Zamora

/thah maw"rddah, sah-/, n.

Alcalá /ahl'kah lah"/, (Niceto Alcalá Zamora y Torres), 1877-1949, Spanish statesman: 1st president of the Republic 1931-36.

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▪ Ecuador

      town, southeastern Ecuador. Amid the forested jungles east of the main Andean ranges, the town lies at the southeastern foot of the Andean Cordillera de Zamora, just south of the Zamora River. The Roman Catholic Church has established a vicar apostolic in Zamora, which is considered to be a missionary settlement. The population consists of mainly Shuar and some Saraguro peoples. The economy is based on local Indian trade. Pop. (2001) 10,355.

▪ Mexico

in full  Zamora de Hidalgo  

      city, northwestern Michoacán estado (state), west-central Mexico. It lies at an elevation of 5,141 feet (1,567 m) above sea level in the Zamora valley, formed by the Duero River. It was founded in 1540 as an outpost to guard against Indians. Commerce, agriculture, and livestock raising are the principal sources of income. Corn (maize), wheat, beans, and numerous fruits and vegetables are grown in the surrounding area and flourish in the temperate climate. Dairy products and candy are manufactured in the city, as are various handicraft items, including rebozos (shawls), jewelry, pottery, and sandals. A highway passes through Zamora, linking it with Morelia, the state capital, to the east. Pop. (2005) urban agglom., 230,777.

▪ Spain

      city, capital of Zamora provincia (province), in the comunidad autónoma (autonomous community) of Castile-León, northwestern Spain. It lies along the northern bank of the Duero (Portuguese: Douro) River, northwest of Madrid. The city occupies a rocky height overlooking the Duero, a little below its confluence with the Valderaduey River. In the early period of the Reconquest (8th–11th century), the city was strategically important and passed between Christian and Moorish rule several times. It finally became subject to Alfonso VI of León and Castile in 1073. In the 15th century it was held for a time by the Portuguese supporters of Princess Juana, claimant to the Castilian throne, but was finally surrendered to Ferdinand II (the Catholic) in 1475.

      Outstanding landmarks include a fine 14th-century bridge across the Duero, consisting of 16 pointed arches; the citadel of Zamora, dating from the 8th century; and the Romanesque cathedral, one of four 12th-century churches, completed c. 1174. The city is the centre for agricultural trade, local commerce, and administration in the region. Roads and highways from Zamora lead to central Spain, to the northeast region of the Iberian Peninsula, and to Portugal. Pop. (2006 est.) 66,002.

▪ province, Spain

      provincia (province) in the comunidad autónoma (autonomous community) of Castile-León, northwestern Spain. It was formed in 1833 from part of the historic province of León and is bounded by the provinces of León to the north, Valladolid to the east, and Salamanca to the south; Portugal bounds it to the west. It is traversed from east to west by the Duero (Portuguese: Douro) River; the Tormes River skirts the southwestern boundary for about 25 miles (40 km). Except in the northwest, where it is entered by two outlying ridges of the Cantabrian Mountains, the surface is a level or slightly undulating plateau. Its plains, especially the Esla Valley, yield much grain (barley and wheat) and pulse; wine and flax are also produced, and on higher grounds Merino sheep and goats are raised for wool and cheese. Large dams on the Esla and Duero rivers generate hydroelectric energy. The provincial capital, Zamora city, is the main communications centre; other cities and towns include Benavente and Toro. Area 4,078 square miles (10,561 square km). Pop. (2007 est.) 197,237.

Vicente Rodriguez

 

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