Would the Pyrenees Have Become the European-African Border After a Full Muslim Conquest of Iberia?

The idea of a complete Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula and the subsequent absence of the Reconquista raises several intriguing questions. Would the Pyrenees have become the de facto border between Europe and Africa, mirroring the role of the Ural and Caucasus mountains as the boundary between Europe and Asia?

The Conquest of Iberia and the Absence of Reconquista

Let's consider this scenario from multiple angles, starting with a theoretical conquest by the Muslim armies. If Muslim forces had indeed made it as far as the Ural and Caucasus mountains, subjugating all of Europe, would the very concept of Europe as a distinct continent have vanished? The answer is no, and here's why.

Geographical Borders vs. Political Control

Geographical features such as mountain ranges and straits define continents. These boundaries are not subject to human conquest or political changes. For instance, the Ural and Caucasus mountains are the established continental border between Europe and Asia, delineated by natural geography. Similarly, the Strait of Gibraltar would be the border between Europe and Africa, regardless of political control.

The Role of the Strait of Gibraltar

The Strait of Gibraltar is a strategic body of water that separates the Iberian Peninsula from North Africa. It has always served as a crucial border between Europe and Africa, even in the absence of a Muslim conquest. The Strait is narrow enough for much of the year to be easily navigable, making it a significant barrier between the two continents. Thus, the concept of 'Atlantic Europe' and 'Mediterranean Africa' would remain distinct, irrespective of political changes.

The Reality of Muslim Conquest and Reconquista

It's important to note that the Muslim conquest and subsequent period of Reconquista were complex historical events, not a straightforward, uniform process. The northern parts of the Iberian Peninsula were always under the control of Christian kingdoms. Muslim forces did not control the entirety of the peninsula for the entire 800 years, as often mythologized. Instead, the Muslim reach was limited, with Christian kingdoms holding significant territories, especially in the north.

The Myth of 800 Years Control

The often repeated fact that Muslims controlled the entire Iberian Peninsula for 800 years is a significant oversimplification of history. During this period, Muslim forces expanded and contracted in different regions, and Christian kingdoms often retook parts of the peninsula. The Reconquista, a series of campaigns to reclaim lands from Muslim rule, gradually isolated the Muslim-ruled area in the south (Granada) until it was finally conquered in 1492. This timeline and the efforts to reclaim lands demonstrate the dynamic and complex nature of the relationship between Muslims and Christians in Iberia.

Conclusion

The Pyrenees, a mountain range largely located between what is now France and Spain, would not have become the European-African border even if the Muslim conquest had extended to the Ural and Caucasus mountains. Geographical and strategic considerations, such as the Strait of Gibraltar, would persist regardless. The concept of Europe as a distinct continent from Africa is based on geography and culture, not on whose armies conquered the land.

The full-reaching Muslim conquest and absence of the Reconquista is a hypothetical scenario that complicates our understanding of history. Nonetheless, it’s essential to recognize that the boundaries between continents are defined by natural features, not by political control. The Strait of Gibraltar is an unambiguous natural boundary, ensuring that Europe and Africa remain distinct entities.