Places that have names derived from Arabic – in pictures

  • The Rock of Gibraltar and Spanish town La Linea at night. The name Gibraltar comes from Jabal Tariq, or Mount Tariq. Getty Images
    The Rock of Gibraltar and Spanish town La Linea at night. The name Gibraltar comes from Jabal Tariq, or Mount Tariq. Getty Images
  • Ramatuelle, France. While it was ruled by the Moors, it was known as Rahmatallah, meaning 'mercy of God'. Getty Images
    Ramatuelle, France. While it was ruled by the Moors, it was known as Rahmatallah, meaning 'mercy of God'. Getty Images
  • N'Gouja Beach, on the island of Mayotte in the Comoro Islands, which takes its name from the Arabic word 'qamar', meaning 'moon'. Getty Images
    N'Gouja Beach, on the island of Mayotte in the Comoro Islands, which takes its name from the Arabic word 'qamar', meaning 'moon'. Getty Images
  • The statue of Admiral Lord Nelson stands in Trafalgar Square, London. Named for the Battle of Trafalgar, the word Trafalgar comes from the Arabic Tarif Al Ghar, meaning Cape of the Cave.
    The statue of Admiral Lord Nelson stands in Trafalgar Square, London. Named for the Battle of Trafalgar, the word Trafalgar comes from the Arabic Tarif Al Ghar, meaning Cape of the Cave.
  • Algarve, Portugal. Algarve comes from the Arabic Al Gharb, meaning The West. Getty Images
    Algarve, Portugal. Algarve comes from the Arabic Al Gharb, meaning The West. Getty Images
  • Independence Square in Maputo, Mozambique. The country's name is derived from Mussa Bin Bique, the Arab trader who ruled the island before the Portuguese took over in 1544. Getty Images
    Independence Square in Maputo, Mozambique. The country's name is derived from Mussa Bin Bique, the Arab trader who ruled the island before the Portuguese took over in 1544. Getty Images
  • The famous Alhambra palace, Granada, Spain. Alhambra comes from 'Al Hamra', the Arabic word for 'Red One' after the colours of its walls. Getty Images
    The famous Alhambra palace, Granada, Spain. Alhambra comes from 'Al Hamra', the Arabic word for 'Red One' after the colours of its walls. Getty Images
  • The Mexican city Guadalajara was named after this Spanish one. It comes from the Arabic 'Wadi Al Hajarah', meaning the 'Valley of Stone'. Getty Images
    The Mexican city Guadalajara was named after this Spanish one. It comes from the Arabic 'Wadi Al Hajarah', meaning the 'Valley of Stone'. Getty Images