Tunisia's Andalusians; The Cultural Identity of a North African Minority
ISBN
9781474428019
Type
book
Date Issued
2025-08-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Tunisia’s Andalusians tells the captivating story of those Andalusians, descendants of Muslims expelled from Spain in the 17th century, who sought refuge in Tunisia. Rather than simply replicating Iberian traditions, Andalusian culture in Tunisia stands as a vibrant and evolving phenomenon, shaped by complex dynamics of interaction and adaptation over four centuries. The book dismantles the romanticized view of Andalusian culture as a mere transplantation of al-Andalus, analyzing distinctive cultural features that distinguish Andalusians as a distinct ethnic group within Tunisia’s diverse social fabric. Drawing on historical records and contemporary ethnographic data, including personal accounts and family archives, the book sheds light on how Andalusians navigate their unique cultural position amidst a Tunisian national narrative often focused on Arabo-Muslim homogeneity. By examining the complexities of cultural preservation and assimilation, the book offers a nuanced perspective on Andalusian identity, revealing its dynamism and resilience in the face of changing social, political, and economic circumstances.
Funding(s)
HSG Publications Fund
Language
English
Keywords
North Africa
Islam
Ethnic Groups
Historical Anthropology
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Book title
Tunisia's Andalusians; The Cultural Identity of a North African Minority
Publisher
Edinburgh University Press
Publisher place
Edinburgh
Subject(s)
Division(s)