About TarifaAbout Tarifa, the thirteen kilometres separating Spain from the African continent proved to be a "Bridge between Continents."
Where the Mediterranean (left) and the Atlantic (right) meet Who Settled Where FirstThe Phoenicians settled on the Isla de las Palomas, they established prominent lookout-points, creating settlements in those areas.The many Phoencian Gods and Goddeses About Tarifa's Historic Distinguished PersonalitiesThere are quite a few...One is the mythlogical "Hercules." The many Phoencian Gods and Goddeses: MelqartThe principle divinity of the city of Tyre, was Melqart, the son of El.El was the supreme Monarch of the Universe Melquart was the God of Tyre, Protector of the Universe and Sovereign of the Underworld Melqart was closely connected to Phoencian trading, its expansion and Phoenician Mediterranean Temples were Dedicated to MelqartHercules was revered "sacred" in Phoenician Mediterranean areas:He was always associated with Melqart temples. He was linked to flourishing commerce. Pillars of Hercules of the Gibraltar StraightsClick on the image for a larger version
During Phoenician times, the Pillars of Hercules were then referred to as: the Pillars of Melqart. As time passed, the Pillars synthesized, to the Pillars of Hercules. Historically, the temple of Tyre had two pillars. One was made of pure gold and the other was of emeralds. At night-time the pillars gleamed in their magnificence. Phoenician Temples were constructed alongside SettlementsTemples served as administration centres of the Phoencian Tyrian colony.Much of the trading done, during these times, was conducted inside the temple. Melqart's protection provided sacrosanct "safe" trading. On the west side of Tarifa are the remains of a Phoenician port. After The Phoenicians, came the Greeks and then the CarthaginiansThe Carthaginians were forcefully expelled by the strength of the Roman army.The Romans were the next civilization to leave behind an important legacy. Julio Traducta was Tarifa's Original NameNo-one is sure of the exact location of Julio Traducta - founded by King Tago 2118 BC - but it's location is believed to be in today's Tarifa.Mellaria is the ruins of a grand Roman mansion ruins, built near the Casas del Porro, on the Valdevaqueros beach, Tarifa. Currently the ruins of Mellaria are shared with campers and their R.V's, alongside local Tarifan beach chiringuitos.
The Valdevaqueros Bay Further Etymology About TarifaThe Winds of Change of the StraitsFury and revenge, induced Count Julian of Ceuta, to seek an alliance with the Arab/Moors against the barbaric (Visigoth) King Roderik. Count Julian met with North Africa's Governer Musa ibn Nusair. Julian pacted to grant safe passage across the Straits, for the invading Moorish troops.1st IncursionGoverner Musa ibn Nusair sent 500 soldiers to accompany General Tarik-bin-Ziyad (a Moslem Berber General) on a reconaissance mission, July 710, AD. They landed in Tarifa.2nd Incursion30th April, 711 AD, General Tariq crossed the straits. His army consisted of 6,700 Moorish troops and 300 Arabs.They secured a prominent Iberian headland. It seemed an important location to Tariq.GibraltarGeneral Tariq ordered that a fortress be built aorund it, to secure it.His men denominated the fortress. "Jebel al Tariq": that name evolved to: Gibraltar. Later, it became the "Rock of Gibraltar." The Moors InvadeThe Moorish army spread-out to invade. They conquered Algeciras and Carteia, (today's San Roque - the false Gibraltar).Unexpected HelpAs they travelled, Moors were astonished to encounter native Spaniards, Jews and Visigoth Slaves, enlisting, to help them. By July 18th, 711 AD, General Tariq was in charge of an army of 14,000. They faced King Roderic at Lake Janda, whose army were over 60,000 troops.General Tariq made a historic and impressive pre-battle speech to his troops, encouraging them to fight bravely, despite the fact they were greatly outnumbered. They won. The army proceeded to invade further and further. Cordoba, Elvira, Ecija, Murica all fell. The Act of the Toledo JewsToldeo was handed-over by the Toledan Sephardic Jews. They supplied the Moors with weapons and fresh mounts, assisting the conquerors, who advanced further and further into Spain and on into France.General Tariq became Governor of Iberia 711 to 712After that he was recalled to Damascus, where he spent the rest of his life in prison. It was most unfortunate for him that the jealousy of Musa ibn Nusair, ousted Tariq of the glory owed to him, for the conquering of Spain. Spain's History Pivoted into 700 years of Moorish Rule
The Castle of Guzman el Bueno
Pirates and the Fatimid ShiitesLand and sea protection was always a prime issue for the Cordovan Caliphate. Piracy in the Straits and the disturbing Fatimid Shiite movement needed guarding against. Caliph Abd-ar-Rahman 111, in 960 AD, ordered that Tarifa was to have a fortress.
Sancho IV, el Bravo A True Andalucian Legend and more Distinguished Personalities of TarifaHowever, the name of this castle does not originate with Abd-ar-Rahman 111.El Castillo de Guzman el Bueno - originates from reconquista days. The fortress finally was wrested from the Moors' hands in a starvation-siege that lasted from 1291 to 1292 by Sancho IV, el Bravo. Guzman was thereafter entrusted with safeguarding Tarifa's Castle. In 1294, Guzman had to make the toughest choice a father can make. They seized his son... 
Two Terrible ChoicesGuzman was given two choices:Either he relinquish the castle or his son would lose his life. He threw his own dagger down. Sancho IV hearing of Guzman's tremendous sacrifice to protect the castle. He ordered that the castle be re-named "Guzman" adding "el Bueno" to honour his selfless act.
Architectural FootprintsThe presence of the various Islamic Dynasties: Almorades', Almoravides', Benimerins' AND Christian/ Contemporary architectural details are in its structure.
It is one of Spain's best preserved al-Andalus monuments. Back to Andalucia-Andalusia's Homepage Further Tarifa-related Pages: Cadiz Map Andalucian Geography images Contemporary Tarifa Tarifa Lifestyle Resouces: Melqart-Hercules temples General Tariq (Article denouncing the lack of "site protection" in Mellaria, Julio Traducta. http://www.mundocultural.net/mellaria.htm) |
