Recife

Meaning "reef" in Portuguese; Recife, population 1.3 million, 3.5 million in the metropolitan area, is the second largest city in the Northeastern Region of Brazil and the largest metropolitan area. It is the 5th largest metropolitan area in Brazil. It is the capital of the Pernambuco state and the city where the Beberibe River meets Capibaribe River to flow into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a major port on the Atlantic Ocean.

History

The settlement was established by the Portuguese in 1537, as a suburb of the now historic city of Olinda and remained Portuguese until the independence of Brazil, with the exception of a brief period of Dutch occupation in the 17th century between 1630 and 1654. During this period the first synagogue of the Americas was founded in the city and for this brief time Recife became one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world. The inhabitants fought on their own to expel the Dutch, being helped by the involvement of the Dutch in the First Anglo-Dutch War. This was known as the Insurreição Pernambucana (Pernambucan Insurrection). Most of the Jews fled to North America, originating the Jewish community of New Amsterdam (currently known as New York City), nowadays one of the most important cities of the world.

Related Topics:
Portuguese - 1537 - Olinda - Brazil - Dutch occupation - 17th century - 1630 - 1654 - Synagogue - Americas - First Anglo-Dutch War - North America - New Amsterdam - New York City

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After that, during the 19th century, riots spread through the city, when the rich farmers of Olinda and the traders from Recife clashed. Recife had a clear adventage in relation to Olinda: Olinda has no harbour, while Recife's Harbor is one of the best on the Atlantic. This was a decisive factor aiding Recife's success. Recife is now a large city whereas Olinda is a small historical town.

Related Topics:
19th century - Olinda - Recife - Harbour - Recife's Harbor - Atlantic

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