English
Sometimes, history is written from confusing, conflicting fragments of information which are then interpreted to fit an already existing general theory.
It probably all starts with a decision about what materials are valid for an historical investigation and which aren´t, according to a previous model of theory. So certain facts are discarded, and hidden in spite of having potential scientific and objective value.
Also, especially in the history of political corruption, there occurs a certain fabrication of fake proof where deemed necessary. This is an old practice which is far from dead and gone – it has actually undergone a revival in this era of information technology, in which even newspapers which are considered serious, and trustworthy seem to have denounced the practice of the honest collation of news and facts.
In the case of Madrid, such a creation of false evidence has taken place for centuries with the study of the origin and the development of the city, leading to a series of unreliable chronicles which have turned their backs on hard facts such as street and place names, and instead presented a Mozarabic Madrid built by primitive virgins and saints as something beyond debate. Undoubtedly, it was the easiest, most convenient thing, to erase the deep rooted link of the city with Islam – a religion historically dogged by tensions. Clearly, it wasn´t advisable for the Spanish monarchy to remember that its capital, since 1561, was a city of Arabic origins – an essentially Moorish place since the Christian conquest in 1065. Instead it chose to fabricate its own, more acceptable history.
In the place where the primitive Arabic fortress (11th century) stood – which was later expanded upon, and converted into a Christian palace, is today the Royal Palace, and the Almudena cathedral, which both hide beneath their foundations the vestiges of the Islamic and Christian buildings.
For five years, sections of this site have been excavated, as part of the construction of the future Museo de Colecciones Reales (Museum of Royal Collections). As expected, a whole wealth of archeological finds were unearthed. However, the fact that there has been discovered no evidence of the Arabic epoch during the Medieval times, it is being used to once again propose the same theory – no different from the old one – that Madrid was born as a city under Christian rule. This appears to ignore the fact that it was actually the outskirts, and surrounding areas where the early city was built; in the poor areas like that of the neighbouring hill to the Vistillas – also called, it just so happens, The Moorish Quarters.
Paul Oilzum
Renting Madrid accommodation will bring a bit of happiness – but don´t always believe everything you hear…
Translated by: Poppy