Khan Al-Tujjar (Fabric Market)
The Khan Al-Tajjar, also known as the Fabric Market, is one of the most beautiful and well-organized khans and markets in Nablus. It shares architectural and functional similarities with the major Islamic capitals and cities of Istanbul, Damascus, Aleppo, Jerusalem, and Acre, reflecting the unified design of Ottoman-era khans and markets.
The Khan is located at the northern end of Nablus's Old City, along Al-Khan Street, to which it is attributed. It dates back to the Ottoman period and was established by the governor of the Levant, Minister Mustafa Pasha, during his tenure from 1563 to 1569 AD.
The Khan consists of two opposite rows of commercial shops, separated by a 3.5-meter-wide road. This road is covered by a system of intersecting stone domes along its entire length of about 200 meters in an east-west direction. Each dome has an upper opening to allow sunlight and ventilation, and the Khan includes around 50 shops on both sides, primarily selling clothes.
The Khan has three gates - one each on the east, west, and center, leading to the northern side, where the gold market was established in later periods. The most ornate gate faces south, with a high semi-circular dome and several small windows for lighting and ventilation. Its facade is built in the form of two overlapping arches, and it features several beautiful circular motifs, though the central stone inscription has been removed.
The Khan has witnessed many restoration and renovation works over the years. The most significant were in 1690 AD and 1927 AD, following an earthquake that hit the city. In 1997, the Nablus municipality carried out renovation work, including replacing the Khan's floors that were paved with royal stone tiles with new stone tiles.
However, after the occupation forces invaded the city in 2002 and destroyed the Khan, many parts of what was destroyed were subsequently renovated and restored.
Historically, the Khan used to include a hostel for traders, a small mosque, and warehouses, though these have since been demolished or converted into shops. Today, the Khan retains its original function and continues to witness active commercial activity throughout the year.