why ramallah?
Ramallah is a small city with a population of approximately 57,000, that is located about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) North of Jerusalem.
Ramallah is now the administrative and cultural capital of the West Bank; Ramallah is known for its religiously relaxed atmosphere and the many cafes, restaurants and shops along its main streets - you wouldn't even have to get into a car or taxi if you want to get to one place from another because of how close everything is! While walking on the streets, it is very noticeable of how close and sociable people are towards others... everyone knows everyone, and they all greet each other.
Ramallah is now the administrative and cultural capital of the West Bank; Ramallah is known for its religiously relaxed atmosphere and the many cafes, restaurants and shops along its main streets - you wouldn't even have to get into a car or taxi if you want to get to one place from another because of how close everything is! While walking on the streets, it is very noticeable of how close and sociable people are towards others... everyone knows everyone, and they all greet each other.
what to see? what to do?
- What can be very easily seen is the Israeli West Bank barrier; which was built by israel in the West Bank, or along the 1949 Armistice Line ("Green Line"). Upon completion, the total length of this wall will extend to be approximately 700km. There is endless graffiti and art on the wall drawn by many Palestinians which represent them in any way
- The West Bank headquarters of the Palestinian Authority is also worth a visit. TheMukata’a is a two-block compound with a white tower that is lit up at night and visible from most parts of the city. It contains some government offices and conference rooms, as well as Yasser Arafat’s (Palestine's old leader) mausoleum next to the building where he was held under siege in 2002.
- The Popular Art Center is a great center to visit. It has a leading role in organizing cultural activities and events. The center organizes music and dance festivals, workshops for children, folk dancing (Dabka) courses, Jazz, music, puppets and drama and ensembles of traditional Palestinian Music. The center also houses a cinema which shows international films. The Dabkeh is a type of Arabic dance that Palestine is very famous for, as well as other countries. There are many theaters and Art Centers where Dabkeh dances happen, but you don't even have to go to a specific place to watch this dance! - you can watch it on the streets even where everyone naturally join each other!
- If you want to go real sightseeing, there are many major sites to visit such as:
- Khalat al-Addas: This site contains many Roman graves dug in stone, with some walls dating to the Iron Age.
- Al-Kafriah: An ancient site located at the bottom of a slope rising about 560 meters from sea level, it includes many walls, and a farm.
- Al-Krin’ah: An ancient site located at the bottom of a slope, rising about 571 meters above sea level, with an area of 600 square meters and ruins from the Byzantine era and early Islamic times.
- Apart from sightseeing, there are other things that can be done like visiting the many religious institutions - the various Mosques and Churches - which comprise of the Coptic Church, The Ramallah Church, Muslim Mosque, and more.
- A near town to Ramallah, about a 45min drive, you would get to Turmusaya. This town is incredible because it has many historical and luxuriously modern houses and structures, greenery, mountains, and a small stable where you could go Horse Riding either for fun or take lessons.
If you do end up planning to visit Ramallah, there are hotels available there like the Movenpick Hotel, The Grand Park, Royal Court Suites, Area D Hostel, Al Weddeh Hotel, Merryland, Hajjal, The City Inn Palace, Best Eastern, and more.
I hope you do plan your trip to visit!