Social tensions emerge in Saudi Arabia over Islamic history
The Saudi Crown Prince and heir apparent to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad Bin Salman , saw an ally pass away last week.
A Saudi actor, director, thinker and poet, and the first Saudi to earn a degree in film directing from Hollywood, Al-Huwairini, was also known for what some considered controversial views on Islamic history, and his passing has once again sparked debate about the ongoing "reforms" in Saudi Arabia.in recent years, Al-Huwairini called the Islamic presence in Al-Andalus, which was the Muslim-ruled area in the Iberian peninsula, as a form of "Arab backwardness.
For more than 800 years, Al-Andalus was a centre of knowledge for both the Muslim world and Europe. The Iberian peninsula was ultimately re-conquered in what is known as the Christian Reconquista - led by several Spanish monarchs - who destroyed much of what had been built, leaving only the world-famous Alhambra palace standing.
"These are aspects of culture that we have no right to be proud of. What's there to be proud of? 800 years and you left nothing behind except the Alhambra?" he said.