Rio Jaguaribe: de belezas, memórias e vivências

Abstract

The Jaguaribe River, the largest watercourse in Ceará, stretches for 680 kilometers and originates in the Serra das Pipocas, at the junction of the municipalities of Tauá, Pedra Branca, and Independência. Along its path through Ceará's territory, the river empties into the Atlantic Ocean between the municipalities of Aracati and Fortim, in the eastern region of the state. Widely recognized as the subject of various studies, the Jaguaribe River inspires numerous reflections in Geography and other sciences. This work brings together different perspectives through a theoretical-methodological approach grounded in humanistic geography, which values the symbolic and subjective dimensions of the relationship between individuals and space, fostering a sensitive view of the environment. Immersed in the concept of geopoetics, we seek to deepen perceptions related to the Jaguaribe River, aiming to restore a sensitive connection with the Earth. This perspective allows us to think-feel the river9s nature as a different way of inhabiting the land. The main objective of this study is to (re)cognize the geopoetics of the Jaguaribe River by unveiling its paths, contemplating its beauty, preserving its memories, and revealing untold stories embedded in its landscape. The specific goals include: understanding how water and rivers have been fundamental to the development of civilizations throughout history, and how this importance is reflected in the context of Ceará through the study of the Jaguaribe River; getting to know the river and the nature of the place by contextualizing its historiography and various developments over time for the society of Ceará4particularly in the river's mouth region; and finally, understanding the multiple geographicities that permeate the river through the arts, perceptions, and memories of those who live along its banks. Methodologically, in addition to a literature review focused on rivers from a humanistic geographic perspective, the research included the recovery of five artistic expressions related to the Jaguaribe River, including songs, literary works, and a documentary. Furthermore, four field trips were conducted to the cities of Aracati and Fortim, located at the river9s mouth, for observation and encounters with local residents and passersby. These journeys and the geopoetic approach enabled us to reveal layers of the landscape previously hidden by traditional geography, such as feelings, oral histories, symbols, and lived experiences. As a result, the research unveiled a multifaceted Jaguaribe River, allowing us to recognize its charms, the memories of the place, and its fluvial experiences.