hebrew audio arabic sixth largest city israel located southern district country mediterranean coast situated north kilometres miles away south away jerusalem east israel largest port accounting country imported goods city important regional industrial center modern covers territory ancient twin towns inland coast history separate entities connected close ties article dealing historic towns ancient sites located territory modern documented urban settlement dates culture 17th century bce making city oldest world mentioned times bible history city settled colonists coming wake alexander conquests romans byzantines arabs ottoman turks modern established sand hills near site ancient town incorporated city land area approximately square kilometres planned city expansion followed main development plan facilitated traffic prevented air pollution residential areas despite population growth according israel central bureau statistics population area km2 history stone age stone tools dating era discovered evidence stone age settlement found suggesting tools deposited later period bronze iron ages site bronze age iron ages tell south modern city excavated archaeologists seasons effort led years david pittsburgh theological seminary remaining seasons headed israel authority earliest major dates 17th century bce tell fortified mentioned written documents late bronze age indicate city center export dyed purple fabric end 13th century bce sea peoples conquered destroyed beginning 12th century bce generally thought sea peoples ruled city reign city prospered member included coast farther inland addition bce destroyed conquest region city rebuilt bce led revolt expulsion king installed instead brother belonged kingdom time king commander chief king james bible calls simply regained control bce forced flee general destroyed city exiled residents including subsequently settled media king time son bce reign son bce egypt bce reported besieged great city years biblical references remnant interpreted allusions event city absorbed blow bce conquered bce city rebuilt bce conquered wars alexander great book represent nation sixth century bce speech half children mixed families described adopting simply general dialect hugo explains use fact nearest cities jerusalem hebrew bible biblical episodes referencing remain archaeological finds conquest promised land allotted tribe book samuel mentioned principal cities capturing took placed temple morning found restored place following morning found broken people plague mice sent land samuel according bible 10th century bce kingdom patronage area kingdom israel control king david capture city king shortly bce mentioned chronicles book speaking false jews book 5th century bce residents jerusalem said married women half children unions reportedly unable understand hebrew instead spoke language period city changed greek sounding greek prospered revolt rebellion took laid waste jews book brother conquered bce destroyed temple biblical fame book samuel rule alexander territory book roman byzantine periods destruction succession wars restored independence coastal cities book years later bce fighting roman general helped rebuild cities left protective walls book bce came rule king bequeathed sister book time jewish roman war large jewish presence feel compelled place garrison city despite location miles coast described maritime city book describes inland parts book curious contradiction refer control separate harbor called sea greek coast city called romans horsemen greeks late medieval period inland byzantine period port city overshadowed inland counterpart size importance 6th century map showing respective names new testament 1st century book acts refers place philip reappeared converted christianity philip preached gospel area reached north early muslim period prominence christian continued 7th century came muslim rule coastal fort erected builder dome rock near later reconstructed medieval arabic port town harbour interesting combination ancient word harbour return form closer old semitic ibn referred inland city described postal station period documents period indicate belonged appears probable old arab sea fort given hugh lord knight period fort known periods port stops mentioned periods making likely destroyed muslims port cities fears invasions sea destruction port city inland counterpart regains importance ottoman rule location village enhanced city importance ottoman rule district population numbered villagers paid taxes wheat fruit crops goats late nineteenth century described village spread eastern slope low hill covered gardens ruined khan stood southwest village houses storey high walls built brick main sources water pond masonry surrounded date palm trees british mandate census palestine conducted british mandate authorities population muslims christians christians catholics population increased census muslims christians total houses mandatory period elementary schools boys opened girls started boy school students girl school population arabs jews total land according official land population survey citrus plantations land built land war village occupied egyptian army northernmost position arab israeli war failed capture territory suffered heavy casualties egypt changed strategy offensive defensive halting advance northwards egyptian israeli forces clashed surrounding area unable hold bridge river israeli forces surrounded town operation shelled bombed air nights october israeli air_force bombed locations fearing egyptian forces retreated october majority residents fled townspeople remained driven southwards israel defense forces state israel established east established north according established village lands modern city founded finance minister approved establishment city company ltd daughter company city builders company ltd created purpose ben settlers families morocco arrived november followed small influx immigrants egypt july government granted square kilometres square miles approximately kilometres company ltd building modern city building power station completed included units units unit sea water capabilities local council appointed october appointed local council head behalf israeli ministry interior court city inaugurated building port began april port inaugurated november utilized november coming swedish ship large scale growth city began massive arrival immigrants soviet_union infrastructure development city accepted new inhabitants growth cities won education prize awarded israel ministry education urban development modern city city built outside historic settlement site virgin sands development followed main development plan planners divided city seventeen neighborhoods thousand people wide avenues neighborhoods traffic flow relatively freely inside city neighborhood access commercial center urban park health education infrastructure original plan called business administrative center built mid-1990s city population grew rapidly doubling years industrial zones placed adjacent port northern city taking account prevailing southern winds air pollution away city plan problems including growth poorer neighborhoods long time lack main business administrative center city planned maximum inhabitants additional area south reserved development plan build industrial zone sand approved plan calls tech industrial park events halls coffee shops built adjacent train station cover km2 including built space rest area preserved nature reserve addition port undergoing massive expansion program private hospital built city geography sand nature reserve kilometer mile stretch sand dunes southern outskirts climate mediterranean climate hot summers pleasant spring fall cool rainy winters seaside town humidity tends high times year round rain occurs mainly november march winter temperatures seldom drop likely range summer average average annual rainfall economy important industrial centers israel industrial activities city located northern areas port area northern industrial zone river port largest port israel handling israel port cargo mainly upgraded recent years able provide ships shipping companies offices located port area home power station coal terminal northern industrial zone located highway includes industry including oil country heavy industry zone located south river main industrial center recently leisure facilities moved area industry industries plant construction components producer oil producer home israel aircraft industries radar equipment electronic warfare systems developed shopping going historically neighborhood commercial center mall shopping culture developed israel main commercial activity moved mall open forum center industrial zone restaurants bars night clubs opened area today forum center mainly offices mall opened enlarged upgraded mall billed time city largest shopping mall redesigned opening city mall opened combined building central bus station following examples central bus station jerusalem central bus station sea mall story mall near government offices climbing wall movie theater star center doubled size education schools employing teachers student population city education budget million washington french international high school washington proximity transportation road located historic highway developed following route southern sea shore israel serves main connection north metropolitan area south junction planned main entrance city east interchange opened interchange continues freeway section highway south removing traffic light junction added grade separation railway main road area highway served city start modern history road runs west east main transport link port industrial zones connects highway interchange late won million grant israeli transport ministry improve public transportation decrease private car use according municipality plans kilometer ring road given priority public transportation carry bus rapid transit lines city crowded areas boulevard western begin boulevard public transportation lane paved center road areas right hand lane reserved public transportation buses given priority traffic lights electronic devices allow bus signal approach causing light turn green addition electric powered bicycle rental network set kilometres miles bicycle paths paved city train passenger railway connection opened renovation historical railway egypt railway station israel railways line located near junction station upgraded new terminal building built station building modern proper road access organized september new road station opened heavy freight traffic area port railway spur line special terminal brought area exported abroad buses new central bus station opened serves terminus lines central bus station attached city mall bus lines connect city population centers central southern israel following list bus companies serving routes central bus station company operating urban buses addition share taxi service exists operated hair share taxi lines coincide bus lines cruise ships passenger pier port traffic gateway constantly growing especially cruise ship activities sea gateway blue marina demographics according israel central bureau statistics population end making fifth largest city israel annual population growth rate ratio women men population age distribution recorded age age older population significantly younger israeli average large number young couples living city city ranked medium low socio economic grading rating 12th grade students eligible certificates average salary compared national average immigrant absorption seen growth result absorption immigrants settlers jewish immigrants morocco egypt 1960s accepted large number immigrants romania followed large number georgia soviet_union 1970s russian jews soviet_union immigrated israel 1990s following collapse soviet_union settled recent demographic figures suggest city population new immigrants originally soviet_union 1990s city absorbed large number beta israel immigrants recent years absorbed large number immigrants united_states united_kingdom france argentina south_africa speaking israel india moved israel settled receives significant internal migration especially dan region religion population jewish despite city generally secular non jewish population result mixed marriages families affiliated group established grand continued today son grand serving different streams judaism city home world largest community thousand strong scandinavian seamen protestant church established norwegian nations pastor local government declared city city_council elected members mayor mayor serves year term deputies current mayor elected office continuously city_council factions representing different population groups headquarters municipality mayor office city hall new municipal building located main culture business area culture art music performing arts home israeli orchestra performs classical music arabic music style originates preserved original form arab jewish musicians centuries left mark singing style better known west orchestra awarded israel prize biggest open theaters israel hosts guests hosts international art festival centre arts includes ballet school music center museum art performing arts center comprises different galleries art schools studios events ambitious architectural complex inaugurated theatre concerts hosted cultural venues important performed performing arts center new seat concert hall distinct originality designed israeli architect inaugurated city cultural center plays host national international music festivals including annual super jazz festival managed professional educational institute music performance studies based operated supervision ministry education institute established serves home young musicians different fields museums museum culture worldwide museum dedicated topic reopened new interactive exhibition museum art located center music performing arts galleries exhibition halls architectural echo entrance museum glass pyramid internal spaces museum redesigned architects sports football team represents city israel premier league club known successful soccer school city basketball team men squad plays league israel tier league women squad plays division plays host national international sporting tournaments including annual international chess festival city cricket team rarity israel run organized citizens indian descent beaches venue water sports like diving marina offers services notable athletes include sydney olympics summer olympics swimmer international soccer player international soccer player roman wrestling world champion summer olympics wrestler twin towns sister cities notable residents


arabic palestinian city northeastern west bank located kilometers northeast kilometers west jordan river city inhabitants serves economic administrative center urban area consists hectares governed municipal council members working inhabitants employed agriculture public services mayor elected identified ancient town town famous king late 19th century ottoman rule palestine arab clans living jordan valley came live major town district particularly known timber cheese making came british mandate palestine annexed jordan capture town arab israeli war occupied israel day war palestinian national authority complete control city transferred jurisdiction history ancient period city derives word star identified edward robinson town mentioned bible ruled king people time city revolted joined revolt biblical story relates attempted destroy response participation revolt army attacked tower town woman killing archaeological remains olive presses indicate inhabited roman era rule palestine mentioned roman miles east biblical story known revolt ottoman period appeared ottoman tax registers population households muslim taxes paid wheat summer crops olive trees occasional revenues goats press late 19th century ottoman rule palestine groups arabs belonging clan farmers lived jordan valley migrated northward site fertile ground proximity springs high elevation compared jordan valley far plain mount visible area clan lived jordan valley 15th century addition founded inhabited nearby far soon established arabs syria nearby came settle area period site clashes clans suffered incursions areas east city clan inhabit located largest villages district inhabitants resided mud built houses tents order work distant lands jordan valley sheep goat flocks according traveler compared towns size abundant amounts timber harvested unlike villages rest district depended livestock income livestock products included cheese clarified butter tents ropes cloth bags boys school established town lieutenant palestine exploration fund survey team reported arabic inscription buried wall village mosque recording building dedication wrote villagers paid bribe gold avoid young men turkish army fighting noted probably repeat payment palestine exploration fund noted believed tomb known locally good prophet located tomb served shrine local muslim tradition modern era british captured palestine ottomans incorporated british mandate palestine united_nations drew partition plan divide palestine jewish arab states surrounding villages included arab state arab israeli war led arab liberation army soldiers set base serve headquarters central palestine war jordan april annexed city entire west bank gaining control war girls school opened control israel occupied west bank day war transferred palestinian national authority control interim agreement west bank strip israeli periods city administration declared immediate area electoral district later independent administrative area violence israeli palestinian conflict nearby number incidents occurred second began april israel defense forces killed active members town including chief commander surrounding area august israeli helicopter fired missiles civilian car suspected carrying local brigades commander nearby home strike instead killed civilians including children teenagers year old activist accused member brigades israeli defense minister ben issued statement expressing regret civilians ben described raid mistake promised army investigate incident august clash clan city clan left member dead injured homes burnt palestinian security forces arrested people connection death geography located northern west bank elevation meters sea level located jordan valley south land survey nearby consisted hectares arab owned remainder public property total land area consists hectares classified built roughly agricultural purposes confiscated israel military bases zone kilometers northeast kilometers west jordan river kilometers east mediterranean_sea nearby include town north villages northeast far southwest palestinian refugee camp far south village cluster southeast moderate climate summer hot dry winter cold wet average annual temperature average annual humidity rate demographics population census taken british mandate palestine authorities including occupied houses population muslims including christians land population survey nearby combined population population residents fled day war refugee camp jordan immigrated population palestinian central bureau statistics official census population inhabitants gender male female overwhelmingly young population city residents age people ages constitute ages people age constituted population census revealed refugees total residents census population increasing city represents roughly total population city modern era founders clan constitute inhabitants clan smaller branches including families family represent remaining inhabitants predominantly muslims community approximately palestinian christians belonging greek orthodox church christian community holy trinity church city serviced priest nearby economy economical situation period prosperous start second income level decreased roughly prior average household income major factor resulted conflict agricultural land located city jurisdiction israeli settlements military authorities according approximately citizens working age city labor force females unemployment rate increased dramatically year prior total labor force worked israel currently agriculture constitutes economic activity public services comprise trade israeli labor construction industry remaining city shops stores service institutions big ready mix concrete factory small ones main economic sector agriculture total land covered forests cultivated land fertile lack water irrigation spring nearby far field crops account land fruit account vegetables israeli trenches neighboring villages prevent access nearly lands residents livestock sheep total sheep livestock owned include heads cattle goats addition kept golden sheep dairy factory founded help independent italian company factory production italian cheese primarily targets cosmopolitan consumers jerusalem international workers diplomats living west bank government serves capital seat located area giving control security administration civilian affairs governed municipal council granted permission authorities controlled west bank time council members including mayor headquartered municipal hall center town municipality employees responsibilities municipality include civil administration urban planning development social development services distribution social services issuing building permits maintenance water electricity solid waste collection succeeded independent candidate elected palestinian municipal elections elections women won seats normally stronghold seats won independent political lists education schools males females educational students teachers addition located city total pupils literacy rate females comprised population population completed elementary education completed preparatory education completed secondary higher education students jordan valley receive education open university based jerusalem campus known open university educational region students enrolled university professors employees local infrastructure contains main mosque mosque ibn mosque mosque holy trinity orthodox church located northern city church built serve small orthodox christian community consists prayer room fellowship hall office library children family old palace capital largest city acts main provider services towns villages palestinian national authority offices serve located city government institutions including post office palestinian ministry labor office palestinian ministry agriculture office palestinian ministry social affairs office fire department police station transportation buses primary means transportation total length paved roads meters meters deteriorating paved roads meters road entirely located highway connected main road highway network northeastern road pass villages far connected northern road passes finally travel jordan highway connected highway south health care city contains health centers run organizations including palestinian red crescent hospitals residents travel hospital treatment emergency transportation city run non governmental organizations palestinian national authority privately owned lack modern equipment specialists addition exist utilities approximately residents telephone connection roughly connected water municipality water resources city addition water network spring far immediate area main provider water use households city water reservoir capacity cubic metres cubic feet primarily provide water urban areas city summer available weekly basis local municipal owned electric generators provided electricity needs city connected area electricity network provided israeli electric cooperation period households city connected electricity solid waste management operated municipality joint services council collected times daily residential area sent shared dumping site kilometers city main disposal method burning connected sewage network households dispose waste water major source pollution


israel hebrew audio arabic city southern district israel located border kilometres miles west dead sea kilometres miles east city home diverse population including jews secular religious black new immigrants city notable clean dry air serves major attraction worldwide attempts settle area 1920s founded november israeli development town planned city israel population grew significantly commonwealth independent states 1990s peaked residents landmarks include ruins park domestic airfield israel legal race circuit city known annual summer music festival festival history antiquity named biblical town located biblical site famous discovery located approximately kilometers west modern bible judges describes stronghold king kept moving mountains destroyed years arrival chronicles mention settlement byzantine period location correctly identified preserved ancient christian bishops letter john iii jerusalem took roman provinces belonged constantinople longer residential today listed catholic_church titular british mandate era modern attempt settle area body jewish residents mandatory palestine february british mandate government allowed discharged soldiers jewish legion settle area men women attempted task months forced leave water found area state israel november planning team followed fledged committee december appointed israeli cabinet examine possibility establishing city northeastern desert region initial budget israeli granted project headed january final location chosen kilometers southwest mount plans approved roads water connections march city residents drawn chief architect plan took account topography climate residential buildings constructed large inner offered protection desert sun wind high density residential areas built order create urban walking distances oil company built work camp area july consisting temporary sheds oil found commercial quantities town established group young members seeking environment free traffic noise pollution founding ceremony held november attended prime minister david ben development towns founded according city website pre planned city israel families natives began absorbing jewish immigrants soviet_union english speaking countries latin_america population increased half 1990s absorbed immigrants soviet_union prime minister declared city june geography located western southwestern range plain marks southwestern end desert located kilometers west southern end dead sea road kilometers east kilometers south jerusalem kilometers south east kilometers north southern city city spans area km2 largest municipal areas israel urban area smaller city jurisdiction km2 times larger urban area historical site park known ran grove found municipal area west urban core commercial landing strip located slightly south urban core borders regional councils closest local municipality local council neighborhoods neighborhood contains streets named thematic manner example neighborhood streets named exception central quarters conventional street names original neighborhoods themed neighborhoods entire city north highway south highway industrial zone northern area light industry zone neighborhoods follows geology topography western land eastern rock including chalk flint elevation ranges approximately metres sea level notable peak mount located northeastern point city named arabic hill peaks municipal borders include mount mount pass notably stream runs highway stream include streams climate average temperature january july average yearly precipitation millimetres millimetres situated arid area precipitation falls winter months december january february rare occasions snow examples massive winter swept entire mountainous january demographics according israel central bureau statistics population jews non arabs men women second highest country immigrants population peaked mayor said reason city decline failure absorb massive immigration russia early study ordered israeli housing construction ministry found suffered negative image described settlement drives residents away march ministerial committee development approved plan state archives jerusalem costs land development reserve soldiers anticipating plan relocate training bases workers self employed receiving children benefits receiving unemployment benefits receiving income guarantee average monthly income self employed workers employees earning average men women city training bases construction near hopes bring thousands soldiers officers senior staff live including according ceo ministry development said million invested including family month years families soldiers wishing development ministry population economy tourist venues commerce concentrated central commerce area envisioned original plan shopping mall city mall northern block commerce sector addition main area small shop clusters neighborhoods city notably building called star quarter lone supermarket outside center mega city located industrial zone near entrance city major shopping complex planned near real estate company called centers market open located light industry zone companies manufacturing plants textile industries israel largest producers israel electronics manufacture printed circuit boards electronic products ran timber industries manufacture products israel plant producing acid collected dead sea nearby ltd subsidiary israel chemicals ltd planning new plant area years ministry environment decided contest company bid despite studies showing increase air pollution related deaths area tourism addition annual music festival fresh air attracts world proximity dead sea provides expensive accommodation alternative hotel zone sea shore municipality begun develop hiking ecological tourism additionally visitors stay closest road urban settlement site provides access western outskirts near hotel area large white monument conceived called offers view desert israel national trail passes mount major site national park located jurisdiction peak common hiking destinations national trail trails run national trail area culture main cultural center center culture youth sports hebrew named samuel located ben street near city mall mall built contains museum public library concert hall tourist information center called visitor center founded temporarily closed related offices movie theater designed architect closed tenure mayor lot artists quarter located city industrial zone utilizing old warehouses city concert hall accordance march decision taken ministry development national archive israel jerusalem museum planned display gifts given israeli politicians years widely known hebrew music festival held annually festival attracted israel best musicians bands july teenagers crushed death falling gate farewell concert popular band festival minor event festival organizers received prison sentences year main public park picnic area park called ran grove ran killed war located kilometers west city center measures km2 notable parks include park park entrance city monuments desert animals garden memorial park residents killed action day war includes monument soldiers stone structure called lit pillar potatoes shape marks place desert residents control territory according tradition designed northern park north neighborhood adventure park large playground open grass area neighborhood main cluster recreational facilities city located small neighborhood known called sports town area contains swimming pool tennis courts country club city main football stadium located outside cluster corner streets stadium home currently play bet fourth tier israeli football hosted mountain tournament annually called riding honor soldier killed action lebanon march tournament international union competition hosted professional course kilometers long expert course kilometers healthcare hospital numerous medical including handled single david station located municipal compound medical center built compound named medical centre london prime donors serves emergency ward equipment needed perform operations patients transferred medical center average patients transferred law enforcement served local israel police station located municipal compound david station commanded superintendent members station serves area police force chosen exceptional force awarded award excellence march severe reduction property crime cited force able reduce crimes july police rare incident shot dead man threatening kill wife knife education religious institutions public elementary school central neighborhood called religious school public middle school located near junction streets second middle school closed merged city public secondary school shares building middle school school school year 12th eligible certificate compared national average year number dropped compared national average addition private schools movement grades school school schools include boys girls neighborhood high school religious schools include provides young women guidance perform volunteer activities community elementary school founded democratic school alternative school students high school level allows students create schedules choose like spend entire day school children village known built southern outskirts inaugurated october consists family houses accommodate children youth facility accommodate youths children village january social centre opened runs day care center community outreach programmes support socially weak families fall world union jewish students funded jews new_jersey institute allowed post college young jews world study israeli society hebrew language ownership changed institute moved center country central located neighborhood city neighborhoods city small community accused illegal missionary activities certain right wing groups dead buried local cemetery located northeastern outskirts city close road media local newspaper published early founders started small december grew paper peak circulated free charge etc copies week ran years key role cultural community life local newspaper today transportation ways air road highway connecting rest country highway connects west dead sea east junctions municipal area junction city road junction highway local road connects connect road dead sea highway way western airfield music festival located south city serves domestic flights according demand railway line planning stages terminus adjacent central bus station main bus station central bus station located corner jerusalem street street closed legal battle municipality bus cooperative bus stops located nearby jerusalem construction central station officially restarted january new station include seven platforms large parking lot park ride planned cost project million buses served bus cooperative june company multitude inter city bus routes served main station inter city routes leave north inner routes inter city routes follows local government inception governance regional council local council designated city_council democratic elections held elected elected head municipality mayor city served head local council city_council replaced inability pass yearly budget dismissed minister interior august government appointed clerk bar took place election took place april won party longest serving head municipality served head local council yearly budget million million usd december budget unanimously passed million city_council city total income year estimated approximately million customary israeli cities major unique auxiliary laws cities minor laws illegal feed animals public places illegal sell consume seeds etc public places anti law enacted auxiliary laws enacted municipal flag emblem emblem square hill flame hill represents mount hill northeastern city flame represents natural gas extracted area early days spurred city growth emblem adopted flag ratio light blue background shows emblem center hebrew text municipality english text city israel variations thereof facto flag law making official notable residents born writer twin towns sister cities wilmington delaware sister city commemorate 25th anniversary state israel germany signed agreement vermont developed sister city relationship mayor professor represented visited vermont sign cities cooperative agreement sister city american palestinian israeli communities


arabic arabic pronunciation house meat hebrew bet modern bet bet lit house bread ancient greek latin palestinian city located central west bank palestine miles south jerusalem population approximately people capital economy primarily tourist driven earliest known mention city correspondence bce hebrew bible says city built fortified city identifies city david crowned king israel new testament identifies birthplace jesus destroyed emperor second century bar revolt rebuilding promoted empress mother constantine great commissioned building great church church badly damaged sacked revolt rebuilt century later emperor following muslim conquest muslim rule continued conquest army replaced town greek orthodox clergy latin century demolished city walls subsequently rebuilt ottomans early 16th century control passed ottomans british end world war came rule arab israeli war later captured israel day war oslo administered palestinian authority muslim majority home significant palestinian christian community chief economic sector tourism peaks christmas season christians pilgrimage church years hotels workshops rachel tomb important jewish holy site located northern entrance history period earliest reference appears correspondence bce letters egypt governor jerusalem appeals aid bit wake disturbances mercenaries employed rivals town near jerusalem bit village belonged king fallen enemy let king hear words servant send restore imperial lands king thought similarity modern forms indicates settlement shared semitic cultural linguistic heritage later arrivals god fertility time 3rd millennium bce erected temple worship god hill known hill town known meaning house later established garrison william notes pronunciation remained essentially years meant different things temple god house bread hebrew house meat arabic burial ground discovered spring surveyed joint italian palestinian team found covered hectares acres originally contained tombs use roughly archaeologists able identify tombs period archaeological confirmation city kingdom uncovered archaeological dig city david form seal impression dried clay ancient hebrew script reads town king indicating seal string closing shipment grain wine goods sent tax payment 8th 7th century bce biblical scholars believe located hill country biblical means fertile reference book bible calls new testament describes city david mentioned bible place rachel died buried rachel tomb traditional grave site stands entrance according book valley east fields returned town home father king david israel site david prophet samuel warriors brought water hiding cave writing 4th century reported david job solomon located near classical period bar revolt crushed converted christian site shrine dedicated greek god honour favourite greek youth scholars hold view site originally dedicated christians taken empress consort emperor mother emperor constantine great pilgrimage course visited ruins empress promoted rebuilding city writes responsible construction church revolt sacked walls church destroyed rebuilt orders emperor persian empire supported jewish rebels invaded captured story recounted later sources holds destroying church seeing depicted persian clothing mosaic middle ages shortly jerusalem captured muslim armies ibn second promised church preserved christian use mosque dedicated built place city prayed church passed control islamic 8th century 9th century persian recorded century preserved church existed town arab visited referred church constantine equal exist country round reign sixth church ordered demolished spared local muslims permitted worship structure southern captured fortified built new monastery north church greek orthodox clergy removed sees replaced latin point official christian presence region greek orthodox christmas day baldwin king kingdom jerusalem crowned year latin established town sultan egypt syria led muslim captured latin forced leave allowing greek orthodox clergy return agreed return latin priests suffered loss trade sharp decrease european pilgrims william count promised christian bishops fall muslim control welcome small town present day france result bishop duly took residence hospital remained continuous seat years french revolution jerusalem briefly ceded kingdom jerusalem treaty holy roman emperor frederick sultan return year truce treaty expired recaptured muslims coming power din tolerance christianity declined members clergy left city town walls demolished latin clergy returned following century establishing monastery adjoining greek orthodox given control shared control milk ottoman era years ottoman control custody disputed catholic greek orthodox churches end 16th century largest villages district jerusalem subdivided seven quarters family served heads leaders period ottoman tax record census indicates population making 13th largest village palestine time total revenue amounted paid taxes wheat muslims christians organized separate communities having leader leaders represented village century muslims ottoman tax records suggest christian population slightly prosperous grew grain valuable palestine rule muhammad ali dynasty egypt period town suffered earthquake destruction muslim quarter egyptian troops apparently murder favored loyalist came ottoman rule remained end world war ottomans inhabitants faced unemployment compulsory military service heavy taxes resulting mass emigration particularly south_america american missionary 1850s reported population nearly belonged greek church noted lack water crippled town growth modern era administered british mandate united_nations general_assembly resolution partition palestine included special international jerusalem administered united_nations jordan captured city arab israeli war refugees areas captured israeli forces fled area primarily settling official refugee camps north south influx refugees significantly transformed christian majority muslim jordan retained control city day war captured israel rest west bank following day war israel took control city israel turned palestinian national authority accordance oslo peace accord today city surrounded bypass roads settlers leaving inhabitants jewish quarter west bank settlers roughly live gap roads closed metre high israeli west bank barrier cuts sister city jerusalem palestinian control december israeli troops withdrew days later city came complete administration military control palestinian national authority interim agreement west bank strip second palestinian infrastructure tourism industry damaged primary combat zone operation defensive shield major military israeli defense forces besieged church dozens palestinian sought refuge siege lasted days killed ended agreement exile wanted foreign countries geography located elevation meters sea level meters higher nearby jerusalem situated southern portion mountains city located kilometers northeast city mediterranean_sea kilometers west jordan kilometers southeast israel kilometers south jerusalem nearby cities towns include jerusalem north northwest west southwest east form refugee camps located city limits center old city old city consists quarters laid mosaic style forming area square quarters include christian quarters muslim quarter christian quarters named arab clans settled quarter formed arab christian nearby town 18th century quarter outside old city inhabitants originate turkey total population old city climate mediterranean climate hot dry summers mild winters winter temperatures mid december mid march cool rainy january month temperatures ranging degree september weather warm sunny august hottest month high degrees receives average millimeters rainfall annually november january average annual relative humidity reaches highest rates january february humidity levels lowest night occur days year city influenced mediterranean_sea breeze occurs mid day affected annual waves hot dry sandy dust winds arabian desert april mid june demographics population according ottoman tax records christians roughly population early 16th century christian muslim population equal century muslim inhabitants counted end century recorded population adult male tax christians like non muslims ottoman_empire required pay tax american visitor describes town having population muslims remainder belonging latin greek churches report year puts christian population additional muslims source population approximately principally christians greeks jewish inhabitants religious makeup city christian greek orthodox roman catholic denominations muslim census taken israel authorities town proper numbered inhabitants muslim inhabitants represented population christians denominations numbered census city population including total refugees accounting city population age distribution inhabitants age age males females census population males females housing units households average household consisted family members christian population muslim conquest levant local christians large numbers arabs clans largest arab christian clans trace ancestry including descended migrated area present day jordan descend clan trace ancestry percentage christians town steadily declining years primarily emigration lower birth rate christians accounts decline christians population figure declined mayor victor explained stress physical psychological bad economic situation people christians muslims apparent christians minority palestinian authority officially committed equality christians incidents violence security service militant factions mosque old city mosque located square outbreak second resulting decrease tourism affected christian minority owners hotels services cater foreign tourists statistical analysis christian exodus cited lack economic educational opportunity especially christians middle class status higher education second christian population left city palestinian centre research cultural dialogue conducted poll city christians according said muslim friends agreed treated christian heritage city respect attributed exodus christians israeli blockade likely factors shared palestinian population economy shopping major attraction especially christmas season city main streets old markets lined shops selling palestinian middle eastern jewelry oriental olive wood carvings item purchased tourists visiting religious include ornaments mother pearl olive wood statues boxes crosses industries include stone marble cutting furniture factories produce synthetic rubber construction materials food products mainly wine founded run monks monastery grown mainly district monastery wine production year hosted largest economic conference date palestinian territories initiated palestinian prime minister finance minister convince thousand businessmen government officials middle_east invest west bank strip total billion dollars secured business investments palestinian territories tourism tourism main industry unlike palestinian prior majority employed residents jobs israel working population employed industry tourism accounts approximately city economy palestinian national authority city million visitors year church major tourist attractions christian pilgrims stands center city square cave called holy jesus believed born nearby milk holy family took refuge flight egypt door cave spent thirty years creating dominant latin version bible reformation thirty hotels palace built near church successful hotels oldest closed israeli palestinian conflict reopened palace intercontinental religious significance commemoration birthplace jesus early christian traditions describe jesus born verse book interpreted prophecy born new testament different accounts birth gospel luke jesus parents live travel census jesus born return home gospel matthew mentions census told king jews born town orders killing boys aged town surrounding area joseph warned angel lord flees egypt family holy family later modern scholars question idea jesus born seeing biblical stories historical accounts symbolic narratives invented present birth prophecy imply connection lineage king david gospel mark gospel john include narrative refer article magazine archaeologist points absence evidence settlement near jerusalem time jesus born jesus born article biblical review magazine murphy connor argues traditional position jesus born near jerusalem existence early traditions jesus birth attested christian martyr stated dialogue holy family taken refuge cave outside town alexandria writing year referred cave town local people believed birthplace jesus cave possibly previously site cult christmas celebrations christmas rites held different dates december traditional date roman catholic protestant denominations greek syrian orthodox christians celebrate christmas january armenian orthodox christians january christmas pass square plaza outside roman catholic services place catherine church hold services fields religious festivals celebrates festivals related saints associated palestinian folklore festival annual feast saint george celebrations greek orthodox christians city march procession nearby town waters monastery george sacrifice sheep ritual feast commemorated procession greek orthodox monastery north culture women known renowned strong overall effect colors metallic brilliance formal dresses fabric coat locally woven wool worn dresses special occasions striped silk winged short jacket known jacket velvet usually heavy work unique use gold silver cord silk cord silk wool felt velvet create stylized floral patterns free rounded lines technique royal wedding dresses worn married women traced byzantium formal costumes ottoman_empire elite christian village local women exposed detailing church heavy silver mother pearl carving art mother pearl carving said tradition 15th century introduced italy constant stream pilgrims generated demand items provided jobs women industry noted richard visited cultural centers museums home palestinian heritage center established center aims preserve promote palestinian art folklore international center cultural center primarily culture provides language guide training woman studies arts crafts displays training branch edward said national music students primary goals teach children music train teachers schools sponsor music research study palestinian folklore music museums theatre museum offers visitors models depicting significant stages life jesus theater presents minute animated museum located old city dates 18th century primarily dedicated history process olive oil production museum established contains displays culture international museum built united_nations educational scientific cultural organization exhibit high artistic quality evocative atmosphere local government seat district capital held municipal elections heads quarters old city excluding quarter decision elect local council seven members represent clan town basic law established victor mayor catholic deputy greek orthodox community rule british jordan quarter allowed participate election palestinian refugees number municipal members council amendment passed allow women vote council members later voting age increased today municipal council consists elected members including mayor deputy mayor special statute requires mayor majority municipal council christian remainder open seats restricted religion branches political parties council including communist secular leftist factions palestine liberation organization popular liberation palestine palestinian people party usually dominate reserved seats gained majority open seats palestinian municipal elections mayor deputy mayor required municipal law christian october municipal elections member won female mayor education according palestinian central bureau statistics approximately population age city population enrolled schools primary school secondary high school high school students received schools run education ministry palestinian national authority seven united_nations relief works agency private home university catholic christian educational institution higher learning founded tradition open students university university established west bank trace roots christian brothers opened schools palestine egypt transportation bus stations owned private companies offer service jerusalem taxi stations trips jerusalem car rental departments buses west bank licenses allowed enter israel including jerusalem permit israeli construction west bank barrier impact politically socially economically barrier located northern town built area meters houses refugee camp jerusalem municipality entrances exits rest west bank currently subjected israeli level access varies based israeli security travel palestinian residents west bank jerusalem regulated permit system require permit enter jewish holy site rachel tomb israeli citizens barred entering nearby biblical solomon pools twin towns sister cities


arabic previously known greek city western syria capital metres sea level located kilometres north damascus located river central link interior cities mediterranean coast syrian war major industrial centre population people largest city syria north capital damascus south population reflects syria general religious diversity composed christian number historic churches city close des castle world heritage site emerge historical record 1st century bce time later capital kingdom ruled dynasty gave city originally center worship sun god later gained importance christianity byzantines conquered muslims 7th century capital district bore current islamic era muslim control syria sought city strategic position area began decline ottomans 19th century city regain economic importance cotton industry french mandate rule city center insurrection independence center resistance syrian governments ongoing syrian civil war opposition stronghold syrian government launched military assault city fighting left city completely destroyed thousands dead etymology origin city modern arabic form city latin derived greek derive nomadic arab tribe called greeks romans inhabited region prior roman influence area shortened arab inhabitants settled prior muslim conquest syria preserved period islamic rule continuing present day known ruled city history approximately years served key agricultural market production site trade center villages northern syria provided security services syria protecting invading forces excavations citadel indicate earliest settlement site dates bce biblical scholars identified city mentioned bible bce battle took place forces egyptian empire empire city river near possibly largest battle fought involving dynasty roman rule founded established empire death alexander great city emerge light history 1st century bce time greek philosopher spoke tent dwelling tribe called living area south region arab tribe area settled derived incorporation state syria roman empire bce dynasty confirmed rule client kings romans aiding troops wars chief time gained status king capital city north river greatest extent kingdom boundaries extended valley west border east south north kingdom rome arab clients desert fringes city grew prominence new found wealth dynasty governed sons kingdom capital proved loyalty rome aided siege alexandria bce sending army detachments subsequently embroiled roman civil war mark pro took encouragement brother throne death bce forces prevailed war result kingdom throne reverted son executed treason stable rule emerged new era peace bce known golden age valley came kingdom control relations roman government grew closer king inherited sent roman military regular levy assisted siege jerusalem died succeeded son despite fact dynasty loyal allies rome unknown reasons roman state reduced autonomous rule dynasty priest king successors ceremonial authority remains unclear occurred dynasty died succeeded son iii generations recorded sufficiently accurately present pedigree integration client states actively pursued early certainly deposed incorporated province romans began attributes greek city state traces roman town planning remain transformation major city completed reign emperor began mint coins 3rd century grew prosperous integrated roman orient partly marriage emperor woman family based attained status roman emperors dynasty raised served high priest temple local sun god brought image god conical black stone rome grew wealthy formed link eastern trade dependence caused city downfall sank 4th century nonetheless time grown rank important cities tyre damascus continued retain local significance market center surrounding villages city remained strong center temple victories emperor visited city pay thanks deity strength pagan sun cult christians initially settle city writes city bishop jurisdiction city surrounding villages executed emperor julian succeeded bishop bishop settle 5th century christianity established byzantine_empire ancient christian inscriptions exist today byzantines city important center eastern christianity initially diocese given status ecclesiastical metropolis discovery john baptist head nearby area arab prior muslim conquest syria arab tribes particularly settled ensuring position important center byzantine emperor abandoned city served headquarters army defeat muslims ibn battle southern syria army led ibn captured peacefully inhabitants agreed pay substantial ransom established capital district province encompassing towns coast syrian desert territory including town likely city syria substantial muslim population muslims transformed half john church city friday mosque great mosque soon centre islamic companions muhammad settled conquest tombs ibn son son located city conflict ali inhabitants allied ali defeated northern half form separate district apparently punishment ali mash ali located city islamic tradition claims engraved despite repression remained center islam longer stronghold city involved conflicts tribal faction enjoyed support subsequently razed city walls response rebellion control syria including arab tribes revolted despite prosperity experienced era rule generally welcomed reign authorities sent numerous expeditions reign october christian population revolted response additional taxation revolt christians city burning churches executing members leadership rule weakening mid 9th century sought rebel control syria city strategic position initially egypt based came control forced based briefly succeeded turkish rebel ally invaded northern syria established base muslim noted situated broad river served source drinking water inhabitants largest cities syria smaller districts surrounding took definitive control city dominating arab claimed early 10th century noted personal beauty inhabitants noted largest city syria suffered great threatened ruin stated city conquered muslims turned half church mosque thirty years 10th century raided byzantines inhabitants subject slaughter city mosque briefly restored church 11th century byzantine raids greatly tribe ruled replacing inclined islam oppose egypt aiming extend rule northern syria iraq time precipitated muslim reaction led turks occupied leadership rule crusade launched captured northwest looted finally besieged managed cut city main port failed taking city soon came control ruler damascus transformed large fortified camp key fortress effectively preventing penetrating deeper muslim territory immune attack point muslims marshal forces launch raids holdings mediterranean coast early 12th century engaged internal fighting prize based din captured city muslim noted populous paved streets possessed largest syria contained open markets frequented travelers attracted products kinds reported residents pleasant living easy manners women beautiful celebrated fine skin series earthquakes inflicted heavy damage fortress minor finished strategic importance opposite county tripoli city fortifications soon restored din awarded din reclaimed years later following death nephew gained control city territories northern syria restored dynasty descendants retained nearly century death arab mentioned large celebrated walled having strongly fortified castle southern hill end rule remained wars conflicts empire battle took place december ending decisive victory second battle fought october ending victory finally defeated battle known battle declined politically falling campaigns effectively drove entirety syria beginning 14th century city merely capital smallest province syria attached province damascus ibn visited writing fine trees good markets fine friday mosque noting inhabitants arabs seized city later 15th century weakness brought countryside ravaged raids powerful tribe led sent expedition governor damascus city markets failed pay compensation services ottoman rule incorporated ottoman_empire consequently suffered greater political eclipse continued thrive economic center processing agricultural pastoral products flowed surrounding districts particularly known silk wool weaving especially run gold threads feminine silk exported far ottoman capital istanbul addition weaving industries olive oil presses water mills wheat rice grown surrounding 16th century found abundance city markets markets center trade livestock flocks sheep goats coming met cattle moving north damascus coming ottomans brought administrative changes capital city district attached province tripoli old rival time french visitor noted city walls citadel good repair decay covered markets retained beauty french traveler wrote city great importance current miserable condition described large ruined village dependent damascus ottomans little ensure security raids tribal unrest 17th 18th centuries resulted markets occasions security hampered 18th century ottomans tore gates city walls countryside saw increase raids half 19th century interrupted occupation muhammad ali egypt led city rebelled egyptian rule consequently citadel destroyed suppressed revolt ottoman rule soon restored 1860s large form economic unit trade processing agricultural products satellite villages neighboring tribes local economy stimulated ottoman government extended security city surrounding areas new villages established old ones found faced european economic competition ottoman rule restored economic importance boosted depression 1870s cotton industry decline european textile production quality design cotton goods satisfied lower upper classes local ottoman foreign markets nearby british consul referred manchester syria modern era 20th century held high political importance country home heads state high ranking government officials french mandate state damascus autumn city joined damascus southern blown revolt french rule french moved military academy damascus remained military academy syria french authorities created unit special forces given privileged positions military academy served stronghold special forces military academy played major role years following syria independence graduates went high ranking officers syrian army taking series coup follow important example president syria death oil pipeline tripoli built early 1930s followed ancient route mediterranean oil built process oil domestic consumption city oil bombed israeli air_force war syrian civil war cities syria large anti government demonstrations held wider syrian civil war referred capital revolution thousands tens thousands gathered city main square april sit protesting government current president people killed government security forces armed clashes local anti government starting city siege syrian army security forces syrian government claims targeting armed gangs terrorists area according syrian opposition city authorities regularly block deliveries medicine food fuel inhabitants certain districts june near daily confrontations protesting residents syrian forces result circumstances deaths vicinity areas syria syrian city images family routinely torn place syrian forces artillery uprising center documenting violations syria claims people killed uprising began february syrian armed forces carried major attack regain control city turned operation center free syrian army collection anti government fighters army days operations resulted deaths people city according local coordination committees march syrian army gained control district lesser clashes continued neighborhoods december negotiated deal remnants anti government forces families siege district years began evacuate city geography largest syria capital located central western syria situated east bank river particularly fertile area city southern coastal mountain range located west mount lebanon overlooking gap gap area receives rainfall interior regions north south east syrian desert lake huge dam roman origins southwest lying kilometers south kilometers south halfway road capital damascus river splits city main sections east flat land lies city center main neighborhoods west lies recent modern suburb city spans area hectares located kilometres north damascus kilometres south kilometres south kilometres southeast mediterranean coast nearby towns villages include southeast south southwest tin west northwest north northeast east old city subdivisions old city condensed area includes neighborhoods immediate vicinity citadel covering area square kilometres little remains old city walls gates demolished ottoman era short section fortified wall circular corner tower exists half kilometer south large earth mound marks site citadel stood north citadel lies christian quarter known neighborhood areas retains older look alternating black white stone buildings dating era shops dwellings recent renovation time known seven gates gate market gate gate lions gate closed door gate gates remain today oldest churches located old city consists subdivisions outside old city large neighbourhood spreads northern edge modern situated east old city south neighborhoods lay modern commercial centre lies west neighbourhood west suburb located west separated city areas farmland called river forming green belt forbidden build university complex located western southern edge city neighborhood climate location ensures receives influences mediterranean result city climate nearby higher average rainfall inches instead inches experiences greater winds demographics largest cities syria 12th century population inhabitants numbered population divided evenly eastern orthodox christians muslims 1860s saw rise population roughly inhabitants thirds muslims remainder christians census population stood rising according census syria central bureau statistics population male female independent estimate city residents population estimated today population reflects syria general religious diversity primarily muslims minorities muslims eastern orthodox christians orthodox christians addition catholics 1880s survey western palestine noted greek orthodox christians orthodox christians transferred relocated damascus armenian genocide early 20th century immigrated surrounding villages small greek community exists city economy long periods ottoman rule started flourish 20th century geographic strategic location centre agriculture industry irrigation scheme kind modern syria brought prosperity long established enterprises involved processing agricultural pastoral products crops grown include wheat sugar cotton serving point exchange zone desert easy access mediterranean attracted overland trade persian gulf iraq home large public heavy industries oil west city opened plant built process deposits near domestic consumption export growing private industrial sector flourished past decade small medium sized enterprises occupy industrial zones northwest south city new sugar built brazilian company automobile plant construction iran new plant oil built east city hub important road rail network central link interior cities mediterranean coast major industrial project establishment new industrial city kilometers south city spreading hectares km2 city covers main industrial sectors food chemical engineering facilities designed accommodate workers families free zone established city known syria industry particularly producing wine red wine city considered good base day trips historical sights nearby popular destinations include des hotels hotel considered syria best star hotels status city hotel built year old mansion labeled tour guides best budget hotel hotels include hotel hotel hotel culture cuisine people eat foods common cuisine city known syria cuisine prominent dish type instead home variety consists stuffed ground lamb cooked lamb fat stuffed potatoes native dish baby potatoes stuffed lamb pine nuts city cooking type meal known olive oil array restaurants highly acclaimed hotel italian cuisine serves arabic food local population popular restaurants include prince restaurant acts type fast food place serving chicken common syrian foods old city low price restaurants grouped street sell similar foods chicken dishes restaurants typically offer common place men gather smoke notable restaurants include local favorite south garden lounge located new clock tower known locals style atmosphere created divided men family areas providing area men gather play cards smoke watch soccer games families drink late recently emerged restaurant scene pre civil war syria completing development street area home strip highly rated restaurants including lounge serving french dishes typical local food italian restaurant american latin syrian italian restaurant like damascus houses old city renovated transformed restaurants specializing cuisine notable restaurant situated renovated palace dates mid 19th century ottoman architecture julia restaurant described best example traditional houses white black stones museums main museums located central city palace era palace belonging ali ibn subordinate sultan national folklore museum outside building courtyard occupied large shell semi dome opposite wall carving lions symbol museum built city located street contains selection artifacts region covering time prehistoric islamic eras festivals festivals city annually hosts desert folk festival festival desert folk festival annual festival ancient traditions costumes syrian desert includes exhibitions concerts festival held week festival held mainly events draws approximately tourists week activities include horse car races horse contests music theatre shows antique exhibitions crafts market festivals include festival festival des valley annual festival held church saint attracting large numbers pilgrims sports home football clubs sports club founded oldest sports clubs syria widely acclaimed regional national levels having won syrian league titles syrian cup titles runner champions league second sports club city sports club founded ibn stadium person capacity home football clubs produced number known including government capital district capital largest syria houses seat governor appointed president city governed city_council home executive office consists elected members addition president city_council office aids governor making management decisions related city_council responsible decisions specific city headed president responsible day day management city council organizational structure composed leadership consisting president vice president secretary lower leadership directors seventeen city branches administrative affairs finance technical affairs health affairs legal affairs fire department mechanisms parks property provisional register services maintenance works planning statistics culture internal oversight service education home university major universities syria founded specialist engineering foundation university largest student bodies houses including medicine engineering liberal arts sciences number year career institutions university country departments petroleum engineering medicine german university opened located kilometers west city international school opened school outside city university medical sciences established near constructing university hospitals city schools public facilities students enrolled elementary schools years high schools years training schools local infrastructure transportation considered transportation hub syria virtue central location coastal cities interior main bus terminal situated street kilometers north city centre outskirts terminal offers connections syrian cities lebanon international bus connections lebanon jordan saudi_arabia turkey second luxury bus station located little north operate station destinations northern syria tripoli lebanon newer travel based quick transportation large railway station operated daily departures damascus nearest airports international airport west damascus international airport south international airport north airport syrian desert east street starts old clock square city center crosses south north continues neighborhood station turns highway street named president short vital street connects old clock square square downtown branches smaller streets western end street main commercial block city continues west connect tripoli highway eastern end street continues street crosses old christian quarter continues eastern edge city damascus highway crosses city south reaches city center square landmarks city famous historic churches recognized twin clock towers older facing street built french early 1930s newer square facing street known historical consist complex maze narrow streets covered commercial extending south east great mosque ancient citadel lined grocery clothing stores workshops knife busiest evening surrounding countryside bear landmarks including world heritage site des citadel din landmarks include great mosque originally pagan temple dedicated consecrated church saint john baptist byzantines later established friday mosque islamic arab rule ibn mosque considered real note built years ottoman rule syria 1900s mosque named early arab general ibn tomb located building church church virgin built atop earlier church dating 4th century prominent church 5th century church saint built honor christian martyr saint tomb located citadel situated largest urban tells syria neglected military occupation recent years tell dates early bronze age extant islamic style walls built period sultan subsequently carried work testified inscriptions exception lost joint syrian british team studied citadel recording remains walls towers twin towns sister cities brazil turkey iran gallery


history site chronological order national park arabic hebrew palestinian arab village located kilometers northwest city village total land area km2 acres km2 acres built rest remained farmland 8th century bce village kingdom days jewish king town administrative center district turmoil jewish roman war bar revolt town thriving roman colony major administrative center early 7th century conquered muslim forces led ibn 12th century population compared average village time fell ottoman turks 19th century family took control unsuccessfully attempted rebel ottomans ending exile execution local leaders british mandate palestine served district center surrounding villages captured israeli forces war causing inhabitants flee eastward today refugees descendants live camps southern west bank established lands underground caves listed world heritage site town renamed centuries preserved greek variation translates house strong man house mighty seen king found inscription iii romans gave greek meaning city free tables called compiled 3rd 4th centuries known known medieval times meaning house arabic means house powerful reflecting original town probably called rule muslim history ancient period excavations revealed remains older iron age time town rose tell known arabic tell hebrew corresponds hebrew bible mentions local folklore tells arab village inhabited destruction kingdom bce city kingdom late persian period community settled city mentioned bce revolt base attacks suffered retaliation bce conquered destroyed king john region greek remained control forced convert judaism bce devastated completely strong city rebuilt date nearby succeeded chief center area antiquity jewish war slaughtered enslaved inhabitants according seized villages midst thousand people carried captivity thousand drove away rest multitude placed small forces overran laid waste mountainous country continued jewish inhabited city bar revolt roman emperor granted city municipal status renaming meaning city free citizens taxes coins bearing date january commemorate founding covered area hectares acres larger time roman city built ruins jewish jerusalem flourished romans built public buildings military installations large end 2nd century prince condition jewish citizens releasing city obligations home grown produce observing seventh year laws respect produce believing area country originally settled jews returning captivity born christian family near describes general surroundings late antique second chapter describes details important market seven routes met uses roman indicating city central point distances towns measured map dated shows walled city towers curving street central important centre building yellowish white dome columns mentioned ancient sources near contemporary 1st 2nd centuries christianity penetrated city location route jerusalem city bishop disciples seat bishop year attended council bishop cyprus born nearby established monastery mentioned john bishop jerusalem mentioned 3rd 4th centuries indicating revival jewish community time jacob referred bet bet residents city region known area later known arabic corruption excavations prosperous city confirm presence jews christians area described palestine cities excellence 4th century roman historian territory administration encompassed districts western included villages early islamic period early muslim historian mentions given arabs following muslim conquest towns military district palestine conquered muslim army ibn leadership wrote enclosed domain named recounts muslim army beheaded soldiers byzantine garrison refused abandon christianity buried church built honor beginning power struggle ali position left resided sons muhammad died city devastated destroyed effort combat christian influence region civil war arab tribal area according monk named stephen laid waste inhabitants carried captivity city rule recovered judging writings muslim city partly hill country partly plain territory ancient modern marble district sends produce capital neighbouring country land plenty possessing fine domains population decrease marble quarry palestine referred underground known today bell caves eras invaded palestine established kingdom jerusalem king jerusalem erected castle lands series fortifications built time ensure control ports king donated castle knights granted charter establish colony named christian settlers promised share property looted muslims benjamin found jews living visited country army sacked kingdom jerusalem came muslim control consequence victory battle soon capture ordered demolition castle town held henry champagne lord kingdom jerusalem richard negotiated remained control sultan taken control listed domain sultan city prospered egypt based served postal station rule belonged jurisdiction school law islam head judge city ottoman rule family palestine conquered ottomans victory battle subsequently district ottomans exercise strict control territories tended local leaders traditional positions long complied higher authorities paid imperial taxes magnificent reign destroyed castle partially rebuilt order protect main road jerusalem inhabitants consisting muslim families paid taxes wheat seeds goats 19th century seat family ruled area migrating palestine egypt 1840s ottomans attempted crush local leaders hills refusal pay taxes family joined revolt ottoman rule aligned clan area village hostilities raging political factions southern palestine families confederation constantly aligned clan based vicinity jerusalem chief known giant leader clan local leaders exiled allowed return early 1850s newly appointed ottoman governor district jerusalem attempted subdue rebellion region marched army july crushing opposition ordered local summon camp including leader clan obey summons requested british consul jerusalem james finn serve envoy arrange meeting finn sent vice consul assure safety convinced meet received returned escorted governor men soon paid visit settle affairs collect town taxes took oath loyalty local region including rule american edward robinson able locate site cited william tyre reference arabic later travelers visited time impressed castle manor time remains fortress served defensive purposes village according command villages area pledged provide men government necessary brother told traveler property seized false charges treason banished cyprus beheaded status began decline 19th century according western travelers small insignificant village primary factors contributed decline raids countryside villages revolt tribal warfare inhabitants towns villages palestine struck town nearby area british mandate era british_army captured palestine ottomans resumed role important town district population entirely muslim schools medical clinic bus police station town inhabitants cultivated grain fruit residents nearby towns weekly market winter severe outbreak malaria villagers sixth population died mortality rate district reaching crops remained lack people strong work fields new british regime began program sealing open wells improving drainage distributing palestine census palestine conducted british mandate authorities population muslim increasing census muslim total houses january arab national revolt known archaeologist killed group armed arabs track leading inhabitants total land plantations built urban areas territory allotted arab state partition plan war battalion egyptian army ordered position second half arab israeli war time new_york_times correspondent reported thousands inhabitants fled inland including large numbers area october israeli army launched operation differed operations months earlier equipped aircraft artillery tanks october launched bombing attacks number towns villages including according morris towns caught fighting psychologically defensively prepared aerial strikes israeli air_force bombing october set panic flight residents town october united_nations imposed went effect raid neighboring police fort night october resulted villagers fleeing israeli troops brigade occupied police fort october resident town months old time raid described family ordeal follows war village attacked israeli military units bombed israeli aircraft time hosted refugees neighboring villages fighting bombing frightened people escaped fighting sought shelter surrounding hills family found protection cave east village left home hoping return days attack allow return men killed tried jewish communal settlement founded town lands excavated areas successive roman byzantine towns included large israeli national park major points attraction tourists little focus traces arab presence park period 7th century onward receiving little attention geography situated area plains soft hills known hebrew located coastal plain west hills east village kilometers northwest average elevation meters sea level nearby included villages north southwest south existing palestinian towns east southeast historically located main road cairo total land area km2 arab owned town urban area consisted acres km2 acres land km2 acres non land town land planted crops crops region contains large number underground natural formations caves dug soft chalk inhabitants region centuries use burial grounds animal shelters workshops spaces raising estimated linked underground maze eighty known bell caves located grounds national park today excavated areas visited israeli national park furthermore archaeological license israel authority conduct excavations systems invite visitors participate american bible scholar edward robinson visited identified ancient remains city tell excavated bliss uncovered planned fortified city encircled town wall towers identified mound large scale excavations held israel authority direction conducted mainly lower city concentrating surface subterranean complexes excavations continued subterranean complexes largely preserved remains built romans excavated unique finds roman bath confirmed largest israel palestinian territories ancient city olive presses water seen percent caves excavated ruins byzantine era churches located church northern hill town later private residence elaborate depicting seasons arab israeli war church south town known dedicated saint anne new testament information mother virgin mary widely circulated gospel james gives anne birthplace christian tradition birthplace saint anne initial byzantine church rebuilt 12th century today arched windows half dome ceiling intact wider area inhabited longer excavations conducted israel authority kilometres northeast site located near unearthed artifacts village believed years old placing end stone age beginning copper stone age finds include pottery vessels stone tools flint blades objects clay animals animal bones belonging pigs goats sheep larger inhabitants probably chose area land springs flowing summer months archaeologists believe villagers grew grain indicated blades grinding pounding tools raised animals supplied milk meat wool attested settlement small scope approximately evidence based presence vessels objects brought site demographics roman period mixed population jews christians muslim rule islam gradually dominant religion 20th century entire population muslim ottoman tax records town population inhabitants 19th century population reached rose decade according census palestine population land population survey reported sharp increase general growth pattern years projected population number refugees including descendants estimated live called camps southern west bank culture surrounding villages known fine palestinian example woman wedding dress dated museum international folk art collection santa new_mexico dress long pointed wing chest piece pattern maya water motif wife pattern motif panels covered cross variety traditional patterns late 19th century large veil worn weddings festivals black silk separate heavy red silk fringe woman wore mainly wedding day positioned covered face end item collection cross decorated ottoman coins maria coins worn married women elaborate pieces passed family long cotton hanging sides wrapped woman facilitate hair secured islamic tradition burial place companion prophet muhammad famously known briefly served governor jerusalem late 7th century family granted hills including assigned cave mosque sanctuary site located northwest present day sanctuary place local muslim pilgrimage islamic holy sites village include local named tomb female religious figure named


downtown triangle jerusalem downtown triangle hebrew lit triangle central commercial entertainment district jerusalem israel measuring square metres area bounded road north king george street west ben street southeast intersections road king george street king george ben streets ben street road known square 1960s triangle commercial cultural heart jerusalem shops restaurants operated german jewish immigrant businessmen appealed affluent following jerusalem expansion city away downtown core commercial viability triangle declined area conversion ben street interior streets triangle open air pedestrian mall decades outdoor shops moved reputation triangle popular shopping entertainment venue tourists young history british mandatory government took main commercial district jerusalem old city eye continuing development new neighborhoods outside old city walls british drew master town plan called establishment commercial new city commercial district built downtown triangle intended play secondary role planned commercial district area closer old city development garner interest triangle land downtown triangle purchased jewish colonization association greek orthodox began selling holdings jerusalem world war british developed field triangular district triangle road ben street constructed british king george street constructed british lots sold large companies private businesses streets adjacent triangle king david streets commercial residential use european according jerusalem architectural historian david downtown triangle lasted early 1930s 1970s stores restaurants opened german jewish immigrants sought recreate european city center exclusive restaurants frequented senior mandate officials wealthy english speaking tourists unlike israeli stores sold kinds unrelated products roof europeans introduced featured item gloves ties shops offered unique extras included orchestra dance floor second floor library european immigrant owned fueled demand detective fiction historical reading periodicals germany england opened road triangle identified growing taste imported newspapers magazines bought franchises european immigrants created market cold cuts competing king george ben streets years triangle place jerusalem residents purchase clothing shoes furniture household goods peak district home cinemas screening newest hollywood fare located close proximity cinemas attract adults youth restaurants downtown triangle cultural heart city place seen architecture cosmopolitan flavor triangle extended buildings building example eclectic design combines neo renaissance elements approximately buildings triangle designed architect added row roughly dressed stone facade story decline rebirth following jerusalem city embarked significant expansion large commercial centers opened new outlying neighborhoods drawing customers away city center government offices began moving economic decline downtown triangle 1970s european aged neighborhoods adjacent downtown occupied poor jews triangle elegant shops gave way restaurants dollar stores money advent television precipitated closure triangle cinemas city attempted downtown district closing ben street triangle interior streets ben streets traffic converting entire area open air pedestrian mall taxi companies demonstrated renovation merchants claimed fail idea proved successful outdoor fast food restaurants moved triangle shops selling jewelry tourists street musicians street artists political promoters tables manned add lively nature mall pedestrian mall restored triangle reputation heart city european tone replaced populist image introduction jerusalem light rail december increased local visitor traffic estimates pedestrians day visited triangle april day april mall especially busy saturday nights closed reopen streets crowded young jerusalem beginning late 1990s pedestrian mall noted hosting growing presence risk homeless youth youth centers zone operate vicinity square bombing attacks large concentration visitors entertainment venues downtown triangle target numerous bombing attacks attempted attacks february british_army trucks led armored car driven arab british exploded ben street killing jewish civilians injuring july containing kilograms explosives detonated square killing wounding march bomb exploded trash square killing wounding suicide bomber era late 1990s suicide bombers stationed different points ben street exploded simultaneously causing deaths injuries similar relay bombing attack took place december police emergency medical personnel rushing scene double suicide bombing attack triangle car bomb exploded died wounded earlier august restaurant corner road king george street packed customers bombed people died wounded february response lobbying terror victims groups jerusalem municipality held ceremony mounted memorial plaque site bombing ben street landmarks tallest building triangle seven story square metres department store opened eastern square largest department store israel flagship store store chain associated downtown triangle store established street current location moved triangle king george ben streets road luxury shoe store israel founded german jewish immigrants imported quality leather shoes europe attracted british officers arab store originally opened building east road moved road closed shoes road founded jewish family owned business specializing israeli shoes longest lasting dining establishments triangle cafe bar cafe operated ben street european style favorite mandate officers pre state paramilitary groups israeli politicians journalists bar corner king george streets open intimate exclusive restaurant prestigious dining addresses jerusalem specializing european cuisine restaurant bar kitchen order overcome years declining business customer base politicians journalists diplomats downtown triangle includes hotels hotel square hotel faces square south occupies site cinema gave square cinema demolished high rise building containing hotel upper floors branch bank lower floors erected hotel renovated reopening samuel hotel northern square stands jerusalem lodging opened hotel later known ron hotel begin stood hotel august announce dissolution sign soldiers israel defense forces


hebrew lit city agricultural cooperative israel 1980s located northeastern region refers small group homes near new site extensive archaeological complex known fortress fortress hebrew dates 10th century bce united monarchy temple period geography located south dead sea southeast valley arid plain located plateau south jordan rift valley larger great rift valley settlement agricultural villages opposite highway near border boundaries regional council history modern village originally site police station british mandate palestine location captured israel defense forces village founded area deserted apart small military base cafe way founded group american jews led law student court clerk jew miami florida history fortress observed documented roman fortress identified frank travels region nelson identified location romans site true significance noted benjamin michael discovery temple period 1960s suggested site book salvage excavation took place direction work carried recently following involvement rose partnership israel authority jewish national fund regional council known addition fortress alternatively identified solomon site strata indicate early roman early arab includes year old shade tree largest israel area training crews site conservation work site 10th century bce earliest remains dating period 10th century bce resembles contemporary plateau fortresses included period pottery ranging tenth sixth centuries bce uncovered probable level destroyed like sites period 9th 8th century bce second layer consists large iron age fortification surrounded wall temple period building kingdom large contemporary cities times larger fortified cities square metres excavation revealed north facing gate complex near northeastern corner pair moat defensive wall city possibly constructed king 8th century bce ruler fortified kingdom went war neighbouring northern son construction towers desert mentioned second book chronicles 7th 6th century bce fortress late temple period 7th 6th centuries bce found walls foundations remain floor plan difficult eastern wall towers set metres apart reconstructed pit smashed clay stone vessels found indicating probable shrine human unearthed outside fortress wall site northern edge near foundations small building shrine resemble vessels found shrine kilometres northwest circular stone stamp seal discovered inside fortress men long robes altar provides indicator origin pit dating end seventh century possibly destroyed campaign religious reforms spearheaded king mentioned book kings 1st 4th century evidence roman administrative military presence plentiful junction east west road north south route red_sea probably economically valuable frontier outpost roman fortress layout similar imperial outposts region official latin inscription dates area strongholds 3rd century discovered large limestone slab nearby bears site largest area square metres included projecting towers fortress corners artefacts tell probably destruction middle fourth century earthquake promptly rebuilt improved stone destroyed decades later probably earthquake period found similar nearby country row rooms earlier 1st century bce 1st century fortress revealed artefacts pointing occupation roman annexation coins bearing likeness kings found storage vessels 7th 8th century building fragment early arab period uncovered immediately beneath ground surface evidence farm located roman remains modern structures