A converso is a term historically used to describe a person of Jewish or Muslim religious background who converted to Christianity, especially during the Spanish Inquisition era. Derived from the Spanish word "converso" meaning "convert," the term primarily refers to individuals who were forced or compelled to convert as a result of religious persecution.
During the 14th and 15th centuries in Spain, there was significant social, religious, and political tension between Christians, Jews, and Muslims. As a means of consolidating power and fostering religious homogeneity, the Catholic Monarchs instituted the Spanish Inquisition in 1478. This institution aimed to identify individuals suspected of secretly practicing their original faith. Many Jewish and Muslim individuals faced dire consequences, including torture, expulsion, or execution, if found guilty. Some decided to convert openly, becoming conversos, in order to avoid persecution.
However, despite converting to Christianity, many conversos faced ongoing suspicion and discrimination due to their old religious backgrounds. They were often subjected to scrutiny, accused of secretly practicing their original faith, and were even known as "Marranos" or "crypto-Jews", implying deceitfulness. Conversos faced significant social, economic, and institutional barriers, including restrictions on their rights and opportunities.
The term "converso" thus encompasses not only the act of conversion but also the complex social, cultural, and discriminatory experiences faced by individuals of Jewish or Muslim origin who embraced Christianity during the era of the Spanish Inquisition.
