Beit OmmarPalestine

Location

•Beit Ommar is an Arab town located eleven kilometers northwest Hebron ,the town had a

population of 13,348 inhabitants. •Beit Ommar is mostly agricultural and is noted

for its many grape vines. This has a major aspect on their culinary tradition of stuffed grape leaves known as( Waraq al-inib), and a grape syrup called dibs. Beit Ummar also has hundreds of cherry, plum, apple and olive

orchards .

Photos For Grapes From Beit Ommar

Photos for ( Waraq al-inib),

Palestinian embroidery

•Traditional patterns used in Palestinian embroidery are designs of geometric shapes, but also include designs which were most familiar to Palestinian women as impressions of their daily surroundings. These patterns symbolize good health, hope, prosperity and protection, among other attributes of positive beliefs.  Depending on the region in Palestine, the patterns included representations of bunches of grapes, apple tree, cauliflower, cock, pigeon, rainbow, roses, birds of paradise, flower

pot and extensive other such representations .

Patterns OF Palestinian embroidery in Beit Ommar

History

•Beit Ommar is believed to be the site of Biblical village of Maarath. The modern town was named after the Islamic Caliph (Umar Ibn Al Khatab) who supposedly frequented the town. Many of the town's residents are descendants of Arab Christian  families and the old city contains Christian ruins.

Mosque of Nabi Matta

•The main mosque in Beit Ommar houses the tomb of Nabi Matta or Amittai, father of Jonah. Common tradition had suggested Matta is in reference to St. Matthew, but this has been dismissed since Matthew is not seen as a holy figure in Islam.

• Mujir ad-Din writes that Matta was "a holy man from the people of the house of the prophecy." confirming that Matta is indeed the Arabic name for Amittai and the Beit Ommar tomb is dedicated to Amittai.

•In 1226, the Ayyubid sultan al-Mu'azzam built a mosque with a minaret  under the supervision of Jerusalem governor Rashid ad-Din al-Mu'azzami. The Mamluks constructed some additions to the mosque and engraved several inscriptions on its surface.

Photo For Nabi Matta Mosque

The Town Now

•The town became a municipality on April 17, 1997 after the dismantlement of the Israeli village council. The current mayor is Nasri Sabarna. The town is currently located in Areas B (civil affairs administered by the Palestinian National Authority and C (civil and military affairs controlled by Israel

•The town is governed by a municipal council consisting of thirteen members including the mayor.