History of Nablus

Nablus, like Dundee, has a long history. It lies on two major trade routes and there was a settlement there in the Bronze Age.

Nablus was one of the cities of the Canaanites whose history goes back to 3,000 years BC. It was then called Shakeim (the high place) on top of Balata Hill.

Due to its position among the countries of the ancient world, Nablus was influenced by the cultures of ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans and Byzantines. Some of these have conquered and ruled the city, including the Turks and the British.

These thousands of years of history are still reflected in the city today. The beautiful old city has narrow streets between stone houses, mosques, ancient Turkish baths and a landmark clock tower.

In the market/souk, you can shop and enjoy mint tea with hummus or falafels.
From 1516 to 1918, the Turks of the Ottoman Empire occupied Palestine, including Nablus.

The end of the First World War in 1918 resulted in the break-up of the Ottoman Empire.

In 1922, Nablus – and the rest of Palestine – was ruled under the British Mandate until 1948.

The Israeli Occupation

As the British Mandate ended, the Zionist leaders declared an Independent State of Israel in Palestine.

Soon after the British withdrawal, war erupted between the newly established Israeli State and the neighbouring Arab countries.

The war ended with the establishment of the so-called Green Line. Palestine was divided into three parts:
– The land that the Jews occupied during the 1948 war, which constitutes the current Israeli State.
– The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, was ruled by Jordan, and
– The Gaza Strip was ruled by Egypt.

The 1948-war has significant meaning for both the Israelis and the Palestinians. For the Israeli Jews, the war marks the successful establishment of the Israeli State, but for the Palestinians, it signifies the events referred to as ‘Al Nakba’ (the Catastrophe).

At least 418 Palestinian villages were depopulated and demolished. About 80% of the Palestinian population was expelled from the newly created State of Israel; they were banned by Israel from returning to their homes.

In June 1967, a six-day war erupted, which resulted in Israel occupying the West Bank, including Nablus. Israel also took East Jerusalem, Gaza, the Golan Heights in Syria and the Sinai in Egypt.

Another Nakba took place – 350,000 Palestinians were forced to flee, some for a second time.

During subsequent intifadas (popular uprisings) in the late 1980s and early 2000s, Nablus became a centre for resistance against the Israeli occupation.

(The Nakba is examined in more detail in this exhibition on Board 4.)

Commerce and Industry in Nablus

Nablus is the largest city and commercial centre in the northern West Bank.

Like Dundee, Nablus has been famous for its industry. This includes soap, olive oil, marble and building materials, pharmaceuticals and goldsmiths.

However, in recent years factories have been destroyed.
Before the current crisis, relaxations led to more visitors, more trade and a general improvement.

But all foreign visitors and all import/exports are still hampered by having to go through Israeli border controls which continues to inhibit tourism and trade.

Olive oil soap – the Nablus tradition
For hundreds of years, Nablus has been famous for its soap-making. With more than 28 factories, its traditional hand-made olive oil soap was found in almost every household across the Middle East.

The number of factories drastically decreased during the second intifada (uprising) which began in 2001. There are now only three functioning soap factories left in the Nablus area.

Soap from Nablus is imported into the UK by Zaytoun (a Community Interest Company founded in 2004).

Nablus Today

Today, although Nablus has some autonomy with a mayor and council elected by its inhabitants, Nablus is still a city living under military occupation.

The Israeli army launches regular raids, invading the city, its refugee camps and surrounding villages to arrest young and old alike, destroy homes and wound and kill inhabitants.

Armed, illegal Israeli settlers live in colonies around Nablus and are the source of much violence and land theft, often permitted to do so by the Israeli army.

Palestinians have their travel severely restricted by Israeli checkpoints within the West Bank.

They need to get Israeli permits to travel beyond the West Bank. – even to visit Jerusalem, Gaza or other parts of Palestine (such as those parts behind the separation wall).

Palestinians do not have a vote for the power that effectively rules them and controls their lives – Israel.

This situation has endured for over 5 decades since 1967.

Self-determination is a fundamental human right enshrined in international law; it is included in the United Nations Charter.

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