Jenin

Jenin

Jenin is located 43 km north of Nablus, on an ancient trade route connecting Nablus to Haifa. Overlooking the Marj Ibn Amer plain, known for its vast agricultural lands, Jenin sits at an elevation of 100 to 250 meters above sea level and can be accessed via Wadi Bal’ama, the Marj Ibn Amer plain, and Lajjun.

The city’s name originates from the Arabic “'Ayn Ghanim,” meaning “Ghanim’s Spring,” referencing the area's abundant natural freshwater springs. This water supply has supported the region since ancient times. Jenin was referred to as “Gina” in the Tell el-Amarna letters from the 14th century BCE and retained the name through the Roman era.

The historic city of Jenin was established on a hill in the present-day city center. In Canaanite, Jenin means “city of gardens,” highlighting the abundance of springs and fertile lands, still known as “the breadbasket of Palestine.” Archaeological excavations in the late 1970s and early 1980s, led by Birzeit University's Institute of Archaeology, uncovered Neolithic layers (around 8000 BC), revealing flint tools used by early inhabitants who primarily hunted. Remains of buildings from the Early Bronze Age (around 3200 BC) were also discovered. These artifacts are preserved at Birzeit University, though little remains visible at the site due to damage from earlier excavations.

Jenin has been home to various civilizations over the centuries. In the 7th century AD, Arab tribes settled in the area. The Franks later fortified the city, building walls and castles around it. After the Battle of Hattin in 1187 AD, Sultan Saladin Ayyubi entered Jenin and settled there on his journey from Jerusalem to Damascus. During the Mamluk era, Jenin became a fiefdom of Al-Zahir Baybars, and in 1260 AD, Sultan Al-Mansur ruled the city.

Today, Jenin is a picturesque city, with buildings extending along the hillsides, surrounded by gardens, orchards, and agricultural lands that enhance its natural beauty. As an agricultural hub, Jenin's main crops include wheat, barley, sesame, olives, watermelons, and almonds. The Jenin District is also renowned for its olive cultivation, making it one of the most famous olive-growing regions in Palestine.