Hebron, West Bank

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Hebron, West Bank

Region: West Bank

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Geographic Coordinates: 31.533300, 35.095000

Population: 215452

Language: Arabic

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Hebron, Located in the southern part of the West Bank, Is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities worldwide. It is known for its rich history and religious significance to Jews, Christians, And Muslims. Hebron has been a site of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians for decades due to its strategic location and religious importance. The city’s most famous attraction is the Cave of Machpelah. The cave complex also contains a mosque built by Herod the Great during Roman times that was later converted into a church during Crusader rule before being returned to Muslim control by Saladin.

Hebron’s Old City is also worth exploring with its narrow streets lined with shops selling traditional Palestinian goods like ceramics and textiles. The Old City has been divided into two parts since 1997: H1 under Palestinian Authority control and H2 under Israeli military control. One of Hebron’s most significant challenges today is settlement expansion by Israeli settlers who have moved into homes within Palestinian neighborhoods in H2 with government support. This has led to increased tensions between settlers and Palestinians living nearby as well as clashes with Israeli soldiers protecting them.

Despite these challenges Hebron remains an important cultural center for Palestinians in the West Bank with several universities including Hebron University which was founded in 1971 as well as numerous mosques including Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi Mosque which serves as a symbol of resistance against occupation. Visitors should be aware that entry into Hebron can be difficult due to security checkpoints along major roads leading into the city from Jerusalem or Bethlehem so it’s best to plan ahead if you want to visit this historic city full of culture but also political strife.

Nevertheless it remains an important destination for those interested in Middle Eastern history or current events affecting Palestine-Israel relations.’

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1. The Cave of the Patriarchs is a significant religious site in Hebron that is revered by both Jews and Muslims as the final resting place of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah.
2. The Old City of Hebron features a labyrinthine network of narrow streets and alleys lined with traditional Palestinian homes and shops.
3. The Hebron Glass Factory uses traditional techniques passed down through generations to produce some of the finest glassware in Palestine.
4. Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi Mosque is a crucial Islamic site situated atop the Cave of the Patriarchs in Palestine.
5. Tel Rumeida Archaeological Site contains ruins from various eras such as Canaanite, Israelite, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods.
6. Beit al-Jamal Monastery dates back to AD 4th century and was built by St. Helena who was Emperor Constantine’s mother.
7. Hebron Souq or Market offers visitors an authentic Palestinian cultural experience with its vibrant atmosphere filled with vendors selling spices to clothing items.
8. Qasr al-Basha Museum showcases artifacts from different periods like Ottoman-era ceramics & pottery along with ancient coins found during excavations around Hebron.
9. Wadi al-Quff Nature Reserve provides visitors an opportunity to explore stunning natural scenery like waterfalls, caves, rock formations along with hiking trails through scenic valleys.
10. Hebron University Museum houses collections such as archeology, ethnography, natural history, fine arts, etc.

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1. Agriculture is one of the main industries in Hebron. The city is known for its production of grapes, olives and almonds.
2. The textile industry is thriving in Hebron as it produces traditional Palestinian clothing like the keffiyeh.
3. Tourism plays a significant role in the economy of Hebron due to its historical significance and religious sites such as the Cave of Patriarchs that attract many visitors.
4. Manufacturing companies in Hebron produce a wide range of products from plastics to metal products.
5. Construction services are highly demanded due to the growing population in Hebron.
6. Retail and commerce businesses offer goods ranging from clothing to electronics among others.
7. Education facilities are available at various levels including several universities and schools within the city limits.
8. Healthcare services providers such as hospitals and clinics cater to residents’ medical needs within Hebron’s environs.

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1. Biblical significance: Hebron is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is mentioned in the Bible as the burial place of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob and Leah.
2. King David: Hebron was also an important city during biblical times when King David was crowned king there.
3. Ottoman Empire: During Ottoman rule (1517-1917), Hebron became a center for Islamic learning and pilgrimage.
4. 1929 massacre: In 1929, a massacre occurred in which Arab residents of Hebron killed over 60 Jewish residents and wounded many others.
5. Israeli settlements: Since Israel’s occupation of the West Bank in 1967, Jewish settlers have established several settlements in Hebron including Kiryat Arba and Beit Hadassah.
6. Ibrahim Mosque/Shrine of Patriarchs: The Ibrahim Mosque/Shrine of Patriarchs is a holy site for both Jews and Muslims as it is believed to be built over the tombs of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob & their wives Sarah, Rebecca & Leah.
7. Baruch Goldstein massacre: In 1994 an Israeli settler named Baruch Goldstein opened fire on Muslim worshippers at Ibrahim Mosque/Shrine killing 29 people before being beaten to death by survivors.
8. Palestinian Authority control: Since signing the Oslo Accords in 1993 between Israel & Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), parts of Hebron have been under Palestinian Authority control while other parts remain under Israeli military control due to presence of settlers.

Notable people:

1. Abu Ali Iyad – PLO commander
2. Mahmoud Abbas – Palestinian President
3. Yasser Arafat – Former PLO leader
4. Baruch Goldstein – American-Israeli physician who committed mass murder at Ibrahim Mosque.
5. Baruch Marzel – Israeli settler and politician.

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1. Ibrahimi Mosque (Cave of the Patriarchs)
2. Hebron Old City
3. Hebron Glass and Ceramics Factory
4. Palestinian Heritage Center
5. Al-Haram al-Ibrahimi Museum
6. Al-Shuhada Street
7. Beit Romano Museum
8. Women’s Weaving Cooperative
9. Hebron Municipality Museum
10. Tareq Bin Ziad Cultural Center

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1. Hebron Youth Sports Club: This club was established in 1956 and offers various sports activities for youth including basketball, football (soccer), volleyball, and table tennis.
2. Al-Ahli Sports Club: This club was founded in 1970 and is known for its football team which competes in local tournaments.
3. Al-Jazeera Sports Club: This club was established in 1979 and has a football team that competes in local tournaments.
4. Al-Shabab Basketball Club: This club was founded in 1985 and is known for its basketball team which competes locally.
5. Al-Hussein Football Team: This team represents the Palestinian refugee camp of Al-Hussein located near Hebron. It was founded in the early 2000s and participates in local football leagues.
6. Dura United Football Team: Dura is a town located near Hebron, and this football team represents the town’s community. It was founded in the early 1990s and has competed at both regional and national levels within Palestine.

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1. Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim festival that celebrates the end of Ramadan with great joy and enthusiasm.
2. The Hebron Summer Festival takes place every August and features music, dance, food, and cultural activities.
3. The Olive Harvest Festival is an annual celebration of the olive harvest season in Hebron that includes traditional Palestinian folk music, dancing, food, and olive oil tasting.
4. Christians in Hebron celebrate Christmas with special church services, carol singing, and festive decorations.
5. The Al-Khalil International Puppet Festival is a three-day event held annually in September that showcases puppetry from around the world.
6. The Al-Quds Open University Cultural Week is a week-long event held every year featuring lectures on various topics related to culture and arts.
7. The International Women’s Day Celebration is an annual event celebrating women’s achievements through art exhibitions, cultural performances, poetry readings etc.
8. The Palestine Marathon is a race held annually in Bethlehem which attracts runners from all over the world to run through historic sites like Herodion Mountain or Bethlehem’s Old City walls.
9. The Palestinian Heritage Festival is an annual celebration of Palestinian heritage featuring traditional dances like dabke, food stalls selling local cuisine, and handicrafts exhibition showcasing local artisans’ work.
10. The Hebron Youth Film Festival is an international film competition for young filmmakers showcasing their talent on a global platform.

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• Musa Abu Hashhash Restaurant: Known for its traditional Palestinian dishes like maqluba, musakhan, and mansaf.
• Al-Khawaja Restaurant: A popular spot for falafel sandwiches and other Middle Eastern street food.
• Al-Quds Restaurant: Serves a variety of Palestinian dishes like shish kebab, stuffed grape leaves, and hummus.
• Al-Khalil Shawerma: Famous for its delicious shawarma sandwiches made with fresh ingredients.
• Abu Mazen Falafel: A small falafel stand that has been serving the community for over 30 years.
• Al-Quds Sweets Shop: Offers a variety of Arabic sweets like baklava, kunafa, and halva.
• Dar Zahran Heritage Building & Restaurant: Offers traditional Palestinian cuisine in a beautiful historic building with stunning views of the city.
• Shawarma Abdo El-Sharqawiya: Another popular spot for shawarma sandwiches made with fresh ingredients and served with homemade sauces.
• Bab al-Wad Coffee Shop & Bakery: A cozy café that serves freshly baked breads, pastries, and Arabic coffee.
• Hebron Glass Factory & Showroom Cafe: Offers delicious coffee drinks and light snacks while showcasing the beautiful hand-blown glassware produced by the factory’s artisans.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Al-Hussein Bin Ali Park is a spacious public park situated in the heart of Hebron, offering an abundance of greenery, walking paths, and playgrounds for children to enjoy.
2. The Hebron Zoo is located on the outskirts of the city and houses a diverse range of animals such as monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
3. Al-Ibrahimi Mosque, also known as the Cave of Patriarchs is an iconic mosque steeped in history that can be found in the Old City. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers or take guided tours.
4. The Hebron Glass Factory located within the Old City allows visitors to observe skilled glassblowers at work while also providing an opportunity to purchase handmade glassware.
5. There are several hiking trails around Hebron that offer breathtaking views of surrounding hills and valleys for those who love nature walks.
6. Public sports facilities such as soccer fields, basketball courts and swimming pools are available throughout Hebron for those interested in engaging in physical activities.
7. Throughout the year there are various cultural events held across Hebron including music festivals and art exhibitions showcasing local talent which tourists can attend to experience their unique culture firsthand.

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Leave Footprints In The Sand.

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