Visiting Hebron: al-Khalil's Old Town, Crafts and Grapes
Few cities can claim as long a history as Hebron. People have lived on and around its hills for thousands of years, and its Arabic name, al-Khalil, honors Abraham, called Ibrahim al-Khalil, the friend of God.
The Ibrahimi Mosque
The city's landmark is the Ibrahimi Mosque, known in English as the Cave of the Patriarchs. The huge stone enclosure around it was built in Herod's time, about 2,000 years ago, over caves where Abraham and his family are believed to be buried. It is holy to Muslims, Jews and Christians, and today it is split into separate Muslim and Jewish areas under strict control.
An old town on the World Heritage List
UNESCO inscribed Hebron's old town in 2017. Its lanes, vaulted markets and stone houses date largely from the Mamluk era, from the 1200s to the 1500s. Local restorers, led by the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee, have brought hundreds of old homes back to life, earning an Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1998.
Glassblowers and keffiyeh weavers
Hebron glass, in deep blues and greens, is still blown by hand in family workshops, and painted ceramics are sold across the West Bank. The city is also home to the Hirbawi factory, which has woven keffiyehs since 1961 and is often called the last keffiyeh maker in Palestine.
Grapes of al-Khalil
Vineyards cover the hills around the city. Families make raisins, dibs, a dark grape syrup, and malban, a chewy grape sweet with nuts, especially in late summer and fall.
A working city
Today Hebron is the largest city in the West Bank and a center of industry, known for stone, shoes and leather goods, and for the warm welcome its people give visitors.
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FAQ
+Where is Hebron?
Hebron, or al-Khalil, is in the southern West Bank, about 20 miles south of Jerusalem.
+What is the Cave of the Patriarchs?
It is the site of the Ibrahimi Mosque, where Abraham and his family are believed to be buried, holy to Muslims, Jews and Christians.
+When did Hebron become a World Heritage Site?
UNESCO added Hebron's old town to the World Heritage List in 2017.
+Where are keffiyehs made in Palestine?
The Hirbawi factory in Hebron has woven keffiyehs since 1961.
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