The city of strength and valor - Valencia

As the third largest city in Spain, Valencia is also one of the most visited destinations for tourists from all over the world who want to know more about Spanish tradition. It is located in the middle of the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea.

The city was first built by the Roman after their victory over the Iberian local rebel on the site of Iberian town, by the river Turia. In original Latin, the name of the city means “strength” and “Valor” in honor of Roman soldiers after the war. The city was destroyed by Pompey who is a military and political leader of the late Roman Republic because its loyalty to Sertorius, a Roman statesman and general. Fortunately, it was rebuilt and became one of the major cities.

After the Moors conquest the city, the economy of Valencia boosted due to the trade in paper, silk, leather, ceramics, glass and silver-work. During this period, a lot of magnificent buildings were built under the influence of the Islamic culture and these architectures had become a legacy and still can be seen today.

However, very soon the mosques were converted into Christian churches by El Cid Campeador who ruled the city for a short period. After his death, his wife took over the power for two years. Under the attack of the Almoravids, the Christians set fire to the city and abandoned it. Accordingly, in 1022, the city was returned to the Almoravids. After that, the great poet Ibn Khafaja expressed his thanks to Yusuf ibn Tashfin who was the king of the Berber Almoravid Empire for the liberation of the city in his poem.

After one century’s peaceful rule of the Almoravid and the Almohad dynasty, in 1238, King James I of Aragon organized an invasion with an army consisting of French, English, Germans and Italians. After he successfully occupies the city, around 50,000 Moors was driven out of the city. The poets like Ibn al-Abbar and Ibn Amira were also exiled from their beloved Valencia. At this time, the Kingdom of Valencia was established.

Furing 15^th and 16^th century, the city prospered in art and economy. It boosted the writer Joanot Martorell, author of Tirant lo Blanch, and the poet Ausiàs March. Also in 1492, Queen Isabella asked loans from Valencia banker for Columbus' expedition. 

Later, the city was ruled by the English and besieged by the French. During the Spanish Civil War, Valencia became the capital of the Republic who was supported by Soviet Union. The opposite side ‘Nationalist’ led by Francisco Franco supported by Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany therefore started to besiege and blockade the city. After the city surrendered to the Nationalist force, Valencia experienced a dark period in history when speaking or teaching Valencian was prohibited.

At present, the language of Valencian is a compulsory course for every child going to school in Valencia.

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