La huella y la representación del otro: los musulmanes en el callejero madrileño

Abstract

The city of Madrid had a historical Islamic presence for more than 700 years, from the founding of the city in the time of the Emirate to the Moorish era. This article analyzes how this historical trace is reflected in the urban toponymy, both in contemporary commemorative names and in those of a traditional character. To do this, the names registered since 1835 are analyzed and the historical or legendary narratives that link certain places on the street with the Islamic presence (usually specified in the stereotypical figure of the Moor) are analyzed, based on the examination of various reference works on Madrilenian toponymy. The graphic representations linked to such presence that exist in certain streets are also analyzed. The article shows that although the historical Islamic presence (Andalusian, Mudejar and Moorish) is a relevant element in Madrid's history, it is scarcely reflected in urban toponymy, which could be a symptom of a difficulty in integrating it into collective heritage and identity.