The Manara Clock Tower and Bab Al-Saha (Quarter of Nablus)
Al-Manara Square, named for the prominent clock tower at its center, is situated in the heart of the old town of Nablus. Bordered to the south by Al-Nasr Street, to the west by Al-Nasr Mosque, to the east by the New Khan, and to the north by historic residential buildings and shops, it serves as the central hub of the old town. Originally referred to as Bab Al-Saha, the square's current layout, featuring the clock tower, was established in 1901 to mark the installation of the clock, built on the site of an older square.
The square gained significance in 1900 when Sultan Abdul Hamid II donated a large clock to Nablus, alongside similar clocks for six other major Palestinian cities—Jerusalem, Jaffa, Acre, Haifa, Safed, and Nazareth—celebrating the 25th anniversary of his reign. The Nablus Municipality then constructed a tower for this clock, which is still operational today.
The clock tower, characterized by its square base and a southern-facing gate adorned with an inscription and the Ottoman Empire’s official seal, consists of five levels. The clock is mounted on the fourth level and is visible from all sides through decorative windows and stone friezes. The tower has become a symbol of Nablus, particularly after its renovation in 2019, and now serves as the emblem of the city's municipality, attracting both residents and visitors.