Mount Gerizim
Nablus
Mount Gerizim is a prominent mountain near the city of Nablus in the West Bank, rising to 881 meters above sea level. It forms the southern side of the valley where Nablus is located, opposite Mount Ebal. The mountain is steep on its northern side and features sparse shrubbery at its summit, with a fresh water spring lower down. Biblically, Mount Gerizim is significant as the site where the Israelites performed blessings upon entering the Promised Land, as instructed by Moses. In Samaritan tradition, it is considered the oldest and most central mountain in the world, believed to have risen above the Great Flood and to be the site where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Isaac. Unlike Jewish tradition, which identifies Mount Moriah as the near-sacrifice location, Samaritans regard Mount Gerizim as the chosen site for God's holy temple. Historically, a Samaritan temple stood on Mount Gerizim from the 5th century BCE until its destruction in the 2nd century BCE. Today, the mountain remains the religious center for Samaritans, who ascend it three times annually during key festivals. The surrounding area includes the Samaritan village of Kiryat Luza and the Israeli settlement Har Brakha. The mountain's cultural and religious importance, combined with its natural elevation and scenic views, make it a unique destination in the region.
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Astuce: The best times to visit Mount Gerizim are during the Samaritan festivals of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot when religious ceremonies take place. Visitors should consider arranging visits in advance, especially during these periods, to experience the cultural traditions. Due to the mountain's steep northern side, appropriate footwear and physical readiness are recommended. While there are no specific ticketing systems, visitors may benefit from guided tours to better understand the site's religious and historical significance. Discounts or special access may be available through local Samaritan community contacts or tour operators.
Faits intéressants
- •Mount Gerizim is one of the highest peaks in the West Bank at 881 meters above sea level.
- •Samaritans believe Mount Gerizim is the first land to emerge after the Great Flood, making it the oldest mountain in the world in their tradition.
- •A Samaritan temple stood on Mount Gerizim from the 5th century BCE until its destruction in the 2nd century BCE.
- •Mount Gerizim is considered by Samaritans as the true location chosen by God for a holy temple, not Jerusalem's Temple Mount.
- •During the First Intifada, many Samaritan families moved from Nablus to Mount Gerizim for safety.
Histoire
Mount Gerizim holds a rich historical legacy dating back to the Late Bronze Age when the Israelites entered Canaan.
According to biblical accounts, Moses commanded the Israelites to build an altar and perform blessings on Mount Gerizim upon entering the Promised Land.
The mountain was the site of a Samaritan temple from the 5th century BCE until its destruction in the 2nd century BCE.
Over centuries, Mount Gerizim maintained its religious importance for the Samaritan community, who consider it the true holy site chosen by God, contrasting with Jewish traditions centered on Jerusalem.
During the First Intifada in 1987, many Samaritans relocated to Mount Gerizim to avoid violence in Nablus, reinforcing its role as a cultural and religious refuge.