Hebron was founded around 1720 BC. Hebron (al-Khalil in Arabic) is one of the oldest cities in the world and home to the Ibrahimi Mosque, one of the most sacred religious sites for Jews and Muslims. It is believed that the tombs of several biblical prophets, such as Abraham, Jacob and Isaac, are located there.
Hebron is the West Bank‘s second most populous town, and its core is the area around the Haram, the Ibrahimi mosque or Tomb of the Patriarchs of the Abrahamic faiths.
Its history dates back more than 4,000 years. The name "Hebron" traces back to the same root as Haver, or "friend" in both Hebrew and Arabic. In Arabic, "Ibrahim al-Khalil" "means "Ibrahim the friend", signifying that, according to Islamic teaching, Allah (God) chose Ibrahim (i.e. Abraham) as his friend.
Throughout the centuries, the city of Hebron was a constant target for Persian and Roman invaders until the Islamic conquest during which the city prospered and Muslim emirs and caliphs showed unwavering concern for the city.
Ancient city of Hebron
