The Palestine Territories consists of three physically separate areas, known as the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. It is home to three of the world’s major religions namely Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Palestine possesses a long history with rich cultural tradition and customs. The region is home to one of the world’s oldest city, Jerusalem, whereby archaeological excavation revealed that the city is believed to be at least 5,000 years old.

The capital city of Palestine, East Jerusalem is part of a holy city deemed sacred by three of the world’s major religions. It is home to historical monuments such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock and the Church of Holy Sepulcher. This city is also home to over 220 historic monuments and is considered one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world by UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2012.

Visitors to Palestine could explore the ancient neighbourhoods of Bethlehem, the administrative capital of Ramallah and the oldest city in the world, Jericho, the world’s oldest city located about 400 metre below sea level.

Palestinians share the same cultural heritage with their neighbouring countries such as Syria and Lebanon. The country also possesses a varied culinary style that has been shaped by ancient traditions and modern culture. Dining is an interesting experience for visitors to enjoy Middle Eastern hospitality.

Family is an important facet of Palestinian culture whereby being with relatives is a special occasion. This is why Palestinian restaurants serves Middle Eastern cuisine that features folk dancing and singing. This culinary experience is an infusion of a mixture of Persians, Bedouins and Turkish origins with slight influences from the Ottoman Empire. Popular dishes include Taboon Bread, Hummus, Falafel and Ful Tahini.

Dabkeh is a highly popular dance among Palestinian cultural performances. The dance is performed at weddings, celebrations and festivals. Performers conduct movements and rhythms that tell a story. Depending on the theme, these include love songs, history and cultural identity.

The country relies on agriculture to support its economy. Main exports are olives, citrus, vegetable, dairy products and halal beef.

Palestine is also a gateway to ancient traditions and the origin of the world’s three major religions. This made it a popular destination for religious pilgrimages.

Find us on Facebook or Twitter.