During his postdoctoral work, Cohen researched whether or not there was a period of time when Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived peacefully under the control of the Islamic world . This event was called convivencia and occurred during the Golden Age. The region where this event took place was Spain. Convivencia was a controversial topic due to religious differences between groups. Recent Spanish historians do not consider the convivencia event due to disbelief that it actually occurred. Jewish historians have their version of the story stating that Jewish-Islamic relations during the convivencia were harmonious. Some suggest that this peace event between these three groups was impossible due to religious challenges. Each different version of convivencia has been influenced by politics. Cohen was not only able to answer whether convivencia occurred, but also demonstrated extensive experience of each culture. Cohen emphasizes the roles played by each group during convivencia as well as the influences and contributions of each. In Islamic Spain there was more tolerance and freedom than anywhere else in this region. Jews and Christians had the option of paying a poll tax to be protected under the same rules as Muslims. Jews were protected from discrimination and had the right to be treated like any other Muslim. On the other hand, in relations between Christians and Jews, there was an immediate social, economic and religious difference. Christians believed themselves superior to Jews. Relations between Christians and Jews were not as engaging as those between Jews and Muslims. The main idea that kept Jews in a good social position was their influence on the local economy. Many Jews...... middle of paper...... exchanges between Muslims and Jews were of tolerance and peace. Muslims and Jews have rarely had difficulties outside of religious differences. Muslims and Jews shared a common interest: trade. At one time, cultural belief was evident among Christians, Muslims and Jews. The fact that Christians and Jews were able to adapt to the Arabic language and culture created a comfortable environment. The adaptation of Christians and Jews built cultures of higher understanding. Under Islamic control and the protection afforded to Christians and Jews, convivencia resulted in a period of time in which three different cultures were able to collaborate and survive. Due to the holy law of Islam and cultural adaptation, convivencia was beneficial to each of the three cultures as they gained greater tolerance towards other cultures..