Touqan Palace
Named after its owner from the Touqan family, the palace is situated in the Old City of Nablus, in the Western Quarter, directly across from Al-Bek Mosque. It is bordered on the west by a road leading to Al-Nasr Street, on the south by the Nabulsi House, and on the east and north by residential houses. This palace is one of the most significant historical residences in Nablus, constructed by prominent local families such as the Al-Touqan, Abd al-Hadi, and al-Nimr families, who held high political and economic status during the Ottoman period. It is noted for its unique local planning and architectural style, which represents a new architectural school.
Built in the early 18th century by Ibrahim Bek bin Salih Pasha Touqan, the palace was financed generously by his father. It is located in Haret Al-Gharb, near Al-Nasr Street and south of Al-Bek Mosque. The palace originally had around a hundred rooms, as well as courtyards and gardens spanning approximately three dunams.
The palace is spread over three floors. The ground floor includes a horse stable, a central gate, a secondary gate, and a large open courtyard with original royal stone tiles. This level also features a spacious diwan, several rooms, and halls for guards and administrative staff. A stone staircase on the eastern side of the courtyard leads to the northern and southern suites. The main gate, facing the western road to Al-Nasr Street, is adorned with two intertwined stone arches and intricate geometric and floral designs.
The second floor contains two suites, one on the north and one on the south, each with multiple rooms, open courtyards, pools, fountains, gardens, and orchards planted with various trees and vegetables. The design of the suites follows the traditional Selamlik and Haramlik separation, distinguishing spaces for women from those accessible to men.
The palace has suffered significant damage over the years, initially from an earthquake in 1927 AD and later from the destruction caused by the occupation army during its invasion of the city in 2002 AD.