Why did Philip II forbid expressions of Morisco culture in 1566?

In 1566, King Philip II issued an edict forbidding the Moriscos of Granada from using their traditional language, customs, and costumes because they had proven to be unassimilable into Christian society.1

Despite being baptized, the Moriscos continued to practice Islam in secret and maintained their distinct cultural identity, which included speaking and writing in Arabic. This behavior fueled deep suspicion among "Old Christians," who feared that the Moriscos were secretly aiding Spain's enemies, such as the Turks and Algerians, and were a threat to the religious and social order of the kingdom.1

The edict was part of a broader effort by the Spanish crown and the Spanish Inquisition to enforce religious unity and consolidate royal power. By stripping the Moriscos of their cultural markers, the government aimed to force their assimilation into the Christian faith and Spanish society. However, this policy failed to achieve its goal, instead leading to the Morisco revolt in 1568 and their eventual mass deportation and expulsion from Spain.231