Jerusalem
Archaeological
evidence indicates that Jerusalem existed 4000 years ago. The city appears
to have been founded by a Canaanite-Amorite god, named Shalem. For most
of the last 2000 years it has been depicted at the centre of most global
maps and known by some as "The Navel of the World." There is probably no
other city in the world that has been a more sacred symbol in world history.
A sacred city to followers of the three monotheistic faiths, Jerusalem's
unique beauty lies both in its diversity and complexity.
The impressive walls surrounding the Old City host a cosmos
of religious and historical significance: the Dome of the Rock (the site
of the Prophet Mohammed's Ascension),the Via Dolorosa, the Calvary, the
Holy Sepulchre, and the Western Wall. The Dome of the Rock has been immortalised
in thousands of works of art,found in many Arab homes. For Palestinians,
Jerusalem is the capital of their state in the making and has remained
the spiritual apex of their identity.
Ramallah
Ramallah
is known as the "The Bride of Palestine." Situated 900 metres above sea
level, its pleasant climate has made it an ideal resort for Palestinians
seeking relaxation during the hot summer months. Before the Israeli occupation
of the city (1967-1994),visitors from Lebanon, Jordan and Saudi Arabia
were among the many frequenters of Ramallah's resorts, restaurants and
hotels. In the 1990's Ramallah became the base for many international agencies
operating in the country.
Like many towns and cities in Palestine, Ramallah has
a mixed Muslim-Christian population and is host to a large number of Palestinians
who have been driven from their homes since 1947.Its population is generally
considered quite cosmopolitan and consequently Ramallah is the capital
of night- life in Palestine.
Nablus
At
a site near the ancient Canaanite settlement of Tell Balata,the Romans
founded the city of Flavia Neapolis (New City)in 72 AD,later named Nablus
(636 AD).According to ancient folklore, the biblical Adam was formed with
the clay from Mount Gerizim, near Nablus. John the Baptist baptized early
Christians in the nearby springs.
The city's rich history includes rule by Romans, Greeks,
Arabs,Persians and Ottomans. Nablus is home to many well-known Palestinian
poets and writers. The city is famous for its olive oil soap factories,
its clever merchants, its famous dessert (Kinafa),and its Turkish baths.
Hebron
Archaeologists
have unearthed artefacts that indicate human settlement in the Hebron region
since around 2000 BC. The Arabic word for Hebron is al-Khalil which means
"friend" in reference to the grand Patriarch of Monotheism, Abraham (Ibrahim
in Arabic).Thus, the city's Ibrahimi Mosque, Abraham's burial place, is
central to Hebron's history and religious life. In addition to being the
burial place of the father of Monotheism it is also the burial ground of
the biblical Sara ,Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, Leah, Adam, and Eve (who lived
out their days here after their expulsion from Paradise).
The district's lush agricultural land reminds one of the
biblical references to Hebron as the land "flowing with milk and honey."
Although the presence of illegal Israeli settlements both in and around
the city has created tensions between settlers and Palestinians, Hebron
is a very hospitable place for visitors.
Jericho
Jericho
is an oasis in the desert. The oldest continuously inhabited human settlement
on earth (10,000 years)and the lowest (some 200 metres below sea level),
Jericho is rich in date palms, tropical fruits and vegetables, medicinal
plants and spices. In Roman times Mark Anthony gave the town as a gift
to Cleopatra. During the Crusader era, the sugar industry thrived here.
The Arabic term for Jericho is Riha (scent),because of
its wide variety of fragrant flowers.The majestic Hisham's Palace was built
during the Islamic Era. However, nature is the most impressive monument
in Jericho, Including the Mount of Temptation, which is the site of Jesus'
forty-day fast and his refusal of vanity. Under Palestinian rule, the town
has once again taken on the role of a vacation resort.
Jenin,Qalqilya,and Tulkarem
Jenin
is the name of both a city and a district ,which includes the four Canaanite
cities of Qalqilya, Khirbet Belame, Tell Dothan and Tulkarem. It is also
home to Burqin and Zababdeh, two towns that date back to Byzantine times.
Burqin is where Jesus Christ is thought to have healed lepers and Zababdeh was one of the many locations where Mary and Joseph rested on their way to Bethlehem.
Today, Jenin is a picturesque town surrounded with gardens of carob, fig, and palm trees. The district has some of the richest agricultural land in Palestine.
Gaza Strip
Once
inhabited by the Canaanites, Egypt ruled the coastline for centuries before
it became the chief port of the seafaring Philistines (Filistines). Throughout
much of modern history, it has been an important commercial centre, and
is now on it's way to retrieving its former position as the cross- roads
of Africa, Asia and Europe. The new airport and seaport (the latter still
under construction)are part of the district's development under Palestinian
rule. Gaza's beaches are among the most beautiful on the whole coastline.
Both public and private investment in upgrading tourist facilities along
the coastlines' hotels and restaurants has been substantial.
The upgrading of the area's agricultural capacity, which
includes the export of such winter crops as oranges and strawberries, has
also given a boost to the Gazan economy. Among the many tourist attractions
and sites of historic significance in Gaza are the Great Mosque of Omar
(built over the Philistine Temple which was destroyed by Samson), the Fourth
Century Byzantine Church of Saint Porphirius, the Thirteenth Century Islamic
Fortress at Khan Younes. In Deir al Balah there exists a famous cemetery
dating back to the Bronze Age, and a Hellenic monastery built in 372 AD.
The Gaza Strip is also known for its friendly people and its delicious
seafood.