Qalqilya: Exploring the History and Culture of the West Bank
Qalqilya is a city located in the West Bank of Palestine, and it is one of the oldest cities in the region. It has a long and rich history, and it is home to many interesting and unique cultural attractions. Qalqilya is a great place to visit for anyone looking to explore the history and culture of the West Bank.
History of Qalqilya
Qalqilya has been inhabited since ancient times, and it is believed to have been founded in the 16th century BC by the Canaanites. It is the largest city in the West Bank, and it has been ruled by a variety of different empires throughout its history, including the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans. During the Middle Ages, it was part of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, and in the 16th century it was part of the Ottoman Empire.
In the 20th century, Qalqilya was part of the British Mandate of Palestine, and in 1948 it became part of the newly-created state of Israel. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, it was occupied by Israel and has remained under Israeli control ever since.
Amazing Facts about Qalqilya
Qalqilya is home to the oldest continuously inhabited site in the West Bank, the Tell es-Sultan. This archaeological site dates back to the Bronze Age, and it is believed to be the site of the ancient city of Jericho.
Qalqilya is home to the oldest mosque in the West Bank, the Qalqilya Mosque, which was built in the 9th century.
Qalqilya is home to the largest olive grove in the world, with over 25,000 olive trees.
Qalqilya is the birthplace of the famous Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish.
Things to Do in Qalqilya
Qalqilya is a great place to visit for anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of the West Bank. Here are some of the best things to do in Qalqilya:
Visit the Qalqilya Mosque: The Qalqilya Mosque is a beautiful and historic mosque that dates back to the 9th century. It is a great place to explore and learn about the history of Islam in the West Bank.
Explore the Tell es-Sultan: The Tell es-Sultan is an ancient archaeological site that dates back to the Bronze Age. It is a great place to explore and learn about the history of the region.
Visit the Olive Groves: Qalqilya is home to the largest olive grove in the world, and it is a great place to explore and learn about the importance of olives in the region.
Visit the Mahmoud Darwish Museum: The Mahmoud Darwish Museum is a great place to explore the life and works of the famous Palestinian poet.
Explore the Old City: Qalqilya’s Old City is a great place to explore the history and culture of the region. It is full of narrow streets, old buildings, and interesting shops and restaurants.
Visit the Qalqilya Zoo: The Qalqilya Zoo is a great place to explore and learn about the wildlife of the region. It is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and monkeys.
Qalqilya is a great place to visit for anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of the West Bank. It is home to many interesting and unique attractions, and it is a great place to learn about the region’s history and culture.