Episode 51: Málaga, Spain — A Resilient City of Culture and Tourism

Welcome to today’s episode of "Places People Purpose." I'm absolutely thrilled to kick off this new series of episodes as we embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Spain and Portugal. We've got some incredible stories to share, so let's dive right in!

🌍 Episode Highlights:

Malaga – A City Steeped in History Let's dive into the captivating history of Malaga, a gem on the southern coast of Spain. Founded by the Phoenicians in 770 BCE, it stands as one of the world's oldest cities. "Malaka," as it was known then, was a bustling Phoenician trading post on the Mediterranean coast. The city's history is a tapestry of different civilizations.

Spotlight on the Phoenicians Our story takes a detour to delve into the Phoenicians, an ancient civilization with origins in the eastern Mediterranean. Renowned seafarers and traders, they established trade routes across the Mediterranean and left a lasting legacy, including the Phoenician alphabet. Their influence on the ancient world was undeniable.

Shifts in Rulership Over the centuries, Malaga saw the rise and fall of various rulers – Greeks, Romans, and Moors. The Moors left a remarkable imprint on the city, with architectural marvels like the Alcazaba Fortress. Malaga thrived as a cultural and economic hub under their rule.

The Spanish Inquisition The Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, marked the end of Moorish rule in 1487 CE. Malaga played a pivotal role in the Spanish Inquisition, a dark chapter in history that saw the persecution of non-Christians. It expanded its scope to include perceived heretics, using tribunals and torture to enforce conformity. This period led to the expulsion of Jews and Muslims from Spain in 1492 and 1502, respectively.

Decline and Change By the 18th century, the Spanish Inquisition's influence waned, thanks to Enlightenment ideas and political changes. It wasn't until 1834 that it was formally abolished, ending nearly 350 years of religious terror.

Post-Inquisition Malaga Malaga's history saw periods of prosperity and hardship, including the devastating Spanish Civil War. Under General Franco's rule, it lived in isolation and authoritarianism. The transition to democracy after Franco's death in 1975 heralded a new era of modernization, economic development, and political liberalization.

Today's Malaga Fast forward to today, and Malaga stands as a testament to resilience. A cultural and tourist hotspot, it boasts a rich heritage, stunning coastline, and a thriving arts scene. The city celebrates famous citizens like Pablo Picasso and hosts numerous museums, including the Picasso Museum. Its sunny climate, beaches, and diverse cultural heritage make it a magnet for global visitors.

That wraps up today’s episode of "Places People Purpose." We hope you enjoyed the deep dive into Malaga's history. Join us next time as we venture to Cordoba, Spain, continuing our quest to create connections to our world. Until then, keep exploring, and we'll see you on the next episode!

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