Expelled Moriscos retained Spanish cultural attachments and wished to return

Evidence

The Moriscos of Sallee even at one stage went so far as to have negotiations with the Spaniards themselves, to see if it could be arranged for them to return to Spain. Were either of the parties serious in their intentions, or were they sounding each other out? — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 1660 (#exemplifies, via linked claim)

One English agent, Harrison, reported back in 1625 that he had been approached by the almocadenes of Tetuan, presumably the Naqsis brothers, who had sounded him out on a projected alliance. In a land divided between contending factions, they explained, they recognized no king but God. Muley Zaidan, whom they had served so well up until that time, had become a cruel tyrant, and they now aspired to a free state such as the Netherlands or Venice. They offered to assemble 10,000 men to attack a Spanish presidio such as Ceuta, if only England would provide the powder and help with the recasting of their cannon. Harrison appended a note (SIHM 1 [II]: 573–82) written by the Moriscos: “With God’s favor, Moors and Englishmen will take Spain, and we will cook our food with their crosses and saints. We will all be brothers and God will assist those who followed his commandments. God before all else.” — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 1660 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Cervantes portrayed expelled moriscos sympathetically during mass expulsion; Moriscos sustained hope of restoration through their own prophetic writings; Expelled Moriscos wavered between attacking Spain and negotiating to return (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Exiled Sallee Moriscos negotiated secretly to return to Spain #exemplifies (0.92) — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 1660
• Exiled Moriscos sought an alliance with England to reconquer Spain #complicates (0.78) — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 1660