The original name
Banyalbahar comprises two different components, both of Arabic origin:
banya (constructed) and
bahar.
Banya derives from the name of a
Moorish settlement established on the island in the 10th century. The original meaning of
Banyalbufar is, therefore, "founded by the sea". Following the Catalan
conquest of Majorca in 1229, Banyalbufar came under control of
Gilabert de Cruïlles (ca) and
Ramon sa Clusa. During the
Middle Ages and up until the 15th century, the valley was ruled under a practically absolutist government, the Barony of Banyalbufar. The baron maintained the civil and criminal jurisdiction over the entire population. The inhabitants of Banyalbufar devoted themselves almost exclusively to agriculture. Fishing remained merely a secondary industry. Produce included wheat, barley, pulses, olives, flax, hemp, saffron and, above all, wine. The local Malvasier grape was highly prized. After a long period of decline, there are now efforts to revive this fruit. In previous times, the location was in reality a large vineyard. Around 2,000 steppes emanate from the peak of the location, which were once devoted exclusively to the production of Malvasier wine. The wine was highly favoured by the King of
Aragon, and was in no small part a motive for the conquest by
James I. Today mostly tomatoes and other fruits are produced. Irrigation of the fields is inextricably linked to the production of wine. The solution presented to solve irrigatory problems in this region is impressive and prime example of the Moorish hydro-expertise on the island. The aqueducts, which provide vital cost-free water from the mountains for the agriculture, originate for the greater part from the Arabic period. Dry walls, constructed by the Moors from the stones in the fields, halt the flow of water, and numerous water basins capture any excess water. ==Demographics==