The spirit of coexistence that unites Toledo and Abu Dhabi
Throughout human history there have been patterns, stories and living experiences based on a commitment to the coexistence of different religions, cultures and civilizations; stories in which cities and great historical figures stand out who have had the courage to break down prejudices and welcome everyone into a common human home.
In Toledo, humanity witnessed one of the most clear-sighted examples of human coexistence, in difficult circumstances and at the pace of a history of bloody wars between Muslims and Christians. This city, located some 75 kilometres south of the Spanish capital, was an example of coexistence between the world's religions and cultures. A city that embraced the three monotheistic religions in the Middle Ages, thus meriting the title of City of Tolerance.
Jews, Christians and Muslims were able to live together for centuries without any major problems and thanks to the commitment and conscience of believers in these religions. This coexistence did not bring an end to the conflicts and wars between Muslims and Christians, but at least the minorities living on one side or the other were guaranteed the right to practice and express their faith. In fact, the end of Muslim rule over the city of Toledo did not prevent the Muslims from continuing with their religious practices, an example of which can be found in the Bab al-Mardum mosque, which is still well preserved and which continued to be a Muslim temple despite the fact that the Muslims had lost control of the city.
The same spirit of coexistence that welcomed Muslims also welcomed Jews. Human relations were woven between the followers of the three faiths in a way that transcended the difference in beliefs and rites. This is evident in the personality of the city of Toledo itself, which for centuries was home to mosques adjoining synagogues and the latter adjoining churches, something that undoubtedly made it worthy of being mentioned in historical sources under the title "City of Three Cultures".
It seems that the past of this Spanish city and its present splendour have once again taken shape today in the city of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, which presented the world with a unique model of coexistence through the idea of the Abrahamic Family House, a home that aims to consolidate relations between the different confessions, as well as promoting the culture of coexistence between people.
Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi will be the site of the first nucleus of this human family project, which is based on the rejection of violence and extremism and the dissemination of a culture of love and coexistence. This is materialised by the construction of a synagogue, a mosque and a church with the aim of strengthening human brotherhood and promoting world peace.
The truth is that the project of the Abrahamic family house was not born in vain in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is a key state in the Gulf and Middle East region that is characterized by a deep concept of what relations between people and nations should be, a need based on the inevitable coexistence of different peoples and civilizations.
This vision was and is being promoted by Mohammed Bin Zayed al-Nahyan; enormous importance was attached to ensuring that economic and trade relations are accompanied by human relations based on dialogue and the consolidation of a culture of coexistence in order to open up broader horizons for security and world peace.
UAE has moved from the theoretical conception of coexistence and peace to real implementation through systems and laws that foster human brotherhood and promote tolerance. One of the conclusions of the historic peace agreement with the State of Israel came to confirm the degree of courage, determination and conviction with which the Emirates are characterised. They, above all, realised the need to break down prejudices and open new pages between countries and peoples.
The Emirate's decision to sign a peace agreement was not an easy task in a complex Arab-Islamic environment and within the framework of a complex geopolitical map. Nonetheless, the courage and spirit of coexistence, which is an integral part of UAE's world view, was the first catalyst that led the country to progress towards becoming the first Gulf state to explicitly and unambiguously announce the signing of an agreement and the establishment of relations with Israel. Furthermore, the historic agreement will have its consequences and mark events in the Gulf region and the Middle East.
It was therefore the spirit of coexistence and the ability of the brave to achieve peace that led to the city of Toledo being called and known by the nickname of the City of Three Cultures in the past. This is the same spirit that leads to Abu Dhabi today, materialised in the Abrahamic Family House that aims to spread the culture of peace and coexistence between different faiths, peoples and civilisations.