Hebron

Hebron

Hebron is located about 30 km south of Jerusalem, at an elevation of approximately 1000 meters above sea level. Positioned at the crossroads of key commercial and military routes linking northern and southern Palestine, Hebron has long been an important cultural, commercial, and religious center. Its fertile soil, abundant rainfall, and moderate climate have also made it one of Palestine's most productive agricultural regions, renowned for producing some of the country's finest grapes.

Hebron is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history spanning over 6,000 years. The city holds significant religious importance as the fourth holiest city in Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. It is the burial place of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, along with their wives. The Old City was originally built on the ancient site of Tel Rumeida and has been known by many names, including Hebron, Habari, the Mosque of Ibrahim, Khalil al-Rahman, and al-Khalil, meaning "the friend."

The Ibrahimi Mosque is the city's most prominent cultural and religious landmark, contributing to Hebron's status as a significant religious destination for believers and travelers, both Arab and foreign. The historical architecture of the city, particularly from the Mamluk and Ottoman periods, remains well-preserved, showcasing Hebron's cultural richness over the centuries. During the Mamluk era (1250-1517 AD), Hebron prospered and was administratively linked with Jerusalem under the prestigious office of the "Nazir of the Two Holy Mosques," who oversaw the endowment properties. The Mamluks contributed to Hebron's growth as a religious and Sufi center, constructing mosques, "Zawaya" (place of worship), "Ribats" (Islamic hostels), schools, markets, water systems, and shrines around the Ibrahimi Mosque.

Under Ottoman rule (1516-1917 AD), the city experienced further expansion, giving it much of its present form and boundaries. Following the Ottoman period, Hebron, like the rest of Palestine, came under British Mandate rule in 1917, then fell under Jordanian control in 1948 before being occupied by Israel in 1967. The Israeli occupation has attempted to alter Hebron's identity through the establishment of settlements within and around the city, alongside efforts to oppress its residents.

Today, Hebron remains one of Palestine's most important commercial centers, known for its marble and building stone trade, as well as its production of shoes and dairy products. The city also boasts a variety of traditional handicraft industries, such as pottery, ceramics, and glasswork, which highlight the rich heritage of the Palestinian people.

In 2016, Hebron was registered as a World Crafts City by the World Crafts Council, and on July 7, 2017, UNESCO included the Old City of Hebron and the Ibrahimi Mosque on the World Heritage List.

Hebron Governorate:

It is the largest in the West Bank, covering about 1,067 km², with a population of around 845,000 in 2023. It includes 100 villages and cities, notably Hebron, Dura, Yatta, Bani Naim, Adh Dhahiriya, Halhul, and Beit Ummar, as well as two refugee camps: Al Fawwar and Al Arroub.