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ALMERIA - SPAIN
Almería (2003 pop. 176,338) is the capital of
the province of Almería (Pop. 604,903) in Spain. It is located in
southeastern Spain on the Mediterranean Sea and all its area is an important
Mediterranean resort.
The name of Almería stems from Al-Meraya (Arabic, "The watchtower", because
of its magnificent castle, built by the muslims - one of the biggest in
Europe of that type-). The city was founded by Abd-Al Rahman III in 955 as a
principal harbour in his extensive empire. In this period, the city of
Almería reaches its best position ever in History, with powerful local
muslim kings like Almotacin or Jairan, both fearful warriors but also
protector of Arts. It suffered many sieges from other sea republics, and one
especially fierce when Christians from all Europe were called to a crusade
by Pope Eugenius III. Nevertheless, it was not until late XV century that it
fell on Christian hands. In fact, its Spanish roots come from its surrender
to the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, on 26th December 1489.
The 16th century was
for Almería a century of natural catastrophes, for there were at least four
earthquakes, of which the one in 1522 was especially cruel, devastating the
city. Landings and attacks by Berber pirates were also frequent in that
century, and continued until the early 18th century. In that time, huge iron
mines were discovered and French and British companies come to settle to the
area. This brings new prosperity and makes Almería come back to a relative
importance within Spain.
In the second middle of 20th century, Almería starts an spectacular process
of economic welfare due to Tourism and especially to its intensive
agriculture, a world wide reference, which has made Almería products a must
item in any quality European market.
From the political point of view, there is a strong feeling for the
achievement of the "Autonomous region" status, in spite o the great efforts
of Andalusian government to disuade people from that.
Famous natives of Almería include Nicolás Salmerón, who in 1873 was the
third president of the First Spanish Republic. And several musicians, like
the popular folk singer Manolo Escobar, reputed Flamenco guitar player José
Tomás "Tomatito" or Grammy Award winner David Bisbal, record-breaker album
seller in America and Spain.
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