Madrid

Madrid (known in Arabic as "Majrīṭ" and in Spanish as Madrid) is a city located in the center of Spain and serves as the capital of the kingdom. It is also the largest city in the country and the fourth-largest in the European Union, following Paris, London, and Berlin. The city covers an area of approximately 605.77 square kilometers and had a population of 3,265,038 people according to the 2012 statistics. Foreigners account for approximately 16.2% of the total population.

Madrid is not only the largest financial center in Spain but also one of the major financial and economic hubs in Europe. The city boasts modern infrastructure while preserving its historical and ancient neighborhoods.

Name and History:

The exact reason for naming the city Madrid is not entirely known, but the name appeared in the 2nd century BC. The city was constructed on the banks of a river that was previously called "Matrice," and it is believed that "Madrid" evolved from this river's name. During the Islamic rule of the Iberian Peninsula, the city was referred to as "Majrīṭ."

Research indicates the presence of prehistoric human settlements, and the earliest written and confirmed evidence of Islamic presence dates back to the period between 852 and 886 when Emir Muhammad I of Córdoba ordered the construction of a small palace at the site of the present-day Royal Palace in Madrid. Thus, the first recorded historical evidence of Islamic presence in the region can be traced back to that era. In 1085, King Alfonso VI of Castile captured the city and exiled a significant number of Muslims and Jews. The Muslims, led by the armies of the Almoravid Ali ibn Yusuf ibn Tashfin, tried to recapture the city but failed, and Madrid obtained the status of a city in 1123 AD.

In 1808, the French forces occupied Madrid, leading to the War of Independence. In the late 19th century, Madrid witnessed substantial development, becoming one of the most important centers in Europe.

Climate:

Madrid has a Mediterranean climate but due to its higher elevation, winters can be cold, with regular snowfall and temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. Summers are hot, with an average temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius, and some summer days might exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

Top Tourist Attractions in Madrid:

• Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
• Gran Vía Street
• Retiro Park
• Temple of Debod
• Warner Bros. Park
• Wanda Metropolitano Stadium
• Plaza de Cibeles
• Royal Palace of Madrid
• Reina Sofia Museum
• Prado Museum