Deir Istiya
The town of Deir Istiya sits on a medium-height hill about 7 km northwest of Salfit, at an elevation of 430 meters above sea level. Covering an area of 36,000 dunums, it is surrounded by Kifl Haris, Haris, Zita, Qira, and Qarawat Bani Hassan. Known for its agricultural activities, Deir Istiya is renowned for producing olives, almonds, and grapes. It ranks third in the country for olive oil production, following Deir al-Ghusun and Asira al-Shamaliya. Additionally, some of the local population relies on livestock farming. The town is located near the Qana Valley, a perennial water source.
The historic buildings and narrow streets in the town center date back around 300 years. These structures are designed with natural cooling systems, featuring upper openings in the outer walls that allow airflow and water entry. Deir Istiya boasts numerous natural features, including water springs, caves, and ruins.
The name "Istiya" is believed to derive from the Syriac word "ista," meaning wall, suggesting the town's origins may date back to the Roman period. The village also hosts several religious sites, including the shrines of Sheikh Hussein and Sheikh Khater, as well as two old mosques and three newer ones. Many ancient artifacts in the old town have been restored for preservation.