Trading markets
Historically and presently, Hebron has been known as a vital site for commerce. Its strategic location near the historic road that connected northern Palestine with its south, and its proximity to the Negev, made it a commercial center and market for farmers and Bedouins, and it is on the regional road that connects Palestine to other countries such as retail centers in Egypt, and northern Arabia. The city's merchants arrived in Egypt and traded with its inhabitants, especially the famous Hebron glass production, which contributed to reviving its commercial and economic life, and the prosperity and wealth of its residents.
During the Islamic period, this road was important and became the Islamic pilgrimage road to the Hijaz lands, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Ibrahimi Mosque. Caravans and trips passed through the city of Hebron on their way to southern Palestine, Jordan, Sinai, and Northern Arabia. It was reflected in the city's planning, and its markets flourished and specialized in various commodities; therefore, that reflected the nature of the city's economic and craft market.
The city's shops were among its most critical vital facilities, which were distinguished by a longitudinal pattern; these shops are lined up on both sides of the road to form a variety of specialized markets, including the glass shops, the oil shops, the mat shops, the dairy shops, the shoe shops, the yarning shops, and others. These markets were accompanied by the presence of khans and agencies, such as Khan al-Khalil, Khan Shaheen, Khan Dweik, and the commercial agency market. Because of the development of social and economic life and the Israeli occupation's restrictions on commercial movement, many of its markets lost their importance and function, and many moved to the area of Bab Al-Zawiya.