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Elmina
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
This is the last of the forts i will upload at this time, this one is Sao Jorge Da Mina, or Elmina.
I know that i already uploaded a shot from here earlier, but i think this one is a little better.
The Portuguese founded Castle "Sao Jorge and Mina" in 1482 to protect the gold-rich lands discovered in 1471. The castle was completed according to its original plan in 1486 and the town was raised to the status of a "city".
Portuguese navigators carefully selected the castle’s site, because it was strategically located at the end of a narrow promontory bounded on two sides by the Atlantic Ocean and the Benya River or lagoon. Here, in the lee of a low headland, a natural harbour provided sheltered anchorage.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Portuguese enjoyed a trade boom in spite of numerous attempts by Castilians and later the French and the English to break the Portuguese trade monopoly.
The Portuguese imported vast quantities of old and new cloths, blankets and linen from Morocco, North European copper and brassware, millions of "manilas" (metal bracelets) and iron kettles and bars in exchange for gold dust and ornaments supplied by Mina. So extensive and popular was the cloth trade that a factor maintained a large shop for old linen c.1500-1507. The commander of the castle wrote to King Manuel in 1503: "Sir, I, Diego d' Alvarenga, kiss the royal hands of your highness and I report that I have received the old linen."
The import trade raised the issue of porterage, as the natives needed assistance in conveyance of large quantities of European goods into the hinterland and coastlands. To meet this need, the Portuguese initiated, in the early 16th century, the importation of slaves from Benin to Elmina in exchange for gold, ivory, etc. As it turned out, however, the price of gold slumped in Europe in the 16th century due to massive importation of superior gold from Mexico. At the same time, the Portuguese Crown spent vast sums of resources on defensive works, artillery, galleys, warships and convoys related to Mina. Thus weakened, the Portuguese succumbed to Dutch attacks and were dislodged from Elmina in 1637.
info from www.ghanatourism.gov.gh
Below is the earlier uploads:
Fort good hope
Elmina
Fort Orange
Fort San Sebastian |
markstaples, AdrienneClaire, siolaw, atus has marked this note useful
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Hello Harry
Nice framing and nice POV here. The centre path leads us into the shot. Everything seems nice and sharp. An informative note too.
Best wisges
Mark
- adores
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2544 W: 48 N: 3517]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(11345) - [2007-02-06 18:42]
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Hi Harry!
Really nice. I like the first post also.Here it's possible to have a good perspective of the area, the houses, the boats, the sea and of course the fort. Seems a really great place.
Well done!
Regards, Anabela
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- siolaw
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3801 W: 393 N: 6242]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(21390) - [2007-02-08 14:47]
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Hi Harry
You took it from a well chosen POV, showing well this little town, its port and fort, even trees with people under it talking! many details to look at! Soft colors and fine sharpness
TFS
Laurent
Hi Harry,
Good POV over the town and fort, nice soft colors,and fine sharpness... many details to look at and an intersting note.
Cheers
Marilyn
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- atus
(14508)
- [2007-02-11 20:16]
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Hello Harry,
very well captured shot of this magnificent castle located in a very nice position. A couple of weeks ago, I was also there and I'm wondering from where you did the shot. Probably from Fort St.Jago, which actually is closed to the public. Nice one!
Tfs ans best regards.
Attila
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- Stepan
(24858)
- [2007-02-13 16:38]
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I don't know why I find that place a little strange. Because of the architecture or its grey tone ? Whatever, an interesting discovery and mini-serie.
Stéphane
Ola Harry bonita vista desta fortaleza deixada pelos portugueses, bonitas cores , bom enquadramento !!!!
Parabens!!!
Um abraço Gonçalo
Hi Harry,
I'm just discovering your beautiful and interesting gallery.
Forts in Ghana are a great historical subject and your notes are very illustratives.
I like a lot this composition: your POV allow to appreciate many interesting details of this little village: old colonial houses, boats, people resting, beautiful beaches...
Very well captured!
Alberto
