Dobele

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Dobele
—  Town  —
Flag Coat of arms
Nickname(s): Dobelene; German: Doblen; Russian: Доблень
Dobele Location in Latvia
Coordinates: 56°37′N 23°16′E / 56.617°N 23.267°E / 56.617; 23.267
Country	Latvia
District	Dobele District
Town rights	1917
Government
- Mayor	Andris Elksnītis
Area
- Total	8 km2 (3.1 sq mi)
Population
- Total	11,391
- Density	1,424/km2 (3,688.1/sq mi)
Time zone	EET (UTC+2)
- Summer (DST)	EEST (UTC+3)
Postal code	LV-370(1-2)
Calling code	+371 637
Number of city council members	11

Dobele ( pronunciation (help·info)) is a town in Latvia which, located in Zemgale, lies in the near center of Latvia on the banks of the river Bērze. It received city status in 1917 while a part of the German occupied Courland Governorate during the First World War.^[1]. In 2006, its population numbered 10,827 people.

History

Dobele is first mentioned in historical sources in 1254; however, at that time it was only a wooden fortress which was destroyed during the Semigallian War of Independence (1279-1290), the final phase of the Northern Crusades in Latvia. On its spot, a new stone castle was erected in 1335 and a small settlement grew up around it. The ruins of this fortress are still visible and are in the process of being restored. The original church was constructed in 1495, and eventually the fortress developed into a trading post. In the 17th century, a watermill, sawmill, and cardiganmill as well as a vinegar-works were constructed during the reign of duke Jacob Kettler. In 1927, the Jelgava-Liepāja railway connected the city to other important towns and a period of development resulted.

Industry

Dobele is the home of many large enterprises, such as mills, the "Spodrība" chemical plant, and the "Baltic Candles" candle factory. A complete list of major corporations is viewable here.

Education

In Dobele, as in other Latvian towns, there are several educational establishments: five comprehensive schools, including the Dobele State Grammar School, four kindergartens, Music and Art schools, a Vocational school and Adult Education Center, as well as Children and Youth Centres.

Culture

The town of Dobele has a Cultural Centre as well as a museum. The town is also the location of 8 nationally protected monuments, such as the old castle, church, and town hall.

There are several annual festivals and holidays celebrated (see this) including the Ielīgosim Jāņus, the Midsummer celebration, and the jubilejai, or festival, which changes yearly.

Demographics

Latvians make up 75.5% of the population while Russians, at 14%, are a significant minority. Other groups include Byelorussians - 3.3%, Lithuanians - 2.3%, Ukrainians -1.8%, Poles - 1.5%, and 1.6% are of other nationalities.

Notable people

• Viktors Ščerbatihs, an Olympic gold-medalist.
• Lauris Reiniks, a musician.
• Alexei Kudrin, Minister of Finances of Russia.

References

City's Website - in English or Latvian

See also

• List of cities in Latvia
• Dobele crater