like fairies with magical properties, implying an "alien" or "non-Christian" nature.

How did the Portuguese apply the term "Moor" to Muslims in Sri Lanka?

When the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka in the early 16th century, they labeled all Muslims on the island as "Moors" because some resembled the Moors they knew from North Africa. This included both Arab traders and other Muslim communities.

What is the significance of the term mairu in the Basque language?

In the Basque language, mairu translates to "moor" and also refers to a mythical people.

What does the term "Moor's head" represent in heraldry?

The "Moor's head" is a heraldic symbol, often depicted crowned, that has appeared in European heraldry since at least the 11th or 13th century, with various symbolic meanings attributed to it, such as military victory or regional identity.

Why has the use of the "Moor's head" symbol been cautioned against in modern North American heraldry?

The use of the "Moor's head" symbol has been cautioned against in modern North American heraldry due to its potential to be perceived as offensive, as highlighted by guidelines from organizations like the Society for Creative Anachronism.

Moors Wiki: The Moors: A Tapestry of History and Identity

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Introduction

Historical Designation

The term "Moor" is an exonym originating from European languages, primarily used to denote the Muslim populations of North Africa (the Maghreb) and the Iberian Peninsula, particularly al-Andalus, during the Middle Ages.^[1]^[2] It is essential to recognize that "Moors" did not represent a single, distinct, or self-defined ethnic group.^[3]

Diverse Applications of the Term

Throughout the Middle Ages and early modern period, European societies applied the term "Moor" broadly to various peoples, including Arabs, Berbers, Muslim Europeans, and even Black Africans.^[4]^[1] This usage often encompassed Muslims of Arab or Berber descent residing in al-Andalus or North Africa.^[6] The term has historically carried racial connotations and has largely fallen out of academic favor since the mid-20th century due to its lack of precise ethnological value.^[8]^[9]

Etymology

Linguistic Origins

The precise etymology of the word "Moor" remains somewhat uncertain. However, it is widely traced back to the Phoenician term Mahurin, meaning "Westerners."^[12]^[13] This term was adopted by the ancient Greeks as Mauro, which subsequently informed the Latin derivation Mauri.^[14] Some scholars also suggest a potential Hebrew origin for the word.^[15]

Historical Context

Antiquity and Roman Encounters

During the classical era, the Roman Empire engaged with and eventually conquered regions of Mauretania, an ancient state encompassing modern northern Morocco, western Algeria, and Spanish territories like Ceuta and Melilla.^[17] The Berber tribes inhabiting this area were known to the Romans as Mauri, a term that evolved into the English "Moor."^[18] Strabo, in the early 1st century, recorded Mauri as their native appellation, while the Greeks used Maurusii.^[19] Tacitus also documented Moorish revolts against the Roman Empire around 24 AD.^[20]

Medieval Iberia and Beyond

In the Latin Middle Ages, Mauri referred to the Berber and Arab populations of Northwest Africa.^[1] Following the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in 711 AD, the term was applied to the inhabitants of al-Andalus.^[1]^[22] Similarly, Muslims in Sicily from the 9th century onwards were also designated as Moors.^[23]^[24] The last Muslim state, the Emirate of Granada, fell in 1492, leading to the designation of its Muslim inhabitants and their descendants as Moriscos until their expulsion in 1609.^[1]

Renaissance Portrayals

The term entered English in the 14th century, often carrying racial connotations for dark-skinned or Black people.^[1] Medieval European literature frequently depicted Moors as derogatory adversaries of Christendom. However, during the Renaissance and early modern periods, portrayals became more complex, sometimes romanticizing the "Moor" as a courageous warrior or embodying other stereotypes, as seen in works like Shakespeare's Othello.^[1]

Usage and Interpretation

Geographic and Ethnic Distinctions

Beyond its historical European context, "Moor" can designate specific ethnic groups, such as the Hassaniya Arabic speakers inhabiting Mauritania and adjacent regions of Algeria, Western Sahara, Tunisia, Morocco, Niger, and Mali.^[36] These groups are also known as Azawagh Arabs in Niger and Mali.^[37] In the Philippines, the term "Moro" is used by many Filipinos to refer to the indigenous Muslim minority, a designation originating from Spanish colonizers.^{[citation needed]} This term has been adopted as an endonym by some, forming the concept of "Bangsamoro" or "Moro Nation."^{[citation needed]}

"White Moors" and "Black Moors"

Historical literature distinguishes between "white Moors" and "black Moors." Portuguese sources from the late Middle Ages identified "Arabian" and "Turkish" Moors as mouros brancos (white Moors), North African Berbers as mouras da terra (moors of the land), and sub-Saharan Africans as mouros negros (black Moors).^[7] In modern Mauritania, this distinction persists, with "white Moors" referring to the Beidane people (of Berber and Arab origin) and "black Moors" referring to the Haratin, who are descendants of formerly enslaved people.^[11]^[31]^[32]^[33]^[34]

The Haratines are almost exclusively of black origin, but are closely associated with the Moorish population in terms of language and culture. In the words of Samuel Cotton: “[they] have lost virtually every aspect of their African origins except their skin color.” Their Moorish culture and their language are the result of generations of enslavement by the Moors. They are also referred to as “black Moors” to differentiate them from the “white Moors” who enslaved them, and from black Mauritanians who have not been enslaved by the Moors.^{^{^}}

Cultural and Symbolic Meanings

In Portuguese folklore, the term moura refers to mythical, siren-like beings, often with golden hair, implying an "alien" or non-Christian entity.^[45] This association led to "moor" being applied to unbaptized children.^[46]^[47] In the Basque language, mairu signifies both "moor" and a mythical people.^[48] Portuguese historians distinguished South Asian Muslims into "Moors of the Land" (native converts or descendants of mixed marriages) and "Moors from Arabia" (descendants of Arab traders).^[49]^[50]

Modern Colloquialisms

While the authoritative Spanish dictionary does not list derogatory meanings for moro, colloquial usage in modern Spain can be derogatory, particularly towards Moroccans.^[38]^[39]^[40]^[41]^[42]^[43] The term "Moorish" is still used in architectural contexts, such as "Moorish architecture," though the broader term "Moor" has become less fashionable in academic discourse.^[9]

Heraldry and Symbolism

The Moor's Head in Crests

Moors, or more commonly their heads (often crowned), appear in medieval European heraldry. In English heraldry, they are referred to as maure, moore, blackamoor, or negro.^[52] These symbols date back to at least the 13th century, appearing in Italy, Corsica, and Sardinia.^[53]

Interpretations of Heraldic Moors

The adoption of moor's heads in heraldry could signify various meanings: military victories during the Crusades, puns on bearers' names (e.g., Morese, Negri), or, as in the case of Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, a demonstration of imperial reach.^[53] The arms of Pope Benedict XVI feature a crowned moor's head, referencing the arms of Freising, Germany.^[54] The symbolism for Corsica and Sardinia, featuring blindfolded moor's heads, is often interpreted as representing defeated Moorish emirs, with the blindfolds lifted in Corsica symbolizing newfound independence.^[55]^[56]

Modern Sensitivities

The use of moor's heads in heraldry is now approached with caution, particularly in North America, due to potential offense.^[57] Organizations like the Society for Creative Anachronism advise careful consideration when using such imagery.^[58]

Modern Meanings

Contemporary Ethnic Designations

In contemporary usage, "Moor" or "Moorish" can refer to a specific ethnic group, the Hassaniya Arabic speakers of Mauritania and adjacent regions of Algeria, Western Sahara, Tunisia, Morocco, Niger, and Mali.^[36] These groups are also known as Azawagh Arabs in Niger and Mali.^[37]

"White Moors" and "Black Moors"

Historical literature distinguishes between "white Moors" and "black Moors." Portuguese sources from the late Middle Ages identified "Arabian" and "Turkish" Moors as mouros brancos (white Moors), North African Berbers as mouras da terra (moors of the land), and sub-Saharan Africans as mouros negros (black Moors).^[7] In modern Mauritania, this distinction persists, with "white Moors" referring to the Beidane people (of Berber and Arab origin) and "black Moors" referring to the Haratin, who are descendants of formerly enslaved people.^[11]^[31]^[32]^[33]^[34]

The Haratines are almost exclusively of black origin, but are closely associated with the Moorish population in terms of language and culture. In the words of Samuel Cotton: “[they] have lost virtually every aspect of their African origins except their skin color.” Their Moorish culture and their language are the result of generations of enslavement by the Moors. They are also referred to as “black Moors” to differentiate them from the “white Moors” who enslaved them, and from black Mauritanians who have not been enslaved by the Moors.^{^{^}}

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References

Pieris, P.E. Ceylon and the Hollanders 1658â1796. American Ceylon Mission Press, Tellippalai Ceylon 1918

Lodovico Sforza, in: Thomas Gale, Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2005â2006

Subrahmanyam, Sanjay."The Political Economy of Commerce: Southern India 1500-1650" Cambridge University Press, (2002)

A full list of references for this article are available at the Moors Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice Regarding Content

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. It is intended for academic and informational purposes, providing a structured overview of the historical term "Moor." While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, the content reflects a specific snapshot of information and may not encompass all nuances or the most current scholarly interpretations.

This is not a substitute for rigorous academic research or primary source analysis. Users are encouraged to consult original scholarly works and diverse historical perspectives for a comprehensive understanding. The AI does not endorse any particular interpretation or claim presented herein and is not responsible for any reliance placed upon this information.

The Moors: A Tapestry of History and Identity

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

Historical Designation

Diverse Applications of the Term

Etymology

Linguistic Origins

Historical Context

Antiquity and Roman Encounters

Medieval Iberia and Beyond

Renaissance Portrayals

Usage and Interpretation

Geographic and Ethnic Distinctions

"White Moors" and "Black Moors"

Cultural and Symbolic Meanings

Modern Colloquialisms

Heraldry and Symbolism

The Moor's Head in Crests

Interpretations of Heraldic Moors

Modern Sensitivities

Modern Meanings

Contemporary Ethnic Designations

"White Moors" and "Black Moors"

Related Topics

Further Reading and Concepts

Teacher's Corner

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References

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The Moors: A Tapestry of History and Identity

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

🌍 Historical Designation

👥 Diverse Applications of the Term

Etymology 🔍

🗣️ Linguistic Origins

Historical Context ⏳

🏛️ Antiquity and Roman Encounters

⚔️ Medieval Iberia and Beyond

🎭 Renaissance Portrayals

Usage and Interpretation 📖

🗺️ Geographic and Ethnic Distinctions

⚖️ "White Moors" and "Black Moors"

🎨 Cultural and Symbolic Meanings

💬 Modern Colloquialisms

Heraldry and Symbolism ⚜️

🛡️ The Moor's Head in Crests

🤔 Interpretations of Heraldic Moors

⚠️ Modern Sensitivities

Modern Meanings 💡

📍 Contemporary Ethnic Designations

⚖️ "White Moors" and "Black Moors"

Related Topics 🔗

📚 Further Reading and Concepts

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice Regarding Content

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

Historical Designation

Diverse Applications of the Term

Etymology

Linguistic Origins

Historical Context

Antiquity and Roman Encounters

Medieval Iberia and Beyond

Renaissance Portrayals

Usage and Interpretation

Geographic and Ethnic Distinctions

"White Moors" and "Black Moors"

Cultural and Symbolic Meanings

Modern Colloquialisms

Heraldry and Symbolism

The Moor's Head in Crests

Interpretations of Heraldic Moors

Modern Sensitivities

Modern Meanings

Contemporary Ethnic Designations

"White Moors" and "Black Moors"

Related Topics

Further Reading and Concepts

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice Regarding Content