Dobele

Dobele
Town
Dobele central square
Flag Coat of arms
Dobele Location in Latvia
Coordinates: 56°37′N 23°16′E / 56.617°N 23.267°E / 56.617; 23.267Coordinates: 56°37′N 23°16′E / 56.617°N 23.267°E / 56.617; 23.267
Country	Latvia
Municipality	Dobele Municipality
Town rights	1917
Government
• Mayor	Andrejs Spridzāns
Area
• Total	8 km2 (3 sq mi)
Population
• Total	11,391
• Density	1,424/km2 (3,690/sq mi)
Time zone	EET (UTC+2)
• Summer (DST)	EEST (UTC+3)
Postal code	LV-370(1-2)
Calling code	+371 637
Number of county council members	17

Dobele ( pronunciation ; German: Doblen) is a town in the cultural region Zemgale in Latvia, and is located near the center of Latvia on the banks of the river Bērze. It received town rights in 1917 whilst being a part of the German occupied Courland Governorate during the First World War. In 2006, its population numbered 10,827 people.

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. More here.

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.