moorish

Moorish refers to the Moors, medieval Muslim populations in North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, and to their culture and architectural and artistic traditions. The term derives from Latin Maurus, used by medieval Europeans to describe Muslim inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula and nearby regions.

Historically, Moorish influence began with the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in 711 CE, leading to the establishment of Al-Andalus. Over subsequent centuries, Moorish rule persisted in parts of Iberia through various dynasties, including the Umayyad and later caliphal and taifa states, until the fall of Granada in 1492. The Moors were primarily of Berber and Arab origin and contributed to science, philosophy, agriculture, and the arts, fostering exchange among Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities.

Moorish architecture and art are renowned for features such as horseshoe arches, intricate stucco and tilework, and complex geometric and vegetal motifs. Notable examples include the Great Mosque of Córdoba, the Alhambra in Granada, and the Giralda in Seville. Moorish design influenced textiles, ceramics, and decorative crafts across Iberia and beyond, contributing to a broader Mediterranean artistic milieu and to the concept of convivencia or coexistence in urban life.

In modern usage, "Moorish" is commonly applied to historical periods and to architectural styles, including Moorish Revival. The term is broad and can be imprecise when referring to contemporary peoples, who today belong to diverse national and ethnic identities in North Africa, including Berber and Arab communities.