Nablus is located deep in the heart of Palestine between the towering mountains of Ibal and Jirzem. When here, one is never far from the historical legacy of ancient Samaria where the Neolithic Tel Balata dominates the center of East Nablus alongside the historic Jacob’s Well. History collides with the modern as you step back in time and wander through the ancient souq of Nablus where merchants, tailors, and traders shout, haggle, and sell a wide variety of local goods,much like their ancestors did before them. Nablus is famous throughout Palestine for its sweets and none garner more attention from locals and travelers alike than the famous Kinafeh! A delightful blend of honey syrup drizzled over a flour based topping with a melted Nabulsi goat cheese that is both savory and sweet. The ancient arches and roadways are also reflective of the various peoples who ruled and occupied Nablus spanning the Roman and Byzantine conquests to the great Islamic empires of the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman Sultans.

The history is embedded in the people who call Nablus home and the Arab-Islamic traditions of hospitality, friendliness, and helpfulness. The people of Nablus are a representation of the values and culture that truly distinguish this city from its Palestinian counterparts. Nablus, more than any other Palestinian city, exemplifies and embodies the ancient Samaritan and Arab-Islamic ethos of neighborliness which creates an unforgettable and memorable environment for locals and travelers alike. Nablus is a living city surrounded by the memories of the past and the people who call it home and no city will ever be more welcoming.

American Academy - NABLUS