Nablus

Nablus
Name	Nablus
Native name	نابلس
Coordinates	32, 13, 13, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	State of Palestine
Subdivision type1	Governorate
Subdivision name1	Nablus Governorate
Established title	Founded
Established date	72 CE (as Flavia Neapolis)
Government type	City
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Adly Yaish
Area total km2	28.6
Elevation m	550
Population total	156,906
Population as of	2017
Population density km2	auto

Nablus. A major city in the northern West Bank, situated in a strategic valley between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. Renowned as a commercial and cultural center, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history stretching from the Roman Empire to the modern State of Palestine. The city is famous for its historic Old City, traditional soap production, and the dessert kanafeh.

History

The city was founded in 72 CE by the Roman Emperor Vespasian and named Flavia Neapolis. It flourished under Byzantine rule, becoming an important Christian center, before coming under Muslim control in the 7th century. During the Crusades, it was the site of the Battle of Nablus and changed hands between the Kingdom of Jerusalem and Ayyubid forces led by Saladin. It later became a key administrative center under the Ottoman Empire and was incorporated into the British Mandate for Palestine following World War I. After the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, it was annexed by Jordan before coming under Israeli occupation after the Six-Day War in 1967. Since the Oslo Accords, it has been governed by the Palestinian National Authority.

Geography and climate

Nablus is located approximately 63 kilometers north of Jerusalem in a narrow valley between the twin mountains of Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. This topography significantly influences its Mediterranean climate, which features hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. The city's elevation, around 550 meters above sea level, contributes to cooler temperatures than coastal areas. The surrounding region is part of the larger Samaria highlands, with several wadis, such as Wadi al-Far'a, draining the area.

Demographics

According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the city had a population of approximately 156,906 in 2017. The vast majority are Palestinians, predominantly Sunni Muslim, with a small Samaritan community residing primarily on Mount Gerizim. Historically, the city was also home to significant Christian and Jewish communities. Prominent families, such as the Touqan and al-Masri clans, have played notable roles in the city's social and political life for centuries.

Economy

Traditionally, Nablus has been the primary commercial and industrial hub of the northern West Bank. Its historic economy was built on the production of olive oil soap, a craft dating back to the Ottoman Empire, and the trade of cotton and textiles. Modern industries include food processing, stone cutting and quarrying, and the manufacture of construction materials. The city is also a major center for Palestinian banking, hosting branches of the Bank of Palestine and Cairo Amman Bank. The famous sweet kanafeh is a significant culinary export.

Culture and landmarks

The city's cultural heritage is centered on its sprawling Old City, which contains numerous historic sites including the Great Mosque, the Khan al-Tujjar caravanserai, and the al-Nasr Mosque. Mount Gerizim is the holiest site for the Samaritan community. Annual cultural events include the Nablus Festival. The city is a major educational center, home to An-Najah National University, one of the largest Palestinian universities. The traditional hammams, such as Hammam al-Shifa, remain active social centers.

Administration and infrastructure

Nablus serves as the capital of the Nablus Governorate and is administered by a municipal council, historically led by figures like Hafez Touqan and current mayor Adly Yaish. Key infrastructure includes the Rafidia Hospital and the al-Watani Hospital. The city is connected by major transportation routes to other West Bank cities like Jenin, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. It has been significantly affected by the Israeli West Bank barrier and the presence of nearby Israeli settlements such as Har Brakha and Itamar.

Category:Populated places in the Nablus Governorate Category:Cities in the State of Palestine