“. . . we have underestimated the importance of 800 years of Islamic society and culture in Spain between the 8th and 15th centuries.
Many of the traits on which Europe prides itself came to it from Muslim Spain. Diplomacy, free trade, open borders, the techniques of academic research, of anthropology, etiquette, fashion, alternative medicine, hospitals, all came from this great city of cities. Mediaeval Islam was a religion of remarkable tolerance for its time, allowing Jews and Christians to practice their inherited beliefs, and setting an example which was not, unfortunately, copied for many centuries in the West.” – HRH, The Prince of Wales, Islam And The West 27th October 1993
