kids encyclopedia robot

Istán facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Istán
View of Istán from the Sierra de las Nieves with the coast and Gibraltar in the background
View of Istán from the Sierra de las Nieves with the coast and Gibraltar in the background
Coat of arms of Istán
Coat of arms
Istán is located in Province of Málaga
Istán
Istán
Location in Province of Málaga
Istán is located in Andalusia
Istán
Istán
Location in Andalusia
Istán is located in Spain
Istán
Istán
Location in Spain
Country  Spain
Autonomous community  Andalucía
Province Málaga
Population
 (2018)
 • Total 1,458
Demonym(s) Panochos
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)

Istán is a charming town and municipality in southern Spain. It is located in the province of Málaga, within the region of Andalusia. In 2005, about 1400 people lived there.

This town sits beneath the Sierra Blanca mountains. It is found in the green valley of the Rio Verde river. Istán is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) northwest of Marbella. Marbella is a well-known city on the Mediterranean coast. Istán is also on the southern slope of the Sierra de las Nieves mountains.

A large reservoir is near Istán. This lake was created by the Presa de la Concepción dam. The dam was built in 1972. Its main purpose is to provide drinking water to towns along the Costa del Sol.

Istán's Story: From Ancient Times

Moorish Roots

Istán was first settled by the Moors. The Moors were people from North Africa who lived in Spain for many centuries. Like its nearby town, Ojen, Istán survived because it was not directly on the coast.

After the Reconquista, which was when Christian kingdoms took back control of Spain, Moors were not allowed to live near the coast. This rule made it harder for them to communicate with their relatives in North Africa.

The Acequia del Chorro: An Ancient Water System

The influence of the Moors can still be seen in Istán today. One example is the Acequia del Chorro. An acequia is a special water channel. The Moors built these channels to carry water for farming. They are similar to the levadas found in Madeira. These ancient water systems are still visible and used in Istán.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Istán para niños

kids search engine
Istán Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.