Puerto del Suspiro del Moro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Puerto del Suspiro del Moro |
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 Puerto del Suspiro del Moro
Location in Spain
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| Elevation | 860 m (2,822 ft) |
| Location | Spain |
| Range | Sierra Nevada |
| Coordinates | 37°4′13″N 3°39′4″W / 37.07028°N 3.65111°W |
The Puerto del Suspiro del Moro, also known as the Pass of the Moor's Sigh, is a mountain pass located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Spain. A mountain pass is like a low point or a gap between mountains, making it easier to travel from one side to another. This pass is famous for a sad story from long ago.
The Story of the Moor's Sigh
The name "Puerto del Suspiro del Moro" means "Pass of the Moor's Sigh." It got this name from a famous event that happened in 1492. This was the year when Muhammad XII, who was the last Muslim ruler (called a Sultan) of the Kingdom of Granada, had to leave his home.
Granada was the last part of Spain ruled by Muslims, often called Moors. For many centuries, Christian kingdoms in Spain had been slowly taking back land from the Moors. This process was known as the Reconquista. In 1492, the Christian rulers, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, finally took control of Granada.
After losing his kingdom, Muhammad XII and his family were forced to leave Granada. They traveled through this mountain pass. As they reached the top of the pass, it is said that Muhammad XII looked back at his beautiful city of Granada. He could see his amazing palaces, especially the famous Alhambra, which was a stunning fortress and palace complex.
Looking at his lost home, Muhammad XII let out a loud sigh, full of sadness and regret. His mother, Aisha, was with him. When she saw him sighing and crying, she reportedly told him off with a famous saying: "Llora, llora como mujer, lo que no supiste defender como hombre." This means, "Weep, weep like a woman, for that which you have not been able to defend as a man." This moment gave the pass its name, reminding everyone of the last Moorish Sultan's sorrowful departure.
