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Study Themes

Closing the Circle: The Nomad's Sanctuary

The study themes allow us to explore La Alpujarra from different approaches, connecting the local with the global. They will serve as a basis for collective work, guiding observation, analysis and proposals during the stay.

History

La Alpujarra de Granada was a cultural refuge during the Muslim domination. After the Reconquest, the Moors continued in the region until their expulsion in 1570, which caused the disappearance of a fundamental part of the population, profoundly altering the social and economic structure. The expulsion, added to the previous revolts, caused depopulation and a change in the dynamics of the area. Over time, La Alpujarra became isolated, preserving its traditions and architecture, but with a different population and a different economy.

Key words: Rebellion of La Alpujarra, Moorish, expulsion, depopulation, tradition.

Water and Landscape

La Alpujarra de Granada stands out for its mountainous landscape and its link to water, essential for agriculture and local life. Streams, irrigation channels and fountains, inherited from the Muslim influence, channel water to the fields and are integrated into the architecture. Fountains and cisterns, present in the villages, not only supply water, but are also symbolic and cultural elements, reflecting the connection of the inhabitants with the environment.

Key words: Landscape, water, irrigation ditches, agriculture, fountains.

Traditional Architecture

The architecture stands out for its adaptation to the mountainous environment and its influence from Muslim traditions. It is characterized by white houses with flat roofs, built with stone and adobe, elements typical of the area. The villages are organized in terraces, with narrow and steep streets adapted to the mountainous landscape. Elements such as cisterns and fountains reflect the importance of water in the region.

Key words: Architecture, terraces, tinao, water, white houses.

Culture

The culture of La Alpujarra de Granada is marked by its rich historical heritage, fusing Muslim, Christian and rural influences. Its traditions, such as music, dance and handicrafts, reflect a deep connection with nature and agricultural life. The local gastronomy, based on indigenous products, is another important cultural pillar, along with the traditional festivals that keep its customs alive.

Key Words: Crafts, popular festivals, custom, tradition, gastronomy.

Tourism and Contemporary Transformation

La Alpujarra is undergoing a key transformation: attracting sustainable tourism and digital nomads as a way to revitalize its villages affected by depopulation. Beyond traditional tourism, the region is committed to offering quality of life to remote workers seeking connection, nature and balance. To this end, digital infrastructures, coworking spaces and sustainable accommodations, integrated with local life, are being developed.

Villages such as Bubión or Pampaneira are reinventing themselves as places where tradition and technology go hand in hand, marking a new model of rural life and work.

Key words: Digital nomad, sustainable tourism, digital transformation, repopulation.