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The article aims to explore the historiographical recovery of the Jewish past in Spain and its implications for cultural narratives.

February 13, 2026Open Access

The “Re-discovery” of Jewish Spain

Key Points

The article aims to explore the historiographical recovery of the Jewish past in Spain and its implications for cultural narratives.
Analyzed historical texts and scholarly works from 1875 to 1915
Examined the role of orientalist scholars in shaping Jewish history
Investigated intersections with nationalism and Catholic conservatism
Orientalist scholars improved the visibility of Jewish contributions to Spanish culture
There was a significant shift in historical scholarship regarding Jewish history
Despite antisemitism, there was an institutionalization of Jewish studies in Spain

Abstract

This article examines the historiographical recovery of the Iberian Jewish past in Spain between 1875 and 1915, highlighting the role of orientalist scholars in integrating Jewish history into national narratives. It explores how this process intersected with nation-building, Catholic conservatism, and efforts to modernize historical scholarship. Despite persistent antisemitic tropes, orientalist scholars fostered a critical reevaluation of Jewish contributions to Spanish culture and thought, culminating in the institutionalization of the study of the country’s Jewish past.

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Pablo Bornstein

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The “Re-discovery” of Jewish Spain

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Abstract

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