Scientific event

Shared Memories: The Moriscos Between Two Shores
Shared Memories: The Moriscos Between Two Shores
National Seminar
20/10/2025 14:00 CRASC
thematiques
History and the Relationship with National Memory
Abstract
On April 9, 1609, the first decree of expulsion of the Moriscos from the territories of the Spanish monarchy was signed—a measure with tragic consequences. This policy, which lasted until 1615, led to the departure of more than 275,000 inhabitants from Spain, descendants of Hispano-Islamic heritage established in the Iberian Peninsula since 711. The Moriscos expelled between 1609 and 1615 settled primarily in North Africa—initially in Algeria and Morocco, and later in Tunisia—after passing through France. Their integration into the complex social rhythms of Maghrebi societies was not without difficulty; they sometimes collaborated actively with local authorities, while at other times arousing suspicion. Although a number of them perished en route, it can be affirmed that the vast majority succeeded in reaching their destination. They benefited from the support of Maghrebi and Ottoman authorities (Algeria and Tunisia being provinces of the Ottoman Empire), who guided them to safe locations and organized their settlement in Maghrebi lands.
Participants
Zakaria BENALI
Zakaria BENALI
Speaker
Biography
A Senior Research Fellow (Section B), permanent researcher at the National Center for Research in Social and Cultural Anthropology (CRASC) in Oran, a position he has held since 2015.
He obtained a Master’s degree in Modern and Contemporary History from the University of Sidi Bel Abbès in 2015, with a dissertation entitled: “Algeria and Mediterranean Issues during the Reigns of Sultan Bayezid II and Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent”, within the framework of the project “Algeria and the Mediterranean World during the Ottoman Period”.
He also holds a Doctorate in Sciences in Modern and Contemporary History from the University of Tlemcen, with a thesis entitled: “The Moriscos and Religious Testaments in Spain in the Light of the Aljamiado Manuscripts from 1526 to 1640”.
Photos
Shared Memories: The Moriscos Between Two Shores
Shared Memories: The Moriscos Between Two Shores
Shared Memories: The Moriscos Between Two Shores