Hebron & Region
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.