Preface One

Abstract

Coexistence in Medieval Christian and Muslim Societies offers the first comparative study of medieval Iberia and Anatolia, two peninsulas at opposite ends of the Mediterranean, exploring their religiously and ethnically diverse societies and shedding new light on the shared and distinct experiences of Christian and Muslim coexistence. Through a collection of essays, the book offers fresh perspectives on convivencia by examining the political, social, and cultural histories of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities. It draws on diverse evidence, from Arabic manuscripts and medieval board games to trade networks and the plague and introduces innovative methodologies to highlight the social and cultural diversity of the medieval Mediterranean. The contributors to this book demonstrate that coexistence was not an idealistic vision, but a pragmatic necessity shaped by shifting power structures and economic realities. Challenging academic compartmentalization and emphasizing the Mediterranean as a dynamic zone of interaction, this book is ideal for scholars and students of medieval history, Mediterranean studies, and interfaith relations, as well as those interested in cultural diversity and exchange. It is particularly suited for academic researchers, instructors, and libraries seeking comparative and interdisciplinary approaches to medieval studies.