AI-Khalil,
as Hebron is called in Arabic, means 'The Friend of God". In
ancient times it was known as Mamre and Kirjath Arba, "The town
of four" because of its position on four hills. Situated at altitude
of 3,000 feet, Hebron has been continuously settled for 5,000 years.
It is regarded as holy by Muslims, Christians and Jews alike because
the prophet Abraham is buried there.
AI-Haram
al-Ibrahimi
AI-Haram AL Ibrahimi al Khalil (The Sanctuary of Ibraham, the friend)
is a massive mosque built on the traditional site of the Caves of
prophets with a 20 meter high wall. The lower part dates from the
time of Herod while the main part was formerly a Crusader Church which
was an enlargement of the original Byzantine basilica used by Christian
pilgrims en route to Abraham's Oak at Mamre. The upper part and four
minarets (of which two remain) were added by the Mameluks. As the
place of David's anointment and the burial of patriarchs, the sanctuary
is regarded as holy by Muslims, Christians and Jews.
Old
Town Of Hebron
The ancient town of Hebron is considered to be one of the oldest towns
in Palestine, and indeed has some claim to being among the oldest
continuously inhabited places on earth. The souq (market) with its
arched roofs and maze of alleys is worth exploring. The shops and
stalls sell everything from pottery , olive wood and glass to fresh
and dried fruits. The grapes produced here are converted into jam
and a kind of molasses and the traditional crafts of glass and pottery
making and tanning have been adapted to small scale factory production.
Oak
Of Abraham
An oak tree 21<m west of Hebron marks the legendary site where
Abraham pitched his tent. Until recently, visiting pilgrims used to
remove pieces of the trunk for good luck but now the Russian Orthodox
Church (owners of the site and the monastery nearby) wrap the trunk
with steel braces for protection.
Halhoul
Halhoul sits on a hill to the left of the road, less than five km
from Hebron. The beauty of the countryside testifies to the fertility
and productivity of the soil here; abundant vineyards dot the area,
producing the delicious and distinctive-tasting grapes for which Hebron
is famous. Just outside the village is the mosque of Nabi Yunus which,
according to Muslim tradition, is built over the grave of the prophet
Jonah.
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