To Rodrigo of Braganza, Navigator of Portugal,
Lagos
The Emir Elector has asked that I write you. He appreciated your letter and wanted to make sure you received a reply.
The Emir Elector wants to reassure you of a few things, where there is a different understanding between our countries.
The people of Fez do not define Al-Andalus as the entire land of Iberia. Mostly we see it as the area which was only recently the independent nation you called Granada. Yes, the Muslims once governed a much larger area, but this smaller area is what we refer to, a more modern definition of Andalusia. When you talk about Roma today, do you talk only about the city of the Pope and his lands, or do you talk about the all the lands which were the Roman Empire? When we use this term to day we mean only the smaller area.
Also the current war is not about a Moorish claim on "what has been controlled by the Christians for centuries", but only what has been taken from them in the last few decades.
Also, please understand that there is no Fez claim on Iberian lands. It is not a dynastic claim or any claim. Fez does not fight to claim land for Fez. Fez fights to restore a Muslim land in the south, that was conquered in recent times by Castile.
We believe that the people have a claim to the land, not simply nobles or dynsasties. If land changed hands only through birth, the maps of Europe would look much different, would they not? Sometimes Christians conquer, sometimes Muslims conquer, and in times past pagans and infidels have been conquered by both. Muslims ruled Granada for centuries, why should those people no longer have a claim because you do not recognize an arbitrary "dynastic claim"?
Once a new homeland for the Muslim people is restored, we shall have accomplished our purpose.
Our people do not approve of Portugal aiding Castile in the killing of the Moors who fight to restore their country. The Emir has explained your king's position on this to me, and I understand that this is an area where our countries do not agree. Our people are unhappy with Portugal, but do not wish war. So long as Portugal and Fez do not go to war, there is hope.
Once hostilities end and there is peace again, we hope for a flourishing trade with Portugal. We look forward to a growing relationship and mutual respect.
We shall look forward to the arrival of your merchants, but I advise you not to send them until there is peace. Then a proper agreement can be reached and they will have a safe environment to work in.
My Emir thanks you for your letter and your representation of your king,
El-Zahrewi of el-Zahra
Vizier to Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez
