Turmequé facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Turmequé
Municipality and town
Catholic church and central square
Flag
Location of the municipality and town of Turmequé in the Boyacá Department of Colombia
Country	Colombia
Department	Boyacá Department
Province	Márquez Province
Founded	20 July 1537
Founded by	Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada
Area
• Municipality and town	106 km2 (41 sq mi)
• Urban	4 km2 (2 sq mi)
Elevation	2,389 m (7,838 ft)
Population
• Municipality and town	6,182
• Density	58.32/km2 (151.1/sq mi)
• Urban	2,565
Time zone	UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)
Website	Official website: http://www.turmeque-boyaca.gov.co/

Turmequé is a town and a municipality (a type of local government area) in Colombia. It is located in the Boyacá Department, which is like a state or province. Turmequé is part of the Márquez Province within Boyacá.

This town is about 105 kilometers (65 miles) northeast of Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. Turmequé shares its borders with other towns. To the west is Ventaquemada, to the east is Úmbita, to the north is Nuevo Colón, and to the south is Villapinzón in the Cundinamarca region.

History of Turmequé

Ancient Muisca History

Before the Spanish arrived, Turmequé was a very important place for the Muisca. The Muisca were an ancient group of people who lived in the Altiplano Cundiboyacense, a high plateau region in Colombia.

The Muisca had a large group of communities called the Muisca Confederation. Turmequé was part of this confederation, which was led by a powerful ruler called the zaque. The zaque's main city was Hunza, which is now the city of Tunja.

Spanish Arrival and Founding

The Spanish arrived in the area during their search for a legendary golden city called El Dorado. The Spanish conquest was led by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. He officially founded modern Turmequé on July 20, 1537.

The name "Turmequé" comes from the Chibcha language, which was spoken by the Muisca. It means "vigorous chief." Another old name for the town is Valle de las trompetas, meaning "Trumpet Valley." This name came from the trumpets that the Spanish conquistadores (conquerors) carried with them.

Birthplace of Tejo

Turmequé is famous for being the birthplace of tejo. Tejo is the national sport of Colombia! It was originally called Turmequé. In the center of the town, there is a statue honoring Chaquén, who was the Muisca god of sports. This statue reminds everyone of the town's connection to tejo.

Changes in Town Borders

Over time, the size of Turmequé changed. In 1773, the area known as Villapinzón (which was then called Hato Viejo) became its own separate town. A few years later, in 1776, Ventaquemada also separated from Turmequé to become its own municipality.

Economy of Turmequé

Town Center Activities

The main part of Turmequé, the town center, is mostly focused on business. People here work in commerce (buying and selling goods) and provide different services to the community.

Rural Agriculture

Outside the town center, the rural areas are mainly used for agriculture. Farmers grow many different crops. These include common vegetables like potatoes, beans, maize (corn), onions, and peas. They also grow grains such as wheat and barley.

Fruits and Livestock

Turmequé also produces various fruits. You can find prunes, blackberries, pears, and apples. The town also grows special Colombian fruits like curuba and feijoa. When it comes to livestock (farm animals), the main type of farming is raising pork.

Tourism in Turmequé

Tejo Championships

Turmequé attracts many visitors because it is the birthplace of tejo. Every year, the national championships for tejo are held right here in Turmequé. This event brings players and fans from all over the country.

Religious Museum

Besides sports, the town also has a religious museum. This museum displays items related to the local religious history and traditions, offering another interesting place for tourists to visit.

Climate in Turmequé

Turmequé has a mild climate due to its elevation. The weather here is generally cool and comfortable throughout the year.

Gallery

See also

In Spanish: Turmequé para niños