Film and Video

Cites of Light: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain

Cities of Light takes viewers on a journey back into one of the most fascinating and important periods of world history: Islamic Spain. The lemon tree, the water wheel, Aristotle’s lost philosophy, algebra, and the beginnings of modern medicine all arrived in Europe through Islamic Spain. Cities of Light shows how it was possible for Muslims, Christians, and Jews to co-exist and thrive together while still demonstrating the very real fragility of their relationships. The history of Islamic Spain demonstrates that when religious diversity is accommodated within a social and political system, while it does not completely eradicate social ills, a society is able to maintain stability and even thrive and flourish.

Thanks to a collaborative relationship between the Interfaith Youth Core and Unity Productions Foundation’s (UPF) 20,000 Dialogues campaign, copies of Cities of Light are available free of charge. To receive a complimentary copy, organizers must complete a 20,000 Dialogues evaluation form after viewing the film. To receive a copy of the film and the necessary evaluation form, please contact Amber Hacker, amber@ifyc.org or 312-573-8937.)

Cities of Light Discussion Guide
This discussion guide was created collaboratively between 20,000 Dialogues and the Interfaith Youth Core and can help you have A Different Kind of Conversation about Religion based on the ideas and issues raised in the film.