Islamic Fishing Village

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Faro > Aljezur > Bordeira

Location:

This ancient Islamic settlement is located in the Bordeira area, in the municipality of Aljezur, on an elevated position overlooking the sea. It stands on a natural promontory, offering a wide view of the coast. Its location is particularly exposed to the winds that blow in the region, underscoring its intrinsic connection to the wild nature of the Algarve coastline.

The panoramic view enjoyed from this location provides a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape, marked by the force of the ocean and the characteristic cliffs. This natural setting was undoubtedly a determining factor for its foundation and the activities carried out by its inhabitants.

Ancient Legacy:

The Islamic Fishing Settlement represents an important testimony of Muslim occupation in the Algarve region. Through archaeological excavations, it has been possible to date its existence between the 12th and 13th centuries, a period that coincides with the Almohad Caliphate and the final years of Islamic presence on the Iberian Peninsula. It is, therefore, a site of considerable historical value.

Evidence suggests that this site functioned as a seasonal settlement, primarily dedicated to fishing. However, the presence of remains related to agriculture and animal husbandry indicates an economy that combined resources from the sea and the land. Curiously, its privileged position raises the hypothesis that it also served as a lookout point, perhaps for whale watching, which were abundant on the coast at the time. An initial assumption about its defensive function was discarded after a more in-depth analysis of the discoveries.

Life and Discoveries in the Settlement:

Life in this settlement was shaped by the proximity of the sea and the need to exploit its resources. The discovered residential structures, built with mud and stone, reveal small houses, measuring approximately 3.8 meters by 2.0 meters, suggesting a more temporary occupation or one adapted to the local conditions. Archaeologists have found various objects that tell a little about the daily routine of its inhabitants.

Among the findings, notable are remains of pottery, which reveal aspects of their daily life, as well as fish hooks and net weights, which confirm the importance of fishing activity. Remains of marine and terrestrial fauna were also identified, demonstrating the diversity of their subsistence. A remarkable discovery was a whale bone, about half a meter long, which may have been used as a bench, highlighting the integration of available natural resources into the daily life of this fishing settlement.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt