Hebron

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ounded nearly 6000 years ago, Hebron is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Hebron is home to the famous Ibrahimi Mosque, the second holiest Islamic site in Palestine. Hebron is the fourth holiest city for Muslims after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. It is the burial site for Abraham, Sarah, Jacob and there for also a sacred place of pilgrimage for Christians and Jews.

Located in the southeast corner of the city is the Old City. During the Islamic period, the old town moved from Tel Rumeidah to the area of al-Haram al-Ibrahimi. In 1099, it was conquered by the Crusaders and in 1187, it was liberated by Saladin, who encouraged his army to settle in Hebron. The town was thriving under the Malmuk period and became very important culturally and religiously. Now there are many souks selling beautiful handicrafts and souvenirs.

Hebron is home to authentic, beautiful handicrafts such as pottery, glass and ceramics and the city was even awarded the title of World Crafts City in 2016 for its vast range of alluring products. These handicrafts represent a tradition of art and transformation dating back to ancient times. They are especially important because they are defined as products that are transformed from raw materials into goods.

Even today Hebron is regarded as one of the main trade cities in the West Bank, with its famous handicrafts and production of marble and thinly cut building stones, dairy products and shoes.