The historic district of Amsterdam The JordaanMore than 3.5 million people visit Amsterdam each year, eager to taste its freedoms. However, it turns out that there is much more to the capital of the Netherlands than drugs and prostitutes. Contrary to what most people think of its exceptional behavior, Amsterdam once held great economic power. While the city prospered in the 1600s and 1700s after the founding of the Dutch East India Company. Soon, depression and war began to put strain on Amsterdam. Immigrants from all over Europe flocked to Amsterdam, many of whom lived in the Jordaan. The canals of Jordaan and the city center are both great tourist attractions and a mirror of the past. The Jordaan was once home to "blue-collar workers", but my condition was deteriorating due to poor hygiene and overcrowding. The Jordaan has stood the test of time. There are guided tours that people can take to experience for themselves what it is like to be in the Jordaan district. Amsterdam remains true to fragments of its past, but continues to evolve with modern times. Today, Amsterdam is known for its ability to embrace the unusual; this may have something to do with the city's serious past. Amsterdam was originally a fishing village built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Over time, merchants began trading and brewing beer, contributing to the city's prosperity. Amsterdam quickly established itself as a world power thanks to its economic growth and participation in trade. A copious amount of emigrants ranging from Jews to French to Porchegise settled in Amsterdam in search of political refugee. With the influx of Jewish families from Antwerp, much of their money was used to finance trips to India. The Dutch East India Componey was founded...... middle of paper......magnificent experience.Works CitedBosschaart, Tamar. “History and society.” Me, Amsterdam. Np, and Web. May 2, 2014. Blom, January. Amsterdam.info. Pro Region Slovakia, sro, nd Web. May 1, 2014. “A Brief History of Amsterdam.” Amsterdamsights.com. Np, and Web. May 1, 2014. “History.” Information on the Jordan River. Np, and Web. April 2, 2014.Metselaar, Menno. Anne Frank House. Anne Frank Stitching, April 28, 2010. Web. April 18, 2014. “Jordaan.” a view of the cities. Np, and Web. May 3, 2014. “Jordaan.” Famouswonders.com. Np, and Web. April 19, 2014. .ziens, Tanja. “Districts of Amsterdam.” What's new in Amsterdam? Np, and Web. May 1 20014. .