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The history of Deia is well documented in a succession of little books dubbed as the "Notas para la historia de Dei (Notes for the History of Dei These books are the product of several works of exploration and research, which were first published in the year 1976.
The name Deia originated from the word "ad daia" which means "hamlet." The name was coined by the first Moorish settlers of the place, way back in the times of the Islamic occupation in the tenth century. During this era, an affluent farming scheme was instigated, based upon the assembly of terraces.
Subsequent to the Christian conquest in the early thirteenth century, Dei was granted to the Count of Rosselló and became a component of Valldemossa. The Cistercian monasteries situated in Dei date from 1239. Then, in the year 1583, Dei broke free and achieved liberty from Valldemossa.
The olive cultivation started way back during the era of Muslim and Roman supremacy. However it was in the later centuries where the olive farming industry launched great development to this small, seemingly insignificant borough. The numerous terraces that wrought the valley were covered by olive trees up to 600 m. above sea level. Commerce in the fishing industry, livestock raising, as well as the crop growing of citric fruits and vegetable farming have also put in a lot of benefits, contributing to the growth of Dei Wheat was cultivated on the peaks of the low mountains. And, during the winter season, even the snow was held in reserve in the form of ice blocks, which were used during the year for innovative medicinal function.
At present, Dei remains to be a quaint township in this side of Mallorca, and still holds a population of less than a thousand inhabitants. The mixture of crop growing, craft making, fine arts, tourism, plus a well-managed urban development, all play a part in the creation of a wonderful landscape that is definitely worth seeing.
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