Al 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 an 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.

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 stall sell everything from pottery, olivewood and glass to fresh and dried fruits. The grapes produced here are converted into jam and a kind of molasses and the traditional craft of glass and pottery making and tanning have been adapted to small scale factory production.

Hebron