You will find references to “the Moorish Occupation”, “Moorish Architecture”, etc. So, who were the moors?
The term “Moors” is generally used by Europeans to describe the Muslim people of North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. After the conquest of Iberia in 711 AD, thousands moved there from North Africa and left a lasting impact from their technology, crops, and especially in architecture.
In 711 AD the first Islamic Empire invaded Iberia (which consists of modern-day Spain and Portugal) and conquered the majority of the peninsula, which became known as Al-Andalus. Once established, more and more Moors migrated to Iberia and lived there for almost 800 years. While they controlled a majority of the peninsula, they still permitted people to follow Christianity or Judaism if they paid a tax.
During the Reconquista in 1492, the Moors were pushed out of Iberia completely, with Morocco in North Africa, being their nearest stronghold.
As a result of the Moorish occupation, some of the architectural heritage and history of Spain and Portugal, is often described as “Moorish”, known for its intricate patterns, arches, and geometric shapes. It often incorporates tile work, decorative colors, and vaulted ceilings.