Bleeding Vitriol: Mozarabs and Martyrs in 9th century Córdoba
How do concepts of martyrdom and sacrifice play a role in constructing anti-Islamic discourse? This piece reflects on the ninth century Córdoban martyr movement as a key watershed moment in which anti-Islamic discourse manifests and propels the cause itself. The afterlife of the ‘Martyrs of Córdoba’ movement survives, is commemorated and memorialized as a pinnacle episode in the ‘struggle’ against the ‘pernicious’ forces of Islamic conquest.
March 3, 2026