About Me

As-Salamu Alaykum. My name is Tariq. 

In the summer of 2005, I began a long-term internship in Huelva, a remote province in the then unfamiliar southern Spanish region of Andalusia. For nine weeks, I was surrounded by Andalusians, the warmth of the summer sun, bullfights, orange groves, and the sounds of pure flamenco. Yet somewhere along the way, I was captivated by a mysterious force in this almost North African part of Europe. The soul of Al-Andalus.

From that moment on, a deep interest grew in the Islamic history and culture of the lands surrounding the Mediterranean. Andalusia remained my greatest passion, and Morocco soon became a second home.

Writing and historical research lie at the heart of my work. My focus is on the history and culture of Al-Andalus, present-day Spain and Portugal, and on Andalusian influences in the Maghrib, particularly Morocco. Through my work, I seek to bring this shared history back to life.