Berber Hamlet Aldarache in the 11th-13th centuries. The origin of the Puerto de la Losilla, the Cabezo de la Cobertera and the village Negra (Blanca) in the Ricote Valley. - Govert Westerveld - Bog

The origin of Blanca is Muslim, because in 1609 about 98% of inhabitants belonged to this group. After the expulsion of its habitants in 1613 this percentage had fallen to 81 in 1654, as many women of Blanca married Christians. Even in the Blanca of 2017 we observe people with darker skin because of the fact that their ethnicity could be of Berber origin.

Taking this into account one observes an amazing history of the beautiful Ricote Valley through which the river Segura meanders, and which lies less than 30km northwest of the city of Murcia. Here you enter the world of 1001 nights and feel as if you have ended up in Morocco. That is not surprising, because the Muslims have lived in this area for centuries and you can see that everywhere. They have turned this barren desert country with hills into a fertile oasis with palm trees and fruit and citrus groves. It is particularly beautiful here in the spring when the almond and peach trees are in bloom.