Round Table DiscussionHow to Adapt to the Conquering Colonizer? Differences and Similarities Between Early Islamic al-Andalus and North Africa

27 January 2026

We cordially invite you to our round table discussion How to Adapt to the Conquering Colonizer? Differences and Similarities Between Early Islamic al-Andalus and North Africa on Tuesday Jan. 27, 2026, 4-6 pm (online).

We bring together experts (Maribel Fierro, Eduardo Manzano Moreno, Janina Safran, Cyrille Aillet and Anis Mkacher) to discuss the general understanding how the Muslim/ Arab conquerors and their ‘colonial’ rule impacted both regions, as well as to deepen the understanding of the transcultural processes of ‘Islamication’ and ‘Islamization’ that took place following the Islamic conquests.

In North Africa and on the Iberian Peninsula we encounter colonial situations in the Roman and Early Islamic Period, created by a conquering empire. The regions soon transformed, whereas the elites adapted in multiple ways. The RomanIslam Center studies those continuities and changes in the regional and local structures. Being a Roman (and religion did not yet play a major role in this case), a Muwallad, a Mustaʿrab and a Muslim became part of the identity. How were processes of colonization from the east, exploitation, and religious and cultural adaption, and resistance entangled?

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