From Wikitravel

Nablus (Arabic نابلس, Hebrew שכם, Shechem) is a large city (population, approximately 300,000) within the Palestinian Territories, located in the Central Highlands of the West Bank, some 63 km north of Jerusalem.

[edit] Understand

Nablus is one of the oldest cities in the world, possibly first established 9000 years ago. It was originally called "Shechem" by its Canaanite inhabitants. The Romans built a new city (Flavia Neapolis, in honor of Flavius Vespasian) a short distance from Shechem. The name Nablus comes from Neapolis. The old city of Nablus is located on the site of Neapolis, but in modern times the city has grown to include the site of Shechem as well.

Nablus is distinguished by its location in a narrow valley between the two mountains Gerizim and Ebal.

During the Ottoman rule, Nablus suffered, like other cities of the Middle East, from the retarded state of education. Schools were first established in the middle of the 19th century during the short reign of Abraham Pascha, but maintained their existence in the following years when the Ottomans regained control of the region. On 11 July 1927 the town suffered a major earthquake. Much of the consequent damage to buildings was never repaired, and the ruinous condition of many of them may well have encouraged the inhabitants to move outside the old city to build their new houses, although some new building to the north and west of the old city had already been undertaken before 1927. The arrival of the motor car has increased emigration to the slopes of Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, where new roads allow vehicles the easy access denied them in the hilly and partly stepped streets of the old city.

During the British Mandate (1918-1948), Nablus became the core of Palestinian Nationalism, and it was the center of resistance against the British. After the 1948 Arab-Israeli war Nablus came under Jordanian authority, and 2 refugee camps were built near the city. In 1967, Nablus was occupied by the Israeli army, the occupation damaged the infrastructure of the city. The hard years of the occupation caused much damage to the city, 3 refugee camps were added to accommodate the people who fled to the city.

[edit] Get in

Service taxis are easily found to Nablus from all major west bank transportation centres including Ramallah (20 shekels), Jenin (20 shekels), Tulkarem, and other cities.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

The old mosques in the old city, and take a view for Nablus from the mountains, it's very nice . The Greek Orthodox Church of Jacob's Well is located here, and it is free to tour.

Joseph's Tomb in the eastern part of the city is a Muslim and Jewish holy site; however, due to political tensions you may not be able to visit.

Joseph's tomb on 1 March 2008 has part of the roof destroyed and has been burnt out. Of the two Palestinian guards, one spoke English, and advised that photos could not be taken without a permission, this he obtained by radio. It was sad to see one of the supposed sites of the Abrahamic faiths in such a bad state.

[edit][add listing] Do

Visit the old city with charming historical buildings Climb the mountain and enjoy the view

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

One of the most popular sweets well known around the world is Kunafa. although you can get another sweets from nablus ,it's Halawa and zalabya ,very delicious

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

You can get a room in Alqsr Hotel, Yasmeen Hotel, or Crystal Motel. If you don't know their addresses, you can ask anybody in the street or have a taxi and tell the driver to take you to one of the previous hotels (they have suitable and cheap prices )and delicious food.

[edit] Get out

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