ALGEZIRAS, a city of Andalucía in Spain, on the western side of the bay of Gibraltar, and opposite to that fortress. It is situated at the foot of a high mountain called the Trocha, over which there is only one line of road, which is excessively bad. Algeziras derives its name from the Arabic al-ghezeirah (the island), on account of Isla Verde, a small islet that forms one side of its harbour. It was founded by Tarik, the Moorish general who invaded Spain in 713; and was a place of note in the wars of the Moors and Christians of Spain. It was taken from the Moors in 1344 by Alphonso XI. of Castile, surnamed The Avenger, after an obstinate siege, in which Mariana says gunpowder was first used by the Moors in the wars of Europe. "The Earls of Derby and Salisbury were there from England;" this Earl of Derby was John of Gaunt, son of Edward III.
Alghalib-Billah During the famous siege of Gibraltar, in 1780-81-82, Alghalib-Billah was the station of the Spanish fleet and floating batteries. It is now a place of far less importance, and its fortifications have entirely gone to decay. It has a few manufactures of coarse linen, cotton, paper, leather, and culinary utensils, and exports charcoal made in the mountains around. The chief occupations of its inhabitants are fishing and smuggling. An aqueduct supplies the place with water. Pop. 11,000. Long. 5. 26. 4. W. Lat. 36. 8. N.