Qalqilya Old City
Qalqilya
Qalqilya Old City serves as the historic core of Qalqilya, a Palestinian city in the West Bank. The city has ancient roots dating back to prehistoric times, with the wider area having been continuously inhabited through various eras including Roman, Ottoman, and British Mandate periods. The name 'Qalqilya' may derive from a Canaanite term referring to 'rounded stones or hills,' reflecting the area's geography. Historically, Qalqilya was a prosperous town known for its extensive orange groves and vibrant vegetable markets, contributing significantly to the region's agricultural economy. The city suffered considerable upheaval during the 20th century, including damage and displacement during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the Six-Day War in 1967, after which it came under Israeli occupation. The construction of the Israeli West Bank barrier in 2003 encircled the city, isolating it from surrounding agricultural lands. Despite these challenges, Qalqilya remains an administrative and cultural center with a resilient community, preserving its heritage amidst ongoing political complexities.
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Tipp: Visitors should plan to visit Qalqilya Old City during daylight hours for safety and to fully experience the local markets and historic sites. Purchasing tickets or arranging tours in advance is advisable due to security considerations and limited access points caused by the surrounding barrier. Visitors might find discounts or special arrangements through local Palestinian tourism offices. It is recommended to respect local customs and remain informed about current security conditions before visiting.
Interessante Fakten
- •Qalqilya was historically known as Calecailes during the Roman period and Calcelie in early Medieval Frankish sources.
- •The city was once a major center for citrus cultivation, particularly oranges, which were a key part of its economy.
- •In 1956, Israeli forces launched a major raid on Qalqilya police station resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
- •Approximately 850 buildings in Qalqilya were demolished after the 1967 Six-Day War, impacting half the town's housing.
- •The Israeli West Bank barrier built in 2003 completely surrounds Qalqilya, isolating it from its agricultural lands.
Geschichte
Qalqilya's history spans from prehistoric habitation evidenced by ancient flint tools to its mention in Ottoman tax registers in 1596.
Under Ottoman rule, it was a village in the Bani Sa'b subdistrict, noted for agriculture.
During the British Mandate, Qalqilya was one of Palestine's most prosperous towns, famed for its orange groves.
The 1948 Arab-Israeli War caused demographic shifts, with many displaced Palestinians settling in Qalqilya.
Post-1949, the city fell under Jordanian control until the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israeli forces occupied it, leading to significant destruction and displacement.
The Oslo Accords in 1995 transferred administrative control to the Palestinian National Authority.
The 2003 erection of the Israeli West Bank barrier further shaped its modern history by restricting movement and access to farmland.
Kontakt
Telefon: 09-293-1818