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Al Khalil is mentioned in the holy Bible as the home of Abraham, the burial place of him, and several generations of his family. In King David’s time, Hebron was briefly the capital of the Israelite state, before the capital moved to Jerusalem.
Today, Hebron ( Al khalil ) is holy to both Muslims( Ibrahim Al-khalil )and Jews due to its association with Abraham. (Christianity is also an Abrahamic religion, but Christians haven’t paid as much attention to Hebron.)
1. Ancient History: The history of Al-Khalil can be traced back to the Bronze Age, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is mentioned in ancient texts such as the Bible, where it is referred to as Hebron. According to tradition, the city was founded by the biblical figure Abraham and became a burial place for Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah.
2. Canaanite and Israelite Period: During ancient times, Al-Khalil was a significant Canaanite city, and it later became an important city in the Israelite kingdom. It was one of the main cities of the Tribe of Judah and played a crucial role in biblical narratives.
3. Roman and Byzantine Period: Al-Khalil came under Roman rule in the 1st century CE and was later ruled by the Byzantine Empire. During this time, it remained a significant religious center for Jews and Christians.
4. Islamic Period: In the 7th century, during the Islamic expansion, Al-Khalil was captured by the Muslim army and became part of the Umayyad Caliphate and later the Abbasid Caliphate. Under Islamic rule, the city retained its religious significance, especially as the burial place of Abraham, which is an important site in Islam.
Also, the subsequent Ottoman Period (1517-1917) heralded an extension of the town to the surrounding areas and brought numerous architectural additions, particularly the raising of the roof level of houses to provide more upper stories.
The overall Mamluk morphology of the town is seen to have persisted with its hierarchy of areas, quarters based on ethnic, religious or professional groupings, and houses with groups of rooms organized according to a tree-shaped system.
5. Crusader and Ottoman Period: In the 11th century, during the Crusades, Al-Khalil was briefly controlled by the Crusaders before being recaptured by the Muslims. Subsequently, it came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century, remaining under their control until the end of World War I.
6. British Mandate and Modern History: After World War I, the region came under the British Mandate for Palestine. In 1948, the city of Al-Khalil and its surroundings became part of the West Bank, administered by Jordan until the Six-Day War in 1967 when Israel occupied the area. Since then, Al-Khalil has been a contested city with significant political and religious implications.
7. Current Status: As of my last update in September 2021, Al-Khalil remains a city with deep historical and religious significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It is also a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with ongoing tensions and disputes over land, settlements, and access to holy sites.
What can you visit in Al-khalil ?
Cave of the Patriarchs (Ibrahim Mosque): The Cave of the Patriarchs, known as the Ibrahimi Mosque in Islam, is a major religious site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It is believed to be the burial place of biblical figures like Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah. The mosque complex also includes the Tombs of the Patriarchs, which are separate prayer areas for Muslims and Jews.
The Oak of Abraham is believed to be the site where the biblical figure Abraham received three angelic visitors and was informed of the future birth of his son Isaac. This event is mentioned in the book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and is an essential narrative in the Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Beit Romano is an ancient mansion that dates back to the Ottoman period. The building’s architecture reflects the traditional Ottoman style, characterized by intricate stonework, arches, and decorative elements. The mansion’s name, “Beit Romano,” indicates its association with a wealthy Ottoman family named Romano, who likely owned and resided in the house.
Tel Rumeida, also known as Tel Rumeidah or Tel Hebron, is an ancient tell, which is an artificial mound formed by successive layers of occupation over the centuries. Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years, making it an essential area for understanding the region’s history.
The Tomb of Yishai, also known as the Tomb of Jesse, is a religious site located in the Palestinian city of Hebron (Al-Khalil). The tomb is traditionally believed to be the burial place of Yishai (Jesse), who was the father of the biblical figure King David. According to Jewish tradition, King David was an important king and a significant figure in the history of the Israelites.
Abraham’s Well, a significant well with connections to the biblical figure Abraham and has religious importance for both Jews and Muslims. The well has been considered a vital water source for the people of Hebron throughout history. The site is known as Bir Al-Sabe’, which translates to “Well of Seven,” because it is said to contain seven underground chambers that were used for water storage.
Abraham’s Well, a significant well with connections to the biblical figure Abraham and has religious importance for both Jews and Muslims. The well has been considered a vital water source for the people of Hebron throughout history. The site is known as Bir Al-Sabe’, which translates to “Well of Seven,” because it is said to contain seven underground chambers that were used for water storage.
The Old City of Hebron, is a labyrinth of narrow streets, bustling markets, and ancient buildings that offer a glimpse into the traditional Palestinian culture.. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and holds deep historical and religious importance for various communities. It’s an excellent place to experience local life, sample traditional food, and see various artisan shops.
Palestinian Heritage Center: This center provides insights into Palestinian heritage, culture, and history. It often hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events showcasing traditional Palestinian art, crafts, and music.
Al-Khalil Museum: Located in the Old City, the Al-Khalil Museum exhibits historical artifacts and provides information about the city’s rich history, dating back thousands of years.
Hebron Souq: The bustling market in the Old City is a vibrant place to explore, where you can find various goods, including spices, clothing, and local crafts.
Hebron University: If you’re interested in higher education, Hebron University is one of the prominent educational institutions in the city. The campus provides a glimpse into Palestinian academic life and culture.
What To Do In Alkhalil ?
Walkthrough the gates and experience this distinct example of a divided city.
Walking across the Old Town/Market (Souq) on the Palestinian side.
See Hebron transforming into a ghost town on Friday afternoon, when it is a public holiday.
Hostel offers a political and cultural tour of Hebron for ₪50 per person.
A great idea is to hire one of many young folks around (mostly men) to give you a tour.
Where To Eat ?
Here are some places where you can eat in Hebron:
1. Restaurants and Cafes in the Old City: The Old City of Hebron has several small restaurants and cafes that offer authentic Palestinian dishes. Look for local eateries serving traditional foods like falafel, hummus, maqluba (upside-down rice dish), musakhan (spiced chicken with onions and sumac), and shawarma.
2. Hebron Souq: The bustling market in the Old City is a great place to try local street food and snacks. You can find vendors selling freshly baked bread, sweets, and a variety of snacks like roasted nuts and falafel wraps.
3. Abu Mazen: This well-known restaurant in the city offers a wide range of Palestinian dishes, including grilled meats, salads, and various traditional dishes.
4. Dar Zahran Heritage Building: Located in the Old City, Dar Zahran is a restored heritage building that houses a cafe. It’s a unique spot to enjoy a cup of Arabic coffee or tea while immersing yourself in the traditional ambiance.
5. Al Balady Sweets: For those with a sweet tooth, Al Balady Sweets offers a selection of Arabic sweets and pastries, including baklava, knafeh, and halva.
6. Abu Jamil Restaurant: This restaurant serves traditional Middle Eastern and Palestinian cuisine, offering various grilled meats and vegetarian dishes.
7. Nablus Sweets: Located in the Old City, Nablus Sweets is a popular pastry shop known for its knafeh and other sweet treats.
8. Hosh Yasmin Restaurant: Situated in a traditional courtyard setting, Hosh Yasmin offers a unique dining experience with Palestinian dishes.
What to buy ?
buying items in the ancient City district of the city (near the Ibrahimi Mosque) Hebron’s Old City is a great place to get your Holy Land souvenir shopping done.
If you want to spend the night in Bethlehem, there is no possibility you will wind up in an inn’s stable. There are several sizable hotels accessible, all of which are often less expensive than Jerusalem, as well as more charming smaller lodgings.
Weather and Climate in Al-Khalil
The height of Al-khalil affects its moderate climate, which has pleasant, sunny summers and mild, dry winters (with chilly nights) (during which thunderstorms often break out). The ideal seasons to travel are spring and fall, when temperatures hover around 23°C (74°F). The height of Ein Karem affects its moderate climate, which has pleasant, sunny summers and mild, dry winters (with chilly nights) (during which thunderstorms often break out).
Summers are long, lasting from May to September, with July and August being the hottest months. Temperatures range between 23-36° C (75-96° F) and you can expect 50-90% humidity. The good news is that there is air-conditioning almost everywhere you go, from buses and taxis to malls and hotels. However, it is really important to prepare for these temperatures, especially when spending time outdoors. Buy good sun protection, wear long but cool clothes and make sure to drink plenty of water.
Autumn is, for the most part, a continuation of the summer weather. It does get a little cooler and the humidity drops, so it is more comfortable. The season starts in September and at the end of November it starts getting cooler and we might see a little rain, but not too much. September is usually as warm as summer, but the temperatures in autumn are similar to those of spring and range between 16-24° C (60-75° F).
Depending where you come from you might not even consider the city weather “real winter weather”. This is the wettest time of the year and temperatures range between 6-15° C (42-60° F). Israeli schools have a winter break for Channukah during December, this usually doesn’t affect accommodation but activities tend to get crowded. Also, tourists from nearby countries use their winter breaks to enjoy the warmer temperatures in this city.
Spring is between March and May and this is the ideal time to visit this city. You usually won’t see much rain and the temperatures are mild, ranging between 16-24° C (60-75° F), although the nights might still be chilly. Passover falls in April so if you are planning on visiting during this time keep in mind that prices of flights and accommodation will rise and tend to get booked early.