4.8: Southeren Levant- Palistine

Learning Objectives

In this section, you will be able to:

• Explore the Southern Levant countries: Jordan and Palestine, their famous cities, most famous historical places, and their traditional food and clothes.

Facts About Palestine (State of Palestine)

The State of Palestine is an Arab country located in west Asia. It borders Lebanon to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Egypt to the south-west, Jordan to the east, and Syria to the north-east.

Population: 4.803 million (2020 estimate).

Capital: Jerusalem.

Currency: Palestine Pounds, Jordanian Dinar (JOD), Egyptian Pounds (EGP), and New Shekel (ILS).

Official Language: Modern Standard Arabic.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): This figure presents the major cities of Palestine. GNU general public license

Famous Cities

Palestine is home to many cities rich in history, culture, and heritage. Here are some of the most famous ones:

• Jerusalem (القدس): A city of immense religious and historical significance, known for landmarks like Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. It is sacred to Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

• Bethlehem (بيت لحم): The birthplace of Jesus Christ and home to the Church of the Nativity. It is a major site for Christian pilgrims and holds religious and cultural significance.

• Hebron (الخليل): Known for the Ibrahimi Mosque and its significance in Islamic history. Hebron is a center for Palestinian culture and commerce.

• Bethlehem (بيت لحم): The birthplace of Jesus Christ, Bethlehem is home to the Church of the Nativity and is a major Christian pilgrimage site.

• Nablus (نابلس): Known for its ancient architecture and famous sweets like Kanafeh, Nablus has a vibrant cultural and economic life.

• Gaza (غزة): A coastal city with a long history, Gaza is known for its beaches, ancient ruins, and the resilience of its people.

• Jericho (أريحا): Considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Jericho is famous for its archaeological sites, including Tell es-Sultan.

• Khan Younis (خان يونس): Located in the southern Gaza Strip, Khan Younis is known for its historic Khan Younis fortress and serves as an important center for trade and agriculture.

Each of these cities offers unique insights into Palestinian culture, history, and the Arabic language, making them essential for any student learning about the region.

Jerusalem; CC BY-SA 4.0

Gaza; public domain

Nablus; CC BY-SA 1.0

Khan Yunis; CC BY-SA 4.0

Bethlehem; CC BY-SA 3.0

Ramallah; CC BY-SA 3.0

Traditional Food

Palestinian traditional food is a rich and diverse culinary heritage that reflects the region's agricultural abundance and cultural influences. The cuisine is characterized by the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, aromatic spices, and time-honored cooking methods. Here are some key highlights of Palestinian traditional food:

1. Musakhan: One of the most famous Palestinian dishes, Musakhan consists of roasted chicken seasoned with sumac, onions, and pine nuts, served on top of taboon bread. This dish is known for its tangy and savory flavors.
2. Maqluba: Meaning "upside-down," Maqluba is a flavorful one-pot dish made with layers of rice, vegetables (such as eggplant, cauliflower, and potatoes), and meat (usually chicken or lamb). The pot is flipped upside down before serving, creating a visually striking presentation.
3. Knafeh: A beloved Palestinian dessert, Knafeh is made from thin noodle-like pastry soaked in sweet syrup, layered with cheese or cream, and often topped with crushed pistachios. It is typically enjoyed warm.
4. Warak Enab: Also known as stuffed grape leaves, this dish features grape leaves filled with a mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices. They are simmered until tender and are often served as an appetizer or side dish.
5. Mujaddara: A simple yet satisfying dish made of lentils and rice or bulgur, cooked with onions and various spices. It is often garnished with caramelized onions and served with yogurt.
6. Falafel: Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs and spices. Falafel is a popular street food and is typically served in pita bread with tahini sauce, fresh vegetables, and pickles.
7. Hummus: A creamy dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Hummus is a staple in Palestinian cuisine and is often enjoyed with pita bread or as a side dish.
8. Makdous: Small eggplants stuffed with walnuts, garlic, and red pepper, then preserved in olive oil. This dish is commonly enjoyed as part of a breakfast spread or as an appetizer.
9. Mansaf: While more commonly associated with Jordan, Mansaf is also enjoyed in Palestinian cuisine. It consists of lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce and served with rice or bulgur.
10. Shakshuka: A flavorful dish of poached eggs in a spicy tomato and bell pepper sauce, often seasoned with cumin and paprika. It is typically eaten for breakfast or brunch.
11. Sfeeha: Also known as Lahm bi Ajeen, these are small, open-faced meat pies made with minced lamb or beef, tomatoes, onions, and spices, baked on a thin bread dough.
12. Khubz: Traditional Palestinian bread, often baked in a clay oven. Variations include taboon bread, a flatbread baked on hot stones, and pita bread.

Palestinian cuisine is deeply connected to the land and its produce, making use of fresh herbs, olive oil, and a variety of vegetables. Meals are often communal, emphasizing the importance of family and social gatherings. This culinary tradition not only nourishes but also strengthens cultural ties and preserves the rich heritage of the Palestinian people.

Traditional Clothes

Palestinian traditional clothing is a vibrant expression of the region's cultural heritage, rich in symbolism and history. These garments reflect the unique identities of Palestinian communities, with distinctive styles and patterns that vary across different regions and villages. Here are some key elements of Palestinian traditional clothing:

Women's Traditional Clothing

1. Thobe (Thawb):
   • The Thobe is a long, flowing dress that serves as the quintessential piece of traditional Palestinian women's attire. These dresses are typically made of dark, heavy fabric and are richly embroidered with intricate patterns.
   • The embroidery, known as Tatreez, features geometric shapes, floral designs, and motifs that represent the wearer's village or region. For example, the colors and patterns might indicate whether the wearer is from Ramallah, Hebron, or Gaza.
   • The Thobe is often accessorized with a headscarf (Hijab) or shawl that complements the dress.
2. Shambar:
   • The Shambar is a large, rectangular shawl or veil traditionally worn by women, often draped over the head and shoulders. It is sometimes adorned with embroidery and tassels.
3. Malak Dress:
   • Known as the "Queen's Dress," the Malak dress is a heavily embroidered Thobe that is usually worn on special occasions, such as weddings and festivals. It features elaborate designs and is often made from luxurious fabrics like silk.

Men's Traditional Clothing

1. Qumbaz (Jalabiya):
   • The Qumbaz is a long, loose robe worn by men. It is typically made of lightweight fabric, making it suitable for the region's climate. The Jalabiya may be plain or striped, and is often worn with a belt.
2. Keffiyeh (Shemagh):
   • The Keffiyeh is a traditional headscarf that is a powerful symbol of Palestinian identity. The black-and-white checkered pattern is most commonly associated with Palestine, although red-and-white variations are also worn.
   • It is typically worn wrapped around the head and secured with an Agal, a black cord.
3. Sirwal:
   • Sirwal are loose-fitting trousers traditionally worn by men under the Qumbaz or Jalabiya. They are comfortable and practical, often made from cotton or linen.

Accessories

1. Belts and Sashes:
   • Both men and women often wear belts or sashes with their traditional clothing. These can be simple or ornate, sometimes featuring embroidery or beadwork.
2. Jewelry:
   • Women typically accessorize with jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. These pieces can be made of silver, gold, or other materials and often feature traditional designs.

Cultural Significance

Traditional Palestinian clothing is not just about fashion; it carries deep cultural and historical significance. Each piece of clothing tells a story about the wearer's origins, social status, and even marital status. The practice of embroidery, or Tatreez, is often passed down through generations, with each stitch preserving the heritage and identity of the Palestinian people.

In contemporary times, while modern clothing is common, traditional attire is still worn during cultural events, weddings, and national celebrations, serving as a powerful reminder of Palestinian history and identity. The resilience and pride reflected in these garments continue to inspire and connect Palestinians to their rich cultural roots.

Palestine; CC BY-SA 3.0

Palestinian Traditional Thobes Created by AI

 

Activities

Query \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Query \(\PageIndex{2}\)

Put the name of the country under the correct flag:

Query \(\PageIndex{3}\)

Activity

You plan to travel with your family to Levant Countries (Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria) during summer break. Use Google Earth to show your family the famous cities, and historical landmarks that you would like to visit.