The role of the Jews in the Andalusian translation movement (11th-13th centuries)

The translation movement in Andalusia began after the conquest of Toledo (478 AH) and the acquaintance of Christians with the scientific heritage of the Muslims. The Jews were considered one of the most important figures in the translation movement due to their presence in Islamic societies and their mastery of the Arabic language, based on their knowledge. The present study, in a descriptive-analytical method, in addition to examining the contexts and the presence of Jews in Andalusia, has examined their role in the translation movement. The research findings show that following the strictures of the al-Muwaḥḥidūn, the presence of Jews in Andalusia increased and in addition to translation, they passed on their experiences in politics to Christians. Jewish translators excelled in various sciences, translating various works in medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and physics from Arabic into Spanish, Hebrew, and Latin. Some translators sought to make a living, while others sought to attract the attention of the rulers to the Jewish community.