Dobele () 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.
. 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 .
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 ) 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
