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,
The Old Town of Hebron
The Old City of Hebron is situated in the southeastern part of the city, centered around the Ibrahimi Mosque. It was established in its current location during the early Islamic period when the city shifted from TelL Rumeida to the area surrounding the mosque. The city flourished during the Mamluk period, becoming a significant cultural and religious center. The Old City developed around the mosque, encompassing diverse social groups within its neighborhoods, courtyards, streets, markets, inns, mosques, "Zawaya" (place of worship), and schools. It eventually comprised thirteen distinct neighborhoods. During the Ottoman period, the city expanded, giving the Old City its present shape and boundaries.
The city's layout followed the Islamic tradition, featuring a system of neighborhoods that either surrounded or were separate from the Ibrahimi Mosque, such as the Sheikh Ali al-Bakka, Qaytun, and Bab al-Zawiya neighborhoods. Each neighborhood had its own entrances and secure gates that were locked at night until the early 20th century. These neighborhoods contained courtyards, alleys, and public squares, designed to offer security and privacy. The urban design transitioned from public spaces to private ones: from roads connecting neighborhoods (public), to neighborhood squares (semi-public), alleys (semi-private), courtyards (semi-private), and finally, private residences. The Old City was walled on all sides, providing protection to its inhabitants.
Hebron was inscribed on the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2017 under criteria (ii), (iv), and (vi). Hebron is a distinguished example of a city where human values and exchanges played a crucial role in the development of its architecture, construction technology, arts, urban planning, and cultural landscape. The cultural values, traditions, and religious and spiritual beliefs inspired by the hospitality and generosity of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), as well as its strategic location on one of the most important historical routes, are fundamental to the cultural character and religious traditions of this city. These traditions remain deeply rooted in the customs of its people, including the practice of offering free meals to visitors and the poor at the Ibrahimi Takiyya (Hospice- free kitchen).
Hebron Governorate:
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.