Nablus City
Nablus city is the largest city in West Bank after Jerusalem. It is situated between and on the slopes of two mountains: Ibal (940 m.) above sea level, and Jerzim (881 m.). It is located (69) km. north of Jerusalem and (42) km. east of the Mediterranean Sea. It is rich in archaeological and historical sites: Tell Balata, Jacob's well, a Roman theater, Samaritan Community.
The Prophet Jacob's well is marked by a church built over the site in the fifth century and maintained since then. Additional buildings were added during the sixth and twelfth centuries and finally in 1908.
Roman ruins have been found under the present city. Recently, the remains of a horse track were discovered in the center of the city, as well as a Roman cemetery at the Sillawi station and a soldier's cemetery. Both cemeteries include stone-engraved coffins with architectural designs. The Roman theater found in Nablus is the largest found any where in Palestine. Parts of a Roman road were found beneath the Thafer Al-Masri School. This road, in addition to the remains of a stair way, connects Nablus city with the Roman Temple on top of Jerzim mountain.
The Old City of Nablus dates back to the Othman Mamlouk period; many of the quarters still carry the characteristics of old Islamic cities and are named after the goods or skills that were traditionally traded in the souqs.
Jerzim Mountain
South of Nablus city and Tell Balata is the Jerzim mountain, 881 m. high, called Attour mountain. It is covered with tall trees, and at the top live the Samaritans.
The building area of the city is (4,833,000) m2. with a surrounding land area of (10,798,000) m2. Its residents total (150,000). The city is considered the economic capital of Palestine. It is famous for its industries, specially the traditional soap which is made from olive oil, and sweets in addition to vegetable oil, leather, textiles, plastic, aluminum, paints, wool, metal furniture, carton industries, and marble and building stones.
The city contains (49) mosques, (7) local television stations, (4) hospitals in addition to a large number of public and private clinics, (50) public schools, (36) kindergartens in additional to the largest Palestinian University (Al-Najah National University) and a public library which is considered the largest in The West Bank. Also there are many charitable societies both specialized and multi purpose.
In the city are located the Palestinian Stock Exchange Market (Boursa), the Palestinian Communication Co. (PALTEL), and the Standards and Measurements Control Center.
Its climate is moderate: hot and dry in Summer; a little wet, cool at night; and cold and rainy in Winter.
