Tourism In Jericho Governorate

It is the most ancient Cana’anite City in Palestine, which experts and archaeologists dated it back to the Stone Age. I.e. before seven thousands years B.C. So, some of them could say that it is the oldest city in history, which is currently existing. Experts examined the site of its ruins at Tel Al sultan, which is two kilometers far from the north of the current city near the water fountain of Ein Assultan.

Jericho is about 38 kms far from Jerusalem. The main way from Jerusalem or Ramallah to Jericho is one of most important and lovely ways in Palestine, as it is the old trade road, which is still connecting Jerusalem with Jericho and proceeding to East of Jordan through the river.

This road is a desert-like area, locally known, “Wasteland or the desert of Jerusalem”. On both sides of the road, there are many important archaeological historic sites worthy to visit.

Denomination
The original denomination of Jericho was before the Islamic conquest when we found out that the name “Jericho” is originally Semitic. The public pronunciation is, “Ariha”, which meant “the moon” for the Cana’anites. The word is derived from the verb “Yereho”, Yareh Al Yareh in the language of the south of peninsula means month and moon. In Hebrew “Yarho”, is the oldest known city in the Jewish Torah. In Syriac, “Riha” means “Scent and Fragrance”.

Hicsos considered it as a capital between 1750 and 1600B.C. It is mentioned in Torah as “Ariheh”, which was the first Cana’anite city the Hebrews attacked. Their leader “Yousha’ Ben Noun” and his soldiers in 1450 B.C were able to take over Jericho and put it on fire and entirely perished whoever were there. In the Jurists Age (1170-1030) B.C, Ajloun, king of Mo’abite, expelled Jews out of Jericho and chose it as a capital.

Great Hirodose demarcated Jericho expanded and decorated it with various constructions. So, Jericho was extended farther than the hills (known today), Abi Al Aleeq near Ein Assultan. During Hirodose time, the Jericho constructions were; the palaces, gardens, squares, canals and pools. At the south of Jericho, Hirodose built fortified citadels to safeguard the city. Never the less, Jericho was destroyed later, as the remnants of the ruins left, indicated that.

Jericho flourished in the Roman Time where the remains of the Canals, they dug, are apparent at Al “Kalt” valley.
The city had gained great importance at the time of Christ (peace be upon him). Christ, himself, visited it and cured two of the blinds’ eyes, namely; Bertimous and his companion. He visited Zakariya Al Asha’ar, in his house, who was short and had to climb a tree to see Jesus among the crowds.

In the time of Great Constantine (306-337A.C), The founder of Costantinople”, Christianity spread out by the priests and the hermits who were staying in the monasteries and churches, which they constructed in order to be as promulgating centers for Christianity. In (325) A.C, they became a center for Bishopric.

Jestinian, the Bizante Emperor, (527-565 A.C) built a church there, then a road, connecting Al Batra’, was paved, which caravans crossed in (3-4) days. Also another road, connecting it with Bissan, was paved. Churches and monasteries around Jericho were multiplied. Alksorfo said that there was a church in Jaljal, another at the place, where it was thought, that Christ took off his garment before his Baptism, and another, inside a large monastry, called “Saint Youhanna”, was ascribed to him. It is located on a height overlooking Jordan River.

Then, Jericho became one of the Islamic Arab countries, which started in the seventh century A.C. In Islam, Jericho was the city of the valley and its people were from Qays nation, with a group from Quraysh.

At the Time of Prophet, Mohammed, “May the blessing of God be upon him”, the prophet expelled the Jews out of Al Madina Al Monawareh for their tyranny, so they went to Great Syria, Azra’at and Jericho. Later, Omar Ben Al Khattab evacuated the rest of them from Hijaz lands to tyma’e and Jericho.

During the Ottoman regime, Jericho became a district (A village before), with a resident ruler called, “the director” who administered it, with the bedouins and the neighbor villages of the Governorate of Jerusalem. The district was the fifth in Jerusalem district.
During the British Mandate, Jericho had become the district center (called Jericho), till 1944, when the Mandate Authority cancelled Jericho district and annexed it to Jerusalem district. The area of Jericho district, in 1943 was about (341km2) with 4.600 people.

The villages of al Ouja, Diyouk, Al Nabi Mousa and Al Nwaima were joined to Jericho, besides the permanent and nomad bedouin tribes. After 1948, Jericho was reinstated, as the district center, which joined, in 1965, about (75) thousand people whose majority were refugees. It has still been the center of the district after the Israeli occupation in 1967 A.C.
The four Palestinian refugee Camps are the most important addition, at the present time, to the oldest world city. These camps are: Aqabet Jebir, Al Ouja, Ein Assultan and Al Nwaima.

 
Today, there are, only ten thousand refugees in those camps, because a great part of them have become refugees for the second time in Jordan after the six-day war in 1967. During the latest years, the city has evidenced many historic events, as it was the first city received by PNA due to “Oslo Accord” in 1993 A.C. Since then, the city has witnessed essential changes, the most important were; the start of a number of tourist project, erecting a number of hotels and public gardens, the first telpherage and the first Casino, in “The Palestinian Governorates” specified for foreigners, which is following one of the most up-to-date Palestinian hotels namely; Intercontinental Jericho.

Location:
Jericho locates at 250 meters below sea level, so it is unprecedented city in the world for this phenomena… Jericho is an ideal winter resort, a first–class Tourist City for its winter moderate climate in addition to the several historic archaeologic sites, which are approximately existing in all parts of the city, and around it. The most important sites are centralized on 20km2 area, including Tel Assultan, Khirbet Qameran, Jabal al Tajribeh “Qurontol”, and many churches, palaces, and mosques, which we are going to mention later. In Jericho, there are a lot of public gardens, restaurants and hotels, which some of them have been recently inaugurated.

The streets are wide and the population are hospitable and familiar with the tourists who visit their country.
The tourism season extends from December until the end of April but, in Summer many people avoid visiting Jericho because temperature is usually so high that its citizens desert it in Summer to the mountainous Governorates, particularly Ramallah and Jerusalem.

Climate:
The climate of Jericho is tropical with very high temperature, entirely dry in summer, warm with low rainfall in winter. The average temperature, in summer is 48o while it goes down to less than 4 degrees in winter.
Rain falls in winter at an average of 150mm in a year and the moisture average is 50%. Due to this climate, harvests, in Jericho, ripen, at least two months earlier to the same harvests in the other areas. Jericho is known as a primarily agricultural city. It is still called, today, the fruit and vegetable basket of Palestine. The most important agricultural products are: Bananas, Citrus, Dates, Tomatoes, and Green pepper. Perhaps, Jericho’s fruits and vegetables are the tastiest in the world.

Population:
The population of Jericho Governorate, today, are (31501) people; 14744 are urbans, (10706) people live in countryside and (6051) people live in camps, though there are refugees who don’t live in camps, in Jericho.

The Most Important Archaeological Tourist Landmark:
1. Al Kalt valley: It extends from the outskirts of Jerusalem in the west to Jericho in the east. It is like a Roman, Bizante, Arab Islamic landmark, which contains water canals, a Monastry, caves and a natural preserve.

2. Toloul Abo Al Alayeq (Hirode Winter palace): It lies at the southern entrance of Al Kalt valley at the southern west of Jericho city. It is like Greek and Roman palaces.

3. Deir Qruntol: It lies on Al Tajribeh Mount at the northwest of Jericho. It is like a Bizante Monastry.

4. Tel Assultan: It lies at the Northwest of Jericho. It is like a hill, representing ancient Jericho, which was settled, for the first time, in the upper ancient Stone Age, evidencing that it is the most ancient city in the world.
5. Ein Al Diyonk: The village of Ein Al Diyouk is almost four kms far from the north of Jericho. It is like Arab Islamic signpost. It is a traditional village, which was settled in the Roman period.

6. Khirbet Al Mafjer (Hisham Palace): The palace is about 2kms far from the north of Jericho. It is an Arab Islamic signpost (A palace from the time of Omayyade Caliphs).

7. Deir Hajleh: It is about 10km to the southeast of east Jericho. It is a Bizante Monastry.

8. Qamran: It locates on a mountainous height along the northwest beach of the Dead Sea. It is 20kms to the south of Jericho. It was a social center for Assinates in the past, and it was the site where the manuscripts of the Dead Sea were found.
9. Prophet Moses Position: This locates on the eastern versants, about 15kms to the east of Jerusalem. It is like Arab Islamic signpost (Ottoman, Mamluke Position). Moslems have been visiting it since the time of Salaheddin Al Ayyoubi in annual religious celebration called the Season of Al Nabi Mousa, like the other seasons in the country, such as; Al Nabi Saleh, Al Nabi Robeen, Sayyedna Al Hussein and Al Montar Season..etc. These seasons are revived at this period due to the religious fanaticism, which the Crusades circulated in the country at that time. Consequently, Moslems of Palestine have been organizing specific celebrations of their own, which surpass the celebrations of the Christian Easter and coincide with them.

10. The Dead Sea: It is the Saltiest sea in the world, where tourist can swim without scaring any expected waves nor fierce sea animals, while the evaporations have a curing potentiality.
The Greek writers were the first to denominate it, but Arabs called it: the lake of Lout, Zagher Sea, the Niten Sea, Arabeh Sea, Al Isfalt Sea and it was also called Sidom Sea because the two cities of Sidom and Amoureh were burried under its water, as a result of an old earthquake. It was called Al Isfalt Sea because a substance, like tar, floats on the its surface.

It is a small closed and extremely salty lake. As the Dead Sea locates in a very hot and dry area specially in Summer, evaporation is so high that its Length was contracted from more than (76kms) at the threshold of this century to less than (50kms) today. It is from (3-15kms) wide. Dead Sea is (405 meters) under the level of an ordinary sea. Therefore, it is the lowliest place in the entire world. Dead Sea is an unfamiliar phenomena in the world, as no life exists in it, because of its high rate of saltiness.

This Sea is always drying up. It is exposed to an actual danger due to the excessive evaporation of its water and the lack of the in-pouring water of the River Jordan, which has resulted from the projects of drawing water away at the upper river at Tiberias, particularly the Israeli project and the Jordanian Irrigation projects. There is an actual dreadful extinction of the sea. So, it is thought, that a canal would be dug to supply it with water from the Mediterranean. The Dead Sea water and its minerals are used as treatments of many skin diseases. So, tourist come from different parts of the world to swim and anoint their skins with its mineral-rich mud. Some world companies produce many kinds of skin ointments and medicines out of the water and the minerals of Dead Sea.

Subsequently, many rest houses, and hotels have been installed on the east and the west beaches of the Dead Sea. The most famous of the west rest houses are; Jaleih, Ein Al Fashkha, Ein Jidi and Ein Bqaiq where bath houses, tourist beaches and change-wear closets are available. At some of them, there are specifically good hotel services at Ein Jidi, which is (55kms) far from the south of Jericho.

Jericho is distinguished for its famous discovered manuscripts of the Dead Sea, namely:
Qamran Manuscripts:
Qamran is (2.5kms) far from the west of the Dead Sea. Its manuscripts were accidentally discovered in 1948, by a shepherd from the tribe of Al Ta’amreh, while he was grazing his sheep. When they were frightened away, he threw them with a stone, which fell in a cave. He heard something breaking, so he entered the cave where he saw earthenware jugs drawers of Parchment. He took them and sold them.

In 1956, (11) caves were found in Qamran. Excavation and research pointed out that a quarter of the discovered manuscripts were in writing, including Jewish scriptures, which are holy for them. These manuscripts might be dated back to the years from 66-70 during the great Jewish revolution against the Roman State.

A part of these manuscript is reserved in Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
1. Square Manuscripts: It is 15kms far from the south of Qamran. They are caves discovered by Al Ta’amrch in 1951 A.C. Its most ancient remnants were dated back to (4000) B.C. Manuscripts dated back to the second Jewish revolution (132-135) A.C, were found. They included parts of the Genesis, the Exodus and the prophecy of Ashiya.

 
2. Al Mard Manuscripts: Al Ta’amreh discovered them in 1952 A.C. They are caves where Manuscripts of Yashou’e Book, Gospel of Matta, Book of deeds and the Mission of Polus were found.

Resources
1. Encyclopedia of Palestinian cities.
2. Palestine Tourist Guide.
3. The central Apparatus for the Palestinian Statistic- General census for Population and Installations- 1997.
4. The Threatened Urban and Cultural Heritage Features In West Bank Governorates.

Tourism in Jenin Governorate

Jenin is (43kms) from Nablus, overlooking Marj Iben Amer plain. Most of its buildings are on “Tal Izzeddin” east of the city. Due to its abundant water, the gardens and orchards are mostly found. Perhaps its old name “Janim”, (meaning gardens) was derived.

The city is from (125) to (250) m above the Sea level forming the southern head of the triangle of the plain of Marj Iben Amer at one of the southern entrances leading to Nablus Mounts.

 
It is known that Jenin-to day- locates on the site where the Cana’anite city “Ein Janim” existed, which meant Ein Al Jinan. In the Roman Age a village called Jinai, of Sabastia villages, was erected. Christ, passed through Jenin (or near it) more than once on his way from Nazarite to Jerusalem. It was believed that he cured ten people who were afflicted with Leprosy at Burqin village in the east of the city. In order to eternize that event, a church was constructed in the village where its remains are still existing today.

There was a church in Jenin where its remains were found, near the great mosque, in the sixth Century A.C. During the Crusaders, Jenin was a small town overtaken by the Franks who fortified it with fortresses and strong surrounding walls. After Hitteen battle in 1187, the Moslems came into the city, and Salaheddin sojourned there, on his way from Jerusalem to Damascus.

Al Khan “Hotel” was built, at the time of the Mamelukes, by Prince Tajar Aldwadar. He provided it with a water fountain place, a bathhouse and several shops for passengers. Fatma Khatoun, daughter of Mohammed Baik Ben Al Sultan, king Al Ashraf qansoh Al Ghori constructed the big mosque on the ruins of the former mosque, which was converted into a church during the Crusade time.

Jurisdiction in Jenin was innovated in 1882 A.C. It included (81) villages with Jenin itself. The population of the district, at the end of the previous century, were (44311) people.

Jurisdiction of Jenin included (120) villages in 1917. The most important was the eastern Sha’rawiheh group, namely, Arrabeh, kofr Ra’I, Seilet al Dhaher, Barta’eh..etc.

Al Sharawiyeh was attributed to the land with aboundant trees and the group of Mashariq Al Jarrar as; Sanour villages, Alzawyeh, Jarba, Mythaloun, Syrees, Qabatya, Al Jozour, Al Zababdeh and Al Mogheer, besides the group of Hartha countries including; Ta’nek, Saylet Al Harithiyeh, Al Yamoun, Deir Abo Dhia’if and Faqoua’.

Jenin, today is the biggest Governorate in the West Bank. The most important harvests are: wheat, barely, sesame, olives, melons and almonds. Jenin district is one of the most famous areas in cultivating olives in Palestine such as; Om Al Fahem, Al Yamoun, Al Seilch Al Harithiya, Borqein, Ya’ebod, Arrabeh, Kofr Ra’i, Seilet Al Dhahr, Al Fondoqawmiyeh, Jaba’, Qabatyeh, which is the richest village in olives in Jenin district. Olive-oil of Ya’ebed is the best in the north.

The Most Important Tourist and Archaeological Landmarks In Jenin:
1. Tel Ta’nek: The archaeological Landmark lies on Tel Ta’nek in the northwest side o the current village of Ta’nek. It is about (8kms) far from Jenin to the northwest and (2kms) north Yamoun.

The Landmark is an exciting wonderful Hill with more than (40m) above the level of Marj Iben Amer. Long ago, it was a converging point to the incoming roads from Akko in the north, Jerusalem in the south, and coast of the Mediterranean in the west.

The discovered fossils and remnants indicated that the several houses and constructions, existing in the south of the Landmark, were dated back to the twelfth century B.C (the Iron Age). They were completely destroyed. The ensuing settlement in a tower, dated back to the ninth century B.c., was a restrictive evidence.

The Islamic Age was represented in the Palace of Abbas Fakher, which was constructed between the tenth and the eleventh centuries A.C. Also, there are remnants, which led to the Mamluke and Ottoman Ages.

2. Tel Al Hafeereh: (Tel Dothan): Tel Dothan lies between Sabastia and Jenin about (6) km far to the south of Jenin. It is like a hill and an Islamic Arab Cana’anite city.

Landmark Description: It lies on a high hill, covered with grass and various hard plants. It is surrounded by the fertile southwestern plain, which is planted with crops and different kinds of vegetables. Almond and orange trees surround the houses in Dothan village. There is a spring of water, which is the only available water source, at the versant of the south side of the Landmark.

The Landmark is related to the story of Our lord Yousef and his brothers and how they threw him in the well. The first settlement at the Landmark, took place in the Copper Stone Age, where several pieces of pottery, dated back to the recent copper and Stone Age, were found.

The Landmark was rebuilt more than once, in the Iron and Greek Ages. It was called “Dothan”. A very small settlement was built on the top of the Hill. A huge building was partly discovered at the top of the Hill. It had about six courtyards and about 150 rooms. Nowadays a traditional Palestinian village has been built at the west side of the mentioned Landmark.

3. Bala’meh Sub-village (Cana’anite Yebla’am): The Landmark is a water tunnel and an Islamic Arab cana’anite city (Abbasaid, Mamluke, Ottoman). It is on a hill, and (2) kms far from the southern entrance of Jenin overlooking the southwestern plain, which includes fertile cultivable fields. It, also, overlooks the valley of Bala’ameh, where the sources of water exist.

The environment around the Landmark, well preserve it, as pine trees cover the southwestern Mount, which the valley separates it from the main street connecting Jenin with Nablus.

There is a water tunnel, hewed in the lime rock of the versant of the hill. Lately, several huge buildings and palaces were discovered near the tunnel southern entrance. Most of them were Mamluke and Ottoman palaces.

The discovered potteries, which were found during the archaeologic survey by koatchaive in 1997-1998, indicated the existence of settlements of the old, middle and recent Bronze Age, and the recent Islamic, Roman and Iron Ages. The tunnel entrance is the most eminent landmark of Bala’meh. The southern tunnel was dug during the recent Bronze Age, where the gate and the entrance of the fortress were built over it.

Bala’meh population are currently using the Mamluke landmark (high vaults)as a mosque.

4. Burqain (Saint Jerjes Church): The landmark is a church and a Christian myth, at the northeast of the village, on a mountain versant. The church overlooks a green valley. Olive trees cover the area opposite the church and many fig, grape, cactus trees spread out in the valley.

Originally, the church was from the Roman Time. It was like a cave, where the leprous were secluded from the village. Later on, the cave was converted into a church in the Bizante period. It was very small and didn’t take many prayers. So it was enlarged, at the end of the Bizante period. Then, it was destroyed later, and rebuilt during the Crusaders, as it included extra rooms and a courtyard, around the church.

Department of Archaeology of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism intensively renovated and maintained the church with the surrounding area in 1996 and 1997.

Sources: Features of the threatened cultural urban heritage in the West Bank Governorates, the contingency plan to preserve the natural resources\ Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation-Directorate of Urban or rural Planning, February 1999.

Tourism In Ramallah and Al Beireh Governorate

Ramallah and its twin, Al Beireh locate on a chain of Palestine central mountains. They are (16)kms from Jerusalem northward. The two cities are 860 meters above sea-level, and have a fine climate which makes them a center of tourist attraction . Al Beireh which is older and bigger than Ramallah, enjoys a strategic situation on the cross – roads of the main trades .

Thus, it is the link between the “Ghour” and the Palestinian coast plain with the mountain road connecting north Palestine with its south, as well as the important location of the city.

Settlement in Beireh results from the available water from its different springs, particularly, the known spring of Al Beireh called “Al Aiyn”. It lies on the main road of Jerusalem-Nablus. Due to its importance, the population of al Beireh built, near it, a khan with its remains, which are still clearly observed in the old town, and it dated back to the crusaders time .

They built two mosques near Al Khan, in the early Islamic period. They are currently, in use; the first is known as Al Omary Mosque, close to the sacred family church in the middle of the Old town, and Al Ein Mosque locating on the street of Jerusalem-Nablus, near the present municipality building. The center of the city had changed from time to time. The oldest site which the population of Al Beireh dwelled, is Al Irsal area. Then the center was transferred to “Tal Al Nasbeh”, then “Ein Om al Sharayet” them to old town center for the time being . Now the city borders are expanding to include all these areas. There are many towns called Al Beireh in Palestine. One lies north of Beisan, another lies in Hebron area, the third is near Safad, the fourth is in Beersheva area, but the Beireh of Jerusalem is the most important, the biggest and the most famous of all of them.

It is believed that the name Al Beireh was derived from the Cana’anite origin, “Beicron” which means (Al A abar) attributed to the abundant springs spreading in the city. The most important is the spring of Al Beireh and the other many, as, spring of Al Kasa’a and spring of Om Al Sharayet, spring of Jinan, spring of the king and others. Perhaps, the name was from Arami origin (Beirta) meaning the citadel or the fort attributed to the monument of Tal Al Nasbeh.

History of al Beireh City :
The Cana’anite history of Al Beireh dated back to the thirty fifth century B.C (About the year 3500B.C). From that time, through five thousand years, Al Beireh was overpopulated. Al Beireh was mentioned in the old Testament, more than once, in the name “Beirout” in the tale of the prophet Dawood, the brother of the prophet Moses “ peace upon them”, and the tale of Beni Israel occupation of Palestine at the time of Yousha’ Ben Noun. But the city was not sacred for the Jews. Therefore, it was not annexed to the Jewish Kingdoms which were founded in the late Iron Age.

Al Beireh was known at the Roman time, with “Bireih”. It became important in this period particularly, at the beginning of the Christian time. It was mentioned that “The virgin Mary” and her fiancé, Yousef Al Najjar had lost Christ in it , when he was a child of (12) years old, on their way back to Nazarite from Jerusalem . On this place, a Bizante church was constructed. Its remains are still , today , apparent in the middle of the old city, and it is called the church of the sacred family church.

After Islamic conquest, Al Beireh played a prominent role on the arena of events in Palestine. It was believed that Omar Ben Al Khattab stayed in it on his way from Al Madina Al Monawwara to Jerusalem to receive the keys of Jerusalem from the Bizantes. In 1195, in the place ,it was believed that Omar prayed in it , a mosque was constructed, known as Al Omary Mosque. It is still, in use, today. It is close to the Bizante church and it was renovated in 1995.

During the Crusades period, Al Beireh was an important village because it is near Jerusalem, specially when the Crusaders occupied it in 1099A.C. It became a center for the Islamic resistance against the Crusaders.

Following its occupation, the Crusaders endowed it with other (21) Palestinian villages from Jerusalem area, to the church of Sepulcher. The city, with its Bizante church which was renovated and cleaned lately, was a center for the nights of Saint Youhanna, who came from England.

When Salaheddin Al Ayyouby had liberated Palestine, he took over Al Beireh and destroyed the Crusade settlement in it, in 1187 A.C. It was believed that the number of the Crusaders who surrendered to him in Al Beireh amounted to (50000) prisoners .
Thus the city was re-Arabised. In the Ottoman age, 1517-1918A.C, Al Beireh was an important administrative political and a district center which the Ottoman governor lived in . There was an army from its people. It played a role in defening Akko during the Crusade campaign late in the 18th century A.C.

Al Beireh was annexed to Ramallah district during the British mandate and it lasted from 1919 to 1994, when the PNA arrived in 1994, Al Beireh with its twin, Ramallah have become a center of Ramallah and Al Beireh governorate.

History of Ramallah City :
The word Ramalleh means “God wants” or “God disposes”. It was given this name after the middle centuries, though Ramallah was a sub-village within the land of Al Beireh village. Neither Ramallah nor Al Beireh was mentioned in the old history till the Roman time. Ramallah seemed to be (during the Islamic Arab conquest) just a sub- village, then it began to grow. During the Crusade Compaigns, Ramallah was a small Crusade agricultural colony called (Ramalie) by Crusaders. It seems that the standing tower in Al Tireh area, is the remains of a crusade building in that period.

The popular history associates the origin of novel Ramallah with the immigration of two Arab families, namely; a Moslem family and a Christian family from “Al Shobak” in the south of Jordan, late in the fifteenth century A.C.

The Christian family Rashed Al Haddadin, stayed in Ramallah which was a sub-village for a family in Al Beireh. The second family, Hussein Tannash stayed in Al Beireh and associated with its families. The tale of the origin of Ramallah said; that among the tribes of “Al Karak” there was a Christian Arab tribe called, Al Haddadin. Rashed Al Haddadin the head of the tribe, had a dispute with the Sheikh of Beni Omar tribe, and overpowered Al Karak because he refused to marry his danghter to the son of the Moslem tribe Sheikh. So, Al Haddadin had to depart covertly at night.

 He, with his subjects, came to the outskirts of Al Beireh. They liked the sub-village Ramallah , in its forests and fire-woods which are necessary for the blacksmith business they were practicing. So, they bought it from its owners, “Al Ghazawnch” the original population of Al Beireh.

Thus, Al Haddadin tribe was destined to build this village which most Ramallah population, at present, belong to.
The Ottoman archives referred that the number of Ramallah population , at the beginning of the Ottoman period-definitely in (1592) A.C- amounted to (225) people distributed among (45) families. But, in1838, the American traveler, Idward Robinson, visited Ramallah and mentioned that the number of Ramallah population was about (800-900) people. This number rose up to (1000) people in 1912, then to (2292) people in 1922 A.C. according to the first statistic run by the mandate government.

In 1944 A.C the number of population was (2920) people, while in Beireh, the neighboring city, the number amounted to 6000 due to (1945) statistics. After 1948 war, a big number of Palestinians left their villages and cities on the Palestine coast, and refuged to the two cities. So, their number of population multiplied many times. Those refugees, who constitute the majority of both cities, today, have particularly distinguished both cities from the other Palestinian cities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Now, the two cities are, as an uptodate open city which has the possibilities unavailable in any other Palestinian city. Both cities constitute an attractive factor for many Palestinians because work opportunities are available and they are near Jerusalem which, recently make them under abnormal excessive overpopulation.

The latest statistics of the central apparatus of Palestinian statistics, pointed out that the total population of Ramallah and Al Beireh governorte amounted to (205448) people; (70098) urban people; (122181) rural people and (13169) people, the number of the camps population.

 
Economical life In Both Cities :
Until the end of the past century, the population of Ramallah and Al Beireh relied in living on cultivation when the first movement of expatriation, particularly, to the USA has started.

Today, there are more than twenty thousand citizens from Ramallah and Al Beireh live in USA. Those represent an essential income resource for the country. The two cities have become to an important financial administrative and cultural center in Palestine during the previous years. They are the main centers for tens of the banks and the insurance companies.

There exists the abode of the PNA president, Yaser Arafat, the governor, a number of ministries and the Palestinian government departments like; Ministry of transport and public works, Ministries of high Education, Agriculture and Information .

There are Palestine studies and the transmission station of T.V. and the broadcast, the central statistic department…etc, in addition to a number of the high education institutes, like, faculty of nursing of Al Quds University a branch of Al Quds open University, UNRWA and government teachers institutes and hundreds of NGOs. Manual crafts have spread in the city which are considered as a result of the tourist activity , like, East wooden curio craft, folklore embrodaries and tobacco cigarettes. Tourism has been activated and influenced by the movement and flourishing of trade in Ramallah which leads to inaugurate restaurants and hotels as well as rarities and embroideries. The return of expatriates has contributed in activating this important sector whether at their presence in summer holidays or with their capitals which they have invested in this activity . There are about (27) restaurants, (7) swimming pools, (18) travel and tourist bureaus and (10) hotels.

The Most Important Tourist and Monumental Places In The Governorate :
1. Khan Allaban, lies southeast Allaban village. It is (15)kms north of Ramallah . It is an Islamic Arab Landmark and it was an Ottoman terminal for the trade caravans.

2. Tal Siloun, is (15)km north of Ramallah, north of Tormosa’ya village. It is , like a hill, a Cana’anite city and an Islamic Arab Landmark.

3. Shaqba Cave : It is (20)kms from west of Ramallah on the side of Al Natouf Valley. It is important because it was ancient and there is a landmark symbolizing Al Natoufian civilization.
4. Village of Ras Karkar : It is about (10)kms west north or the west of Ramallah . It is an Islamic- Arab Landmark, (Ottoman Village).

5. Ein Qinya : It is about (5)kms west north of the west of Ramallah . It is an Islamic Arab Landmark – a traditional Ottoman Mamluke village.

6. Ein Samya/ Zhahr al Marzabana : It lies between Jordan valley and Kofor Malek village about (20) kms north-west Ramallah. It is an Islamic Arab Landmark. There are, a cemetery, watermill, houses dated back to early Bronze Age, and Mid –Bronze Age. Some of them dated back to Iron Age then to Roman period.

7. Tal Al Tal (Aiy) : It is about (5)kms north Jerusalem , (8) kms east Ramallah. It is like a hill and a Cana’anite town.
8. Betteen : It is (5)kms north-east Al Beireh. It is a Cana’anite town and an Islamic Arab Landmark.

9. Ridana Sub-village : It lies at the north of Al Beireh frontiers and east of Ramallah frontiers. This Landmark was inhabited in early Bronze Age and the Iron Age as well as the Bizante period.

10. Tal Al Nasbeh : It is (15)kms north Jerusalem at the south frontiers of Al Beireh. It is a Cana’anite city.

References :
- Palestine Tourist Guide-West Bank and Gaza Strip- the Palestine Establishment for Cultural Exchange.
- Features of Cultural and Civilized Heritage Threatened in West Bank – Emergency plan for safeguarding the Natural Resources-Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation-Directorate of Urban and Rural Planning –February 1999.
- The central Apparatus for the Palestinian Statistics 1999, General Enumeration of Population, houses and installations-1997, Final Conclusions, Population Report- West Bank (Chapter2), Ramallah- Palestine.
- State Information Service – Special Tourism Researches- Data Base Bank – Gaza – Palestine.

Tourism In Hebron Governorate

A Historic Outline :
Hebron is one of the most ancient cities in Palestine and the world. It dated back to more than (6000) years B.C. It was believed that since the year (4000)B.C., Cana’anite Arab tribes immigrated from Arab peninsula to Palestine and built up many villages in Hebron area. In the following period, four of those villages, on the hills of Hebron were incorporated, to form, together, a city with one social, political system.

 The united city assigned “Tal Al Rimaida” as a center. It attained a remarkable flourish after its unification. The remnants of walls, towers and gates, on Tal Al Rimaida and the other city areas, are evidencing that. Perhaps, it was the reason of denominating the Cana’anite city of the Bronze Age, with the name ,” Qaryet Arba” which meant “the town of the four” or, due to its location on four hills. The word khalil means,”the friend” in Arabic. Thus, denomination is attributed to “Ibrahim the friend of God” as textualized in Holy Kora’an. Hebron had many names throughout ages like; Matalon ,
Kastilon, Mamra and Habron .
It was said that the Prophet, Ibrahim, came to Hebron in 2000-1900 B.C from Beersheba. The Holy writ. described the death of Sara and Ibrahim’s purchase of Makhpela cave from Afroon, one of the sons of Hittite, (Al Hittites) devoting it for her grave and for the family.

Today, it is believed that Ibrahim and his sons, Isaac and Tacob as well as their wives; Refqa and Liyya were buried in the cave under the present mosque.

 King Dawood chose Hebron as the first capital of his kingdom in the tenth century B.C. King Herodose constructed a huge chapel on the cave of Ibrahim and his descendants, but the Romans destroyed it, as well as the city, in (70) A.C. as a result of the Jews’. revolution against Rome’s rein. Then, the Romans rebuilt the city and prevented the Jews to live init. The chapel was converted into a church during the Bizante Age. The church was not destroyed during the Persian conquest which preceded the Islamic conquest in few years only.

Moslems believe that Ibrahim has been the first Moslem and Prophet Mohammed visited Al Ibrahimi Mosque at Al Isra’a night, from Mekka to Jerusalem.

Consequently, Moslems converted Al Ibrahimi Haram into a mosque after conquering Palestine in the seventh century. So, Hebron has become the fourth holiest Islamic city after Mekka, al Madina and Jerusalem.

Except for about one century of the Crusaders period, Hebron has still been an Islamic Arab city, and Jews were allowed to live in it, but disallowed to enter the Mosque,

The Crusaders occupied Hebron in (1100) A.C and altered its name with, “Kastilom”. Again, they prevented Jews to live in it. But the Mamelukes liberated the city which became , then, the capital of the district. Moslems, only, were allowed to enter the Mosque.

During the turmoils in Palestine in (1929), following Al Burak event which occurred in retaliation to the Jews aspirations to overpower the Islamic places.

More than two thousand Jews detonated the city though they lived peacefully in it. Soon after (1967) war, the fanatic Jewish Rabbi, Moshe livenger with a group of fanatic Jews occupied one of the city hotels, and the Dibawayeh building in Hebron. He put an end to the quietness prevailing in the city for generations. Then settlers took over many houses and buildings in Hebron city center , including Hadasa House.

 This was the first aggressive act in the chain of the long lasting conflict between the Palestinian people and Jewish settlers which has been taking place since then till the present day. Nothing would foretell the end of this status. The Jewish settlements built on the Palestinian Lands which were confiscated from the city, constitute obstacles, that hinder its growth . Settlers, amid the city, are like the thorn in the throat of people.

Due to its distinguished religious position, Hebron has been, since the beginning of occupation and still the main arena of conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, so, its significant religious position has not belittled. The Israeli strict security measures, in the city, specially, on the Ibrahimi Mosque, the old city, and Tal Al Rimaideh, are curbing the attraction of foreign and local visitors as well.

Hebron is (37)kms south Jerusalem and (27)kms south Bethlehem. Along the way from Hebron to Bethlehem, the beautiful Palestinian countryside appear on both road-sides, witnessing the fertility and productivity of these lands where the abundant vineyards and the other fruitful trees are spreading out which add a specific charm. Hebron grapes with its unique delicious taste are the most important products which the city and the neighouring villages are famous for.
This lovely panorama is broken by the several Israeli settlements along the road, particularly those settlements known as “Ghosh Atsyoon” which are multiplied on the expense of the Palestinian lands in the area.
The population of Hebron governorate amounted to (390272) people, the population of Hebron city amounted to (119401) people according to (1997) census. So, it is the biggest city in the southern half of West Bank and it is, also, a commercial center for more than a hundred of surrounding villages and the most important industrial city in West Bank, though it has still been basically an agricultural town. It is famous for producing grapes which jams, molasses and Turkish delight are made. There are many quarries in and around it, which export its products of building stones and marble to west Bank cities and the neighbouring Arab States.

 
The city is famous, also, for glass, plastic, furniture and shoes industries. There are two major educational establishments, namely, Hebron University, and the Polytechnic Institute following high education. There are two hotels and three travel and tourist agencies.

The Tourist And Monumental Features In Hebron :
The most prominent tourist, monumental and religious features in the city is the Ibrahimi Mosque which is considered the most architectural constructions associated with the city of Hebron. It locates at the south east of the recent city. The mosque is surrounded with a huge wall built with stone masses which some of them are more than (7) meters long and about one meter high. Some parts of the building is more than (15) metres high. It is preponderated that the walls are from the remnants of a building which Herodose Al Adoomy erected during his rule of the city (37B.C.-9A.C). He built the walls on al Makfeela cave which Ibrahim (peace upon him) bought from Hafron Ben Sohar al Hithy, the graves of the prophets, namely Ibrahim, Jacob and their wives (peace upon them).

The mosque was exposed and is being exposed to the Israeli frequent attacks by soldiers and settlers in order to convert it into a Jewish temple. The most terrible attack was the atrocious massacre which was committed on the fifteenth of Ramadan 25\2\1999 by the Israeli terrorist “Goldstein”, a settler from “Kiryat Arba” , while the praying Moslems were prostrating at the dawn prayer. The victims of this massacre were (29) prayers in addition to tens of the wounded. Consequently, the mosque was divided between Moslems and Jews, the first precedent in the history of the Islamic mosques, by the Israeli occupation.

From the tourist monumental places in the city is, Ramet Al Khalil or Hormet Ramet Al Khalil On this place, there was an ancient town “Terbentis” where, Ibrahim ( peace upon him) as it was mentioned, stayed more than once.
- Al Maskobiya Church : the only site for Christians in the city.
- Al Balloteh : Some historians said that the angels appeared to Ibrahim (peace upon him) in this site to evangelize him with Issac.
- Birket Assultan : It was built by Sultan Ben saif Eddin Kalawoun Al Alfi who took over the Sultanate on Egypt and Great Syria at the Mameluke time (678-689\1279-1290 A.C) .
- Mashhad Al Arba’en : It includes an old mosque which the Islamic Wakfs Department was concerned with . After the Massacre in the Holy Ibrahimi Mosque, the Israeli occupation authority prevented the department employees from getting to it. The site is occasionally exposed to the settlers violations.
- Al Khalil Museum : It is worth to visit . It is run by the Ministry of Agriculture. It locates in the center of the old city and it was a Turkish bathhouse before.
- Site of Fatma Bent Al Hassan : (May God bless her). It lies at the east of Alyaqeen Mosque. It looks like a cave bored in the rocks where a door was built at the entrance.
There are several places for recreation in the city as :
- City –lights club.
- Al Khalil tourist compound.
- Al Ferdaws Club.
There are more other forest places with private owner- ship which are considered as resorts for citizens because there are no public gardens.
References :
- Civilized and Cultural Features which are threatened in West Bank Governorates “The Emergency Plan for safeguarding the Natural Resources”.
- Palestine Tourist Guide “West Bank and Gaza Strip”.
- State Information Service.

Nablus

- Tourism in Nablus Governorate.
- The most eminent archaeologic and natural landmarks.

First: Tourism in Nablus Governorate.
Nablus City is known as the center of Nablus Goveronate, which includes (56) villages and sub-villages, with the population of (126.000) people. It locates at the main road crossing, extending from Affula and Jenin in the north to Hebron in the south, from Natania and Tulkarim in the west to Damieh Bridge (Prince Hussein Bridge). It is (70kms) from Jerusalem in the north, (114kms) from Amman to the west, (42kms) from Mediterranean to the east. It is connected with the surrounding villages by a net of new roads. Nablus is (500m) above sea level. The building extends between Eibal mountain northward and Jirzeem mount southward. It is famous for its various trading markets, traditional Nablusi soap industry and Kunafa.

President Arafat considers it as Palestine economical capital.
By the return of PNA, the investment movement has been activated in the field of estates, restaurants public gardens and the swimming pools, which have developed the internal on growing tourism. Yet, most of these restaurants and public gardens are not yet licensed for tourism because they do not fulfil the tourism license conditions except Al Qasr hotel and Saleem Afandi restaurant.

Nablus is a Cona’nite city, which the Cana’anites who emigrated with the first Semitics from the Arab peninsula. They built the city on a site of (Tal Balata) and called it Shkeim. It is one of the most ancient cities in the world (4000B.C). It maintained its position along the late Bronze Age.

In the Iron Age, it was subdued to the Northern Kingdom in Palestine, which Assyrians were dominating for about 722 B.C. Then it underwent the Persian regime. When Alexander, the Great, subdued Palestine, he transferred Sabastia population to Tal Balata, which became a homeland for the Semites who rebuilt their temple on Jirzeem Mount. This situation lasted until the Romans came.

In 72 A.C, Titos built the new city Filafia Niabolis between Jirzeem and Eibal Mountains. In 636 A.C, the city was overtaken by Moslems who used the name “Nablus”. The Crusades overtook it in (1099 to 1187).
It was exposed to Magouli conquest in 1260. During the Ottoman period it had become a regional center. The name of the city was derived from Romans Nialbolis (the new city).
Eminent Archaeological and Natural Landmarks

1. Jirzeem Mountain and Samaritan Sect:
It lies in the south of Nablus. It is (881m) high and is called Al Tour Mount. On the top, there are the houses of the Samaritan Sect. Samaritans built their temple on this Mount in 332B.C.

Excavation revealed some remains of Zios of Hadryan Age. The temple was built on artificial stone bench. In 484, the Bizante Emperor built a church of an octagonal design surrounded by a quadric fortress to safeguard him during his struggle against Samaritans.

In 1950 a German archaeologist discovered the church which was likely deserted since the tenth century.
There, the position of Al Shaikh Abo Ghanem, a friend of Salaheddin Al Ayyoubi, was constructed.

Samaritan Sect:
It is the smallest and the most ancient religious sect in the world. They believed in Moses, the prophet and Al Torah as their Holy Book (Five Scriptures).
Dissenion occurred between Samaritans and the Jews after 760 years of the death of Moses. 550 Samaritans lived at the top of Jirzem Mount while most of them moved to live near Holon due to economics.

2. Well of Yaqub:
It is an important tourist site as it is a church built in the fourth century A.C. Then it was renovated with various extra buildings added in the sixth and the twelfth centuries and in 1908 A.C. Inside the church in a vault underground, there is an old well which Christ passed in his story with the Samaritan woman. Well of Yaqub is at the eastern side of Nablus near Balata camp on the high way. It is open for visitors daily from 8-12a.m and from 2-5p.m.

3. Tal Balata:
It locates at the eastern entrance of Nablus, not so far from Balata camp. It is (230 x 120m) in area and includes ancient remnants of Nablus (Shkeim).

The city boundary wall, from the Bronze Age; is still apparent at the height of (10 x 12m) and it was built from very big untrimmed stones. The wall is connected with the northwest gate including four rooms. But the big eastern gate is formed of two next to each other gates surrounded by great towers. It is the best evidence of Cana’anite defense construction in the Bronze Age. Also, there are remnants of a great Temple from the sixteenth century B.C, remnants of the foundations of a Cana’anite palace from the seventh Century B.C, the remains of the walls of the houses from the Iron Age (Ninth-Seventh centuries B.C), and the remains of a Samaritan house from the third century BC The site is still unprepared for tourist visits as it needs a paved way from the main street to the site.

4. Nablus (The Old Town):
Some of its stones were dated back to 400 years. There are the old markets, old houses, roofed and unroofed roads, mosques, positions and bathhouses from Turkish and Mamluke Ages. The most famous market is Khan Al Najjar, which is roofed and it maintains its type of late Mamluke Age.

Parts of horse field (Hibdrome) were discovered, and a Roman burial-ground on the versant of Eibal Mount another burial-ground for Roman soldiers containing stone coffines in both of them. A Roman arena at the south side of the Old City, and also parts of the Roman street (street of columns), in addition, the remains of an arena connecting Neopolis with the Roman Temple on Jirzeem Mount.

The most eminent landmarks now, is al Khader Mosque at the southwest side of the old city. Its foundations and some of its features were dated back to the Roman Age. There were evidences indicating that it was, once, a church then a mosque at Salaheddin Time.

5. Sabastia:
It is 150 km to the northwest of Nablus, and 463m above sea level. There, live about 2700 people. The village was dated back to the Bronze Age when primitive nations lived, who were believed to be from the Cana’anite tribes. At the threshold of the nineth century B.c Al Omary king (one of the kings of Israel) built a city called Shamer on the hill – the village location-. Al Sameria was derived from this name. The city had witnessed periods of flourish and weakness until Assyrians destroyed it in 1805 B.C and proscribed it again in 721 B.c. Thus, Samaria kingdom ended. When the Age of Alexander- The Great- started in 331-107B.C, it became a Roman city until it was destroyed in 107B.C. due to a revolt against Greeks. In (63 A.C) Romans rebuilt and called it Sabastia, a Roman word means the reverend the synonym of the word August- the Roman Emperor-.

Herodose, the Jewish pro-Romans lived there where it was the center of his rule, under the Roman domination. When the Roman Empire acknowledged Christianity at the threshold of the fourth century A.c, it had become the Bishopric. The city was exposed to an earthquake in 1330 A.C. (It was destroyed until the Crusaders occupied it in the eighteenth century A.C when the Greeks rebuilt the Hill Church. Now, there is a licensed restaurant for Tourism.

6. Al Bazan Valley:
This area is distinguished for its wonderful nature and attractive landscape. So, it is a rest house for passengers crossing eastward. There, trees, flowing water and waterfalls (unpotable water) are spreading out which is suitable for a project of a tourist village. Citizens often visit for picnics, so, it has become, during PNA time, a meeting-place for domestic tourism.

It lies 58km to the northeast of Nablus-valleys passing through cultivated lands and attractive landscape. There are more than 47 tourist and remnant sites in the Governorate, besides five hotels, 12 restaurants and five travel and tourist agencies.

The city has a moderate climate, hot and dry in Summer, rather cold at night, cold and rainy in Winter, where the rainfall is more than in any other West Bank cities. There are many springs and water fountains.
In the Governorate, there are three theatres; namely; Isa’ad Al Tofouleh following the Club of Isa’ad Al Tofouleh. This theatre was established late in 1998.

- Roman Sabastia Theatre where the Annual Sabastia festival is performed in August. Sabastia is one of Nablus villages.
- The last theatre is under construction in the Italian Garden. It is originally a Roman Arena and will be renovated and used as a theatre.
The Italian Garden is one of the projects which Nablus Municipality is carrying out with the twins of one of the Italian city, and to be inaugurated shortly.
- There are no Cinemas in Nablus.

Tourism In Tulkarem Governorate

The city of Tulkarem locates at the far north-west of West Bank. It is 93kms from Jerusalem, 53kms from Jenin and 16kms from the sea. The Palestinian coastal plain extends before Tulkarem which is 55-125ms above Sea-level.
Denomination :
Tulkarem is included in Al Makreezi Writings and “Mo’jem Al Buldan” by Yaqout Al Hamawi with the name “Tulkarem”. It literally means “The mount of Vine”. Tulkarem is famous for its vines. It was known in this name, until the twelveth century Hij, (The seventeenth century A.C). It is believed that the word (Tur) was literalized into (Tul) and called, “TulKarem” the name which is still known till the present time. Ben Khaldoun believed that Tullkarem was “Ajnadeen”, where the well-known battle of Ajnadeen took place between Mostlems and Romans in 637 A.C.

Origin :
The ancient history of the city dated back to the Roman Age, definitely, to the third century A.C. It was , then , called (Berat Soreqa) which means : “Mokhtar Karem’s Well”. Many historic sources referred to the old age of the city which some dated it to Canaani Time. This was evidenced by the remnants, found in the close villages, as; Jet Karmel, Majdelyon, Jiljal and other cities and villages which are still keeping their old names with some literalization.

Tulkarem was a small city, in area, and population, until the thirties of this century. Because it was chosen a capital of Beni Sa’b’ district in 1892 by the Ottomans, which contributed in developing and making it prominent. Also, the railway lines, westward to the coast, and inwards, and Syria to the east, helped to develop the city, until Palestine war took place in 1948. That was followed by compulsory immigration of thousands of Palestinians from the adjacent villages and cities, (particularly the part of Tulkarem district usurped by the Zionists) to Tulkarem and stayed there. Part of them, lived in the neighboring Nur Shams camp. The architecture, and the population growth in the city, continued until the Zionists occupied it. in 1967, which resulted in immigrating a quarter of the populations to East Bank. Nevertheless, the city received immigrants from close villages.

A historical Outline :
There is no definite date for the starting- point of the city , as the monuments, found, up till today, proved that the city was existing during the Roman rule to Syria in the third century A.C. The Islamic historic resources referred that the Cana’ans lived in the city before that date, and the Pharaoh writings confirmed that Tulkarem was quoted in the Mamluke time when Al Zhaher Baibers, The Mamluke Sultan, divided Tulkarem in halfs, for his two leaders; namely, Badr Addin Bilik Al Khazendar, and the prince Badr Addin Beisry Ashamsi al Salihi.

Tulkarem administration followed Nablus until the end of the nineteenth century, when the Ottomans originated a new district in north Palestine known; “Beni Sa’b District”, and declared Tulkarem, as its capital. It followed Nablus district which joined, besides Tulkarem, the districts of Nablus and Jenin.

Although it was the capital of the new district, it was the center of the eighth Ottoman army leadership during the first world war. It was one of the three Ottoman armies which was assigned to defend Palestine. Qalqilya was subject to Tulkarem district till 1965 A.C, when a new district was founded in its name.

The city aggrandized, when Ottomans made it the capital of “Beni Sa’b” district. People began to migrate to it, from Nablus and the neighbor villages, for their own interests and business. Making a market on Saturdays, arose its commercial importance.

Villagers gathered in this market to sell their products and buy their needs, so , its population increased, stores multiplied and accommodation rents rose up, which encouraged some people to construct new buildings to invest them. The architectural activities started, by building houses from white stone, and tiles for ceilings, and were supplied with water and electricity, as well as the construction of several schools and public utilities.

 
When the British assaulted Palestine from the coast, Tulkarem fell in the hands of the British forces on 20/9/1918 A.C. The number of population increased in the city during the British occupation to Palestine, as it amounted from (3349) people in 1922 A.C. to 5368 people, living in 960 houses in 1931 A.C, then to 8090 people in 1945 A.C. That increase in population, resulted from the natural increase of population and the immigration to the city due to the availability of work opportunities, and the various services, like water and education.

Usurping Palestine in 1948 influenced Tulkarem greatly. Although it was safe from the cruelty of occupation, Tulkarem lost extensive areas of its lands, and the lands of the villages of its district. That resulted from the domination of the occupation forces, on the western part of Tulkarem district, which included (34) villages and sub-villages, and (16) sites of some Bedouin tribes. The period from (1945) to (1967) was a period of growth and expansion of the city area, and population. The number of population mounted to (20688) people in (1961)A.C. Tulkarem was still the district center, during that period, and (42) villages were under its administration.

Tulkarem population number, amounted to (129030) people according to 1967 statistics, constituting (7.13%) of the West Bank total population, (4.6%) of Palestine total ((65224) males, (63806) females), divided into three populated gatherings :
Urbans (59679) people, countrymen (53380) people, the camps (15971) people. The city, currently includes (42) population gatherings, (9) of them are from citizens, two camps, and the others from rural population gatherings.

Archaeological and Tourist Sites :
1. Irtah sub-village :
It lies on a mountain slope at the south side of the village of Irtah , south Tulkarem. The site is as, Roman Bizante, Arabic and Islamic monuments and ruins and an Islamic position (place of Ya’coub Daughters).
2. Kour Village :
It lies at the south-east of Tulkarem. The site is an Arab Islamic landmark (Ottonan- Mamluk village).
3. Tal Al ras ( Shwaikeh Sub-village) :
The site is as a knoll, about (30) metres above the surface level of Shwaikeh village locating north Tulkarem. It is an Arab-Islamic landmark (Ottoman Mosque).
4. Deir Istiya village :
It is (5)kms north of Salfeet and about 1.5kms south-west of Nablus. It is an Arab-Islamic landmark (A village from Ottoman and Mamluke Ages).
5. Salfeet Town :
It is (5)kms south of Deir-Stiya village, and about (20)kms south-west Nablus. It is an Arab- Islamic Ottoman landmark (A traditional Palestinian Town with historical springs).
In Tlkarem, many other tourist archaeological sites spread out. They are worthy to visit, also.
There are four tourist restaurants, three travel and tourist bureaus, four public swimming pools, two theatres and two Cinemas in Tulkarem.
In the governorate, an artistic heritage festival is carried out in August every year, known as Tulkarem festival.

References:
1. Palestine Tourist Guide-West Bank and Gaza Strip – The Palestinian Establishment for Cultural Exchange.
2. Encyclopedia of the Palestinian Cities- Tulkarem – Department of Culture – PLO.
3. The previous Resource.
4. The central Apparatus for the Palestinian Statistics- population Gatherings Guide-1997.
5. Features of urban cultural Heritage threatened in Governoartes of West Bank- Emergency Plan to protect the Natural Resources – Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation – Directorate of Urban and Rural Planning – February 1999.
6. Ministry of Palestinian Tourism and Archaeology.

Tourism in Qalqilya Governorate

Location :
Qalqilia City locates (75)kms from Jerusalem, (34)kms from Nablus, the hotel way, (16)kms south Tulkarem, (14) kms from the Sea. It is (75) meters above sea-level. The location of Qalqilia, amid the Palestinian cities, grants it a special significance through out history. It has become a joining point among the Palestinian territories. Before the disaster, it joined the Palestinian northern cities (-Acre- Safad – Nazarite- Haifa) with the southern cities (Beersheba-Al Majdal – Gaza). It was a link between Nablus and the Palestinian eastern gatherings with Jaffa, Allud and Al Ramleh.

Most the governorate lands, consist of heights; knolls, hills and mountains, passing through narrow plain areas, because it lost all its plain lands due to Rodos treaty in (1949), after the disaster, (Forests of Tabsor, Jayyous, Al Ababsheh and other lands in Qalqilya). Israel encompasses Qalqilya governorate with (12) settlements , as well as an Israeli industrial area installed on its lands which were usurped after occupying it .

Denomination :
The origin of the name of Qalqilya related to the Cana’anite age. Some historians believed that it was one of the Jaljals mentioned in the old Testament Al Jaljal is a Cana’anite articulation for the round stones, then for the boundary areas and the round borders. The present denomination of Qalqilya dated back to the Roman Age (Calcilea).

Historians said that Qalqilya was the mentioned Jiljal in the list of Amorite and Cana’anite kings. The historian “Yousifyos” said that the name of Qalqilya was taken from the name of a citadel known “Kalkalia” which was the village, itself, written in the old Testament with the name of Jiljaya.

A historic Outline :
Before the Islamic conquest, Palestine was divided into three states. Qalqilya was within the first state in Ras Al Ein district which was known at that time in the name “Antipartris”.

 This district contained ten villages, with Qalqilya on the top of them. At the beginning of the Islamic time, Qalqilya followed Allud, particularly in the Omayyide and Abbasaide state because Allud was the borough of Palestine which contained the southern areas of Palestine, in addition to some East Jordan areas. Qalqilya followed Kafr Saba, at the Fattimide time. At the Mamluke time, it followed Jaljoulya part. At the beginning of the Ottoman time, Great Syria was divided into three states, including Palestine which was divided into five states (Turkish Provinces), namely; Jerusalem, Gaza, Safa, Nablus, Allajoun. Qalqilya followed the state of Nablus.

In 1864, after issuing the law of forming the states, Qalqilya followed Nablus state within the frames of Damaseas state, then to Beirut state. In 1893, or (1892, owing to Palestinian cities PLO Encyclopedia), a new district was originated in Nablus state; Beni Sa’b district. Then Qalqilya became a center of a part, called, Al Haram which included , in addition to Qalqilya, the villages of IJlail Misca, Kafr Saba, Al Tireh, Om Khaled and Syyedna Ali.

By the beginnings of British mandate on Palestine, Qalqilya was treated again as a village and cancelled its part, and again it belonged to Tordanian obligation. In (1965) Qalqilya became a district, joining the following populated gatherings : Qalqilya, Jayyous, Hableh, Azzoun, Annabi Ilyas, Falahiya, Kafr Tholth, Ras Atiya, Kafr Abboush, Kafr Jamal, in addition to the adjacent villages and sub-villages.

During Israeli occupation, Qalqilya followed, again, Tulkarim district until 17/12/1995, the day when the occupation evacuated Qalqilya, and the entry of the vanguard of PNA forces, and it was declared that Qalqilya is one of homeland Governorates.

The population of Qalqilya Governorate, due to (1997) statistics amounted to the following: (69268) people; (35602) males, (33666) females constituting 3.8% of West Bank population, 2.5% of Palestine total population. They are distributed on two population gatherings:
- Urbans (42014) people, constituting 60.65% of the Governorate total population.
- Rurals (27254) people, constituting 39.35% of the total population.

Tourist And Monumental Places :
1. The Old Mosque :
It is a religious monumental landmark locating in the middle of Qalqilya. It was renovated in (1263)Hij-(1842) A.C. There is no evidence for the date of its construction.
2. The Zoo :
It was founded in (1986) A.C. It is a tourist unique landmark in West Bank and Gaza Strip. It lies north of Qalqilya.
3. The Palace and The Emblem of The Ottoman State :
It is a monumental landmark, where the Morabiteen school locates, now. The current building was used as a palace in the Ottoman time. The emblem of the Ottoman state is seen on its façade. It lies in the center of Qalqilya city.
4. The Position of Al Nabi Ilyas :
It is a religious and monumental landmark locating in the middle of Al Nabi Ilyas . Sultan Al Dhaher “Jacmac” built it in (890)Hij.
5. The Mosuqe :
It is one of the monumental landmarks locating in the middle of Sinerya village. It is a mosque dated back to the Mamluke period . There is a small aperture at the south part of the mosque, leading to scattered bony skeletons and linen coffin remnants . The popular tale alleged that they were the Seven – Sleepers.
6. The Roman Pools :
It is a monumental landmark dated back to the Roman time . It lies at the middle of Sinerya village. It consists of three mid-size Roman pools.
7. Hijja Mosque :
It is a religious monumental landmark dated back to Mamluk time. It lies at the middle of Hijja village. It consists of prayer house, outside yard, a minaret, a grave and a place of ablution.
8. Om Al Balabel :
It is a monumental Landmark locating north of kafr lakef village. It is an old cave. There are several tourist and land marks areas, but most of them need requalification. Qalqilya Governorate is comparatively poor, for its eminent monuments, than the other Palestinian Governorates. Never the less, that does not hinder the tourist movement from growing up, particularly the domestic tourism which is being activated in the latest years, due to the beauty of the area. It is green with much groves and forests, in addition to the abundant provision of water. Because Qalqilya is near the green line, it has become an important commercial center, where there are kinds of trades, “Markets” which the other Governorates are in need as , “Second-hand furniture trade”.

This has made it a pivot, receiving the shoppers and then the tourists. The rise of the tourist movement in the Governorate, has resulted from the available tourist utilities like: the zoo, rather the only one in West Bank and Gaza Strip, many public gardens at the entrances of the city as, al Mohtaram park, Al Antoury Swimming–pool and park, Al karawan Swimming–pool, Qalqilya municipality park. More over, there are some monuments as, Ottoman and Mamluke Mosques and the Islamic positions scattered in the villages of the Governorate.

References And Resources
1. Palestine Tourist Guide – West Bank And Gaza Strip – The Palestinian Establishment for Cultural Exchange.
2. Ministry of Local Administration – Municipality of Qalqilya – Qalqilya – Unpublished material.
3. The Number , through The Palestinian Central Statistical Apparatus- Population Gatherings Guide – Qalqilya Governorate- The fourth Book – July 2000.
4. Ministry of Local Administration –(Former Resource) – ( With Disposal).
5. The Central Apparatus for the Palestinian Statistics – Population Gatherings Guide –1997.
6. Ministry of Local Administration – ( Former Resource).