Andalusian nationalism (Alhambra)



Andalusian nationalism refers to a group of ideas that profess a nationalistic viewpoint towards Andalusian culture and people. This ideology has it roots in the Nahda, the Andalusian national awakening, a cultural movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries that espoused ideals of independence from 400 years of Spanish rule. The concept of Andalusian nationalism was conceptualized simultaneously by different people of different creeds, resulting in significant divergences over the type of nationalism, which would determine the political conflicts of the country throughout the 19th century. Andalusian nationalism is divided into several branches that are influenced by various authors and politicians and that have impacted the country in different ways to shape the modern-day Andalusian national consciousness.

Civic nationalism
Andalusian Civic nationalism traces its roots to an idealized vision of Al-Andalus as a haven of tolerance and knowledge, in opposition to the European Dark Age. The adherents to Andalusian civic nationalism view the country as a continuation of the prosperous Muslim realms of the Iberian Peninsula, promoting the cohabitation of various ethnic and religious communities under the umbrella of a multi-religious Arabic-speaking society. This civic nationalism argues that the country's long history of tolerance is exceptional and that the country should follow a "special path" as a bridge between the Muslim and Western worlds.

Ethnic nationalism
Ethnic nationalism in Andalusia refers to the concept of the country as a nation-state for ethnic Andalusians, irrespective their religious beliefs. This vision of Andalusian nationalism adheres to the view of the country as a special case that should serve as a connection between the Muslim and Western worlds while remaining independent from both in matters of foreign policy, thus opposing Andalusia's (potential) membership in the European Union.

Pan-Arabism
Influential in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the ideology of pan-Arabism in Andalusia called for the incorporation of the country into a larger union of Arabic or Maghrebi states. This movement was largely restricted to Muslims, as Andalusians Christians feared of the potential repercussions of such an endeavor. This movement would eventually fizzle out during the mid-20th century as the prospect of a union became less realistic. Many former pan-Arabic nationalists subsequently evolved towards religious nationalism.

Religious nationalism
Though marginal in its popular, some Andalusians follow the vision that the national identity is inextricably lined with Islam. In this view, the period of Spanish rule led to many Andalusians to convert to Christianity because of its the second-class attributed to Muslims. Those that support religious nationalism generally argue for the transformation of the country into an Islamic democracy. This movement has remained unpopular due to the large number of Andalusian Christians and the generally good relationship between the country's religious communities.