Portugal’s origins: pluralism as a national identity
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Portugal formed through the Christian Reconquista, a historical period of military conquest, but its rulers notably allowed existing religions to continue in newly conquered territories.
During the 12th to 15th centuries, Portuguese monarchs distinguished themselves among European leaders by fostering tolerance towards Jewish and Muslim communities. They integrated these groups not only for economic and demographic benefits, but also through a genuine acceptance of different faiths. Jewish people, alongside Muslims, became a major ethnic and religious minority in medieval Portugal.
They interacted with all levels of society, even holding important positions in the royal court from the reign of Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal. The king rewarded Jewish leaders, like Yahia Aben-Yaisch, with land and the right to display a coat of arms for their service in fighting against the Moors. Portuguese kings considered Jewish people their property, offering them protection in exchange for financial contributions.
They granted privileges to Jewish leaders, consulted them as advisors and treasurers, Isaac Abravanel served in these roles under Afonso V, and many of Lisbon’s surgeons and physicians were Jewish. While the initial five monarchs maintained peaceful coexistence, King Dinis later pledged to segregate Jewish communities into separate neighborhoods, a measure that was implemented slowly and did not fully take effect until the mid-15th century, diverging from decisions made at the Council of Latran.
