[originaltext] Belfast is the Capital of Northern Island and a major city in

Belfast is the Capital of Northern Island and a major city in commerce and industry. It is one of the most important ship-building and repairing centers of the United Kingdom, and has long been known for its linen textiles. Its manufactures include aircraft, guided weapons, and tobacco and food products. A large petroleum refinery here is supplied by imported petroleum which is received at the city’s deep-water port. Other imports include grain, coal, chemicals and iron and steel. Among the chief exports are petroleum products, soap, food stuffs and textiles. In Belfast, there are the notable Ulster Museum and the Protestant Cathedral of Saint Anne. As an educational center, the city is home to Queen’s University of Belfast and Belfast College of Technology. Although there’s evidence that people once settled in this place during the stone and bronze Ages, the founding of Belfast dates from 1177 when a Norman castle was erected. Edward Bruce destroyed the settlement in 1315, the year he became the Irish King. The city was taken by the English in the 16th century. In the late 17th century, French refugees arrived here and developed the linen industry. The harbor was improved in the late 18th century and ship-building was begun on a large scale. The city was made the capital of Northern Island in 1920. During World War II, Belfast was heavily damaged by German bombing raids. Beginning in 1969, the city was the scene of religious disorder involving civil rights agitation and increased violence.