Here's a breakdown to understand what "Moors" referred to in the 16th century and their presence in Europe:
1. Historical Context:
* North Africa: The term "Moors" originally referred to the Berber people inhabiting North Africa, specifically the region of Mauritania (hence the name).
* Islamic Conquest: With the rise of Islam in the 7th century, the Berber populations of North Africa converted to Islam. They played a key role in the Islamic conquests of the Iberian Peninsula (modern Spain and Portugal).
2. "Moors" in Iberia (Spain and Portugal):
* Al-Andalus: By the 8th century, the Muslim conquerors established the Islamic state of Al-Andalus in the Iberian Peninsula. This was a diverse society, including Arab, Berber, and local Iberian populations who had converted to Islam.
* Reconquista: Over centuries, Christian kingdoms in the north of Spain gradually reconquered the Iberian Peninsula, a process known as the Reconquista. By the late 15th century, the last Muslim kingdom, Granada, fell to the Spanish.
3. 16th Century:
* Expulsion and Legacy: While some Muslim communities were allowed to remain after the Reconquista, many were expelled or forced to convert to Christianity. This period saw the rise of the Spanish Inquisition, which aimed to eliminate any remnants of Islam.
* The Moors in the 16th century were not a unified group:
* Moriscos: The descendants of the Muslims who had converted to Christianity were called Moriscos. They faced ongoing discrimination and suspicion.
* Muslim Enclaves: There were still some small Muslim communities in remote areas of Spain, but their numbers were dwindling.
* North African Pirates: Berber pirates from North Africa (sometimes referred to as "Moors") continued to raid coastal areas of Spain and Italy.
4. The Term "Moor" in the 16th Century:
* Negative Connotations: The term "Moor" became associated with the defeated Muslims and often carried negative connotations.
* Racialization: In some contexts, the term was used to racially categorize people of color, particularly those of North African descent.
In summary, in the 16th century, the term "Moor" referred to:
* The remnants of the Muslim population in Spain, particularly the Moriscos.
* Berber pirates from North Africa who continued to raid European coasts.
It's crucial to remember that the "Moors" were not a monolithic group, and their experiences and identities varied greatly. The term's historical usage reflects the complex and evolving relationship between Islam, Christianity, and cultural identities in medieval and early modern Europe.