Context:
Between 1200 and 1750, there were many interactions between Muslim and non-Muslim people that changed how people viewed Islam. Some societies welcomed and adopted aspects of Islamic culture, architecture, and administrative systems, while others resisted these influences, which sometimes led to conflicts and restrictions.
Thesis:
The interactions between Muslim and non-Muslim communities shaped how people felt about Islam, resulting in both cultural blending and pushback. Some people admired the contributions of Islam, while others saw them as foreign or oppressive.
Body Paragraph 1:
During this time, there were many examples of cultural exchange and integration. For instance, the Alcázar of Seville was built by Muslim architects for a Christian king, demonstrating the Islamic artistic style in Spain. Additionally, a European ambassador praised the Ottoman Empire's system of government, which rewarded talent instead of favoring friends and family like it often did in Europe.
Body Paragraph 2:
However, there was also resistance and hostility toward Islamic influences. For example, Alfonso X created laws that allowed Muslims to live in his kingdom, but he still placed limitations on their religious practices, showing a lack of trust. Similarly, a Hindu princess spoke negatively about Muslim rule, claiming it was harmful to Hindu traditions and destructive to their way of life.