Good Essay On Complex Of Cultural Areas

Introduction

Universally, it is a common feat that contacts between, and clashes between cultural groups characterize both historical outlooks and present times. Typically, it has been epitomized with relatable levels of interdependencies in cultural phenomena with a remarkable embracing and shunning of the practices. These have been evidenced in many geographical locations globally with accompanying changes as appropriate and overly respective based on the catalytic implications associated with them.
Thus, it is in light of the above that this essay presents a perspective of the cultural interaction in the Moorish invasion of Spain in the 8th Century and the Portuguese voyages of exploration between the 15th and the 16th Centuries. Noteworthy, the dominant characteristics associated with the two above scenarios will inform the essay.

The cultural interaction in the Moorish invasion of Spain in the 8th Century

The Moors’ invasion of Spain in the 8th Century was certainly marked with spectacular implications in regard to cultural compass. By description, the Moors were just one of the dominant Muslim entities at the time, and extremely powerful. Notably, the most significant region in which the profound effect of the Moorish Spain invasion was felt was Andalucia. Therefore, the following are some of the major cultural highlights associated with the Moorish Spain invasion in the 8th century: first is the religious tolerance impetus(Buckingham, 1).Patently, during the Moors’ dominance of Spain, the Muslim religion spread so much within the state and interestingly, the religion was more accommodating to others as compared to most of the others, mainly Christianity. Evidently, the Moors’ Muslim groups readily received the Jews who were escaping mistreatments by Spain’s supposedly northern invaders and other kingdoms that were located north of Spain.
As such, the Moors’ rule was epitomized by a practiced three monotheistic religions, namely Islam, Christianity and Jewish (Krefft 1). It was uncharacteristic of the time despite the fact that restrictions on the groupings were fairly higher among the Christians and the Jews, for instance, tax liability to the kingdom.
Second is the architectural implication of the Moorish invasion of Spain in the 8th Century. Arguably, it is an outlook that remains most vivid to the present-day Spain. The Moors’ rule of Spain was epitomized with substantial display of great and creative architectural works that evidently attest to the cultural change and angle as evidenced by the building and related ornamentation. The crafts related to the Moors irrefutably mark various architectural aspects via the cupolas, slender columns, horseshoe arches and the airy, vibrant constructions (Buckingham 1). Examples include the Palace of Seville (Alcazar) that stands to date with extremely magnificent splendor and the Great Mosque of Cordoba, which is one of the wonders of the world.
Thirdly, is the language aspect; demonstrably, the Moors’ Spain invasion led to the introduction of some Arabic pedigrees into the native Spanish dialects, which relates much to Latin. Buckingham (1) recounts that over 4000 words of Arabic descent are entrenched in the modern-day Spanish language. These are with the inclusion of azucar (sugar) and Alla (Allah), among others. Moreover, aspects of literature and arts such as poetry within the Spanish context have been substantially influenced by the Arabic relations. Further, some of the Spanish names later on embraced Moorish influence, which are ominously profound to the present times.
Fourth, is the societal knowledge dissemination within Spain. It is largely attributed to the Moorish invasion of Spain as it was characteristic of learning various issues that had bearing to the kingdom (Krefft 1). As such the Moors contributed immensely to the Spanish peoples’ human progress related to cosmology, astronomy, magnificent architectural forms, Greek philosophy, science, and mathematics, among others. The Moor invasion thus, unveiled universal education to Spanish people at a time when the rest of Europe was typified by the knowledge being possessed by few privileged members. Likewise, the Moors dominated the intellectual life of the areas, which in overall had an insightful effect on civilization.

Cultural impacts of the Portuguese voyages of exploration between 15th and 16th centuries

The Portuguese voyages of exploration between the 15th and the 16th centuries supremely marked the Age of Discoveries by Europe in their quest to know other parts of the globe. Their voyages to the Orient, India, America and Africa tremendously impacted on the cultural angles of the regions in which they made a call at and subsequently traversed. To begin with was the art impetus. The Arts of the Portuguese have been supposed on numerous cultural contexts such as in Europe, India, and Africa, just to mention a few. They certainly were a mix of the late Gothic flair with substantial Portuguese twists as appropriate, which have been attributed to in many backgrounds.
Second was the architectural dimension. The Portuguese Renaissance highlighted on Gothic stylishness in architectural disposition to many exterior cultures (Newitt, 73). For instance in Africa, their architectural influences are still intact especially in Angola, Mozambique and by an extension in Kenya via the Fort Jesus that has been upended since the late 15th Century. In addition to that most of the coastal cities and towns where the Portuguese docked at and settled such as Goa in India are characterized with substantial, unique architectural feats (Newitt, 86). Their styles of building acutely fit the bill of robustness, high walls, and sturdiness, which was later adopted by some cultural contexts.
Thirdly, is the language factor; it was necessary for the Portuguese voyages, such that they had to communicate with some of the ancient inhabiting communities living in the areas they traversed. As an implication, some aspects of the Portuguese were assimilated in these newly discovered backgrounds. For instance are sepatu (Indonesian to mean shoe), Keju (Malay to mean cheese) and Meza (Swahili to mean table), among others, were derived from Portuguese sepatu, queijo, and Mesa, respectively.
Fourth is the naval knowledge and cartography, in general. Routinely, they have been touted as having been some of the pioneers to the cartographic awareness. They had informative maps and the “portolan chart” that was in ominous demand, especially in Europe based on their greater knowledge, specificity and overall accuracy (Library of Congress, 1). As such, they expressively informed the other nations in the positioning of the various lands and even the subsequent communities of the external lands beyond. Consequently, they enabled creation of other subsequent maps as appropriate. On the other hand, their study in naval science constituted of navigation routes, sailing techniques and the making of various ships that informed other cultures in matters relating to the naval issues.
Finally, is the trade spur; It was heavily premised on an increased use of a common medium of exchange, the Portuguese coins. This is in consideration of the fact that the Portuguese controlled quite a number of trades especially on the Indian Ocean sea routes. As such, they influenced trade by using their coins in the processes and the communities subsequently embraced this mode of trade.

Works Cited

Buckingham, Maddie. The Impact of the Moors in Spain, Winchester University, 20 July 2011. Web. 18 March 2015
Krefft, James J. Moors in Spain: A Height of s Muslim Nation, 13 December 2007. Web. 18 March 2015
Library of Congress. The Portuguese Role in Exploring and Mapping the New World, 2000.Web. 18 March 2015
Newitt, Malyn D.D. A History of Portuguese Overseas Expansion, 1400-1668, New York: Routledge. Print