Strait of Gibraltar

Geographical location of the Strait of Gibraltar

The Strait of Gibraltar is a channel connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. This strait is located between the southernmost part of Spain. the northwestern part of the continent of Africa, The length of the strait is 58 km. It is 13 km wide. As it narrows its width between the two Spanish points (Point Marroquí), and Moroccan (Point Cires), The width of the strait from the western side is 43 km, which is the distance between the capes of Trafalgar and Spartel. Its width in the eastern side is 23 km. which is the distance between the pillars of Hercules, which was considered the location of the Rock of Gibraltar, or Mount Haku, It is located near the Spanish city of Ceuta in Morocco. Or what is called Jabal Musa in the State of Morocco.[1]

Gibraltar importance

Gibraltar’s importance stems from its name, Since this name is due to the Arabic word Gibraltar, It is the mountain that the Umayyad leader Tariq bin Ziyad took as a headquarters in his campaign and attack to conquer the Iberian Peninsula. Gibraltar also has historical significance; Where it served as a base for the British Armed Forces and Naval Services, The Strait of Gibraltar is characterized by its natural beauty; It has the most beautiful European caves.[2]

borders of the strait of gibraltar

The Strait of Gibraltar limits the following areas: [3]

  • Africa and Europe.
  • The Arab Maghreb.
  • Spain .
  • British colony of Gibraltar.
  • Spanish temple of Ceuta.

Some of the names of Gibraltar

Gibraltar is known by many names. Including the following: [4]

  • Mount Calpe: It is a name given to the mountain before the Arab and Islamic conquest. means hollow, or the hollow mountain; And that’s because there’s a cave at the bottom, This cave is known as the cave of the feet.
  • the rock.
  • Mount Al-Fateh.
  • Tarek mountain.
  • metaphor.[5]
  • The alley.[5]

the reviewer

  1. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Strait of Gibraltar” , www.britannica.com , Retrieved 31-5-2018. Edited.
  2. “Gibraltar” , www.mapsofworld.com , Retrieved 31-5-2018 . Edited.
  3. “Straight Of Gibraltar – Map & Description” , www.worldatlas.com , 11-17-2015, Retrieved 31-5-2018. Edited.
  4. Dr.. Moulay Mustapha Bergaoui (8-21-2008), “The Muslim City of Ceuta… The Oldest Occupation in History!” , www.alukah.net , accessed on May 31, 2018. act.
  5. ^ AB Mishari bin Ali Al-Namlan (17-1-2017), “The Conquest of Andalusia” , www.alukah.net , accessed on May 31, 2018. act.