Contribution long abstract:

Granada, a city in Andalusia, Spain, is characterized by a number of contested heritage sites that reflect the complex negotiations surrounding historical memory and identity between Muslims and non-Muslims. The city's identity has been shaped by its legacy, which includes both the Islamic Al-Andalus period and the subsequent Christian Conquista. As a result, Granada embodies a cultural identity that is influenced by these historical eras. Muslims view Granada as a symbol of a Golden Age marked by coexistence and rich Islamic heritage, while non-Muslims, particularly Spanish Catholics, see it as a triumph of Christianization and national unity. This clash of historical interpretations creates a context in which different meanings are assigned to and commercialized through iconic sites like the Alhambra, where Islamic aesthetics are often depoliticized and romanticized for tourism, stripping them of their historical and religious significance. Reconciling these competing narratives is complicated by lingering colonial and nationalistic biases that favor dominant Christian-European interpretations. Granada's heritage highlights the need for an approach that is critical, respectful of its multicultural past, and sensitive to the power dynamics influencing contemporary narratives. Many Muslim tourists today seek to voice their concerns regarding this representation. This eight-month ethnographic research project aims to explore how Muslim tourists in Granada identify, articulate, and express their perspectives on this contentious heritage. The findings illustrate the significant role that various stakeholders play in maintaining the dominant Christian-European interpretation of these cultural assets.