Qalqilya
Situated at the juncture of the Nablus mountains and the Mediterranean coast, Qalqilya stands as a historic hub, serving as a key link between northern and southern Palestine. Located 75 km from Jerusalem and 34 km from Nablus, the city's strategic position has endowed it with profound significance throughout the ages.
Qaqilya's name has its origins dating back to the Canaanite era. The current name evolved from the Roman-era "Calcelie" and the Middle Age "Calcilea" forms. It is believed the name references either a local castle or the root meaning "resting at noon" - a nod to the city's role as a caravan stopover point on the trade routes leading from the Levant to Egypt.
Geographically, Qalqilya Governorate is characterized by a diverse terrain of plateaus, hills, and mountains, though much of its fertile plain lands were lost in the aftermath of the Nakba. Today, the governorate is encircled by Israeli settlements constructed on its occupied territories.
Despite the challenges it has faced, Qalqilya remains a vital crossroads, intertwined with the broader tapestry of Palestinian history and culture.
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