ARRABAAND THE POINTS OF INTEREST
Arraba is one of the nicest Palestinian villages, which dates back to the Canaanite period (2nd millennium BC) and preserves an archaeological site (Tal Dothan) of that period.
The town maintained its richness of the 17 th , 18 th , and 19 th centuries. During that time, the Ottoman occupiers had included it among the 24 villages defined as âThrone Villages,â as their aim was to rule out the territory, collect taxes, enforce the law, and administer justice on their behalf. The influential family of Abd al-Hadi, which was both powerful and rich, led the throne village of Arraba and joined other villages within the districts of Jenin and Nablus. With a surprising architectural homogeneity, they built the 21 elegant buildings of the palace, as well as a mosque in the middle of the town. The style was replicated by other rich families.
The Main Points of Interest
Women Association, display of products, and lessons in handicrafts and Palestinian cooking
Centre of the city with Ottoman baroque lightening and architecture
Municipality park with swimming pools, cafés, and games for children and adults
The downtown shops with delicious local street food and charming atmosphere
A satisfactory trip in town
Turkish bath
Artist training and lessons in Arabic calligraphy
Skin care and massage lessons with the effective hand cream
Traveling up the hill to Tal Dothan of the Canaanite ancestors
Palestinian cuisine exploration in the homestays and the Womenâs Association
ABD AL-HADI PALACE
CLAN HEAD OF THE âTHRONE VILLAGEâ
The large elegant palace of Abd al-Hadi is at the center of Arraba. It consists of 13 buildings built in different stages. The first half was established in the 19 th century as a residence for the influential Abd al-Hadi family.
The palace symbolizes the domination preserved by Abd al-Hadiâs clan throughout the years: during the 18th and 19th centuries, the Ottoman domination (1516-1918), and the interval of the occupation by the Egyptians (1831-1840).
The Ottomans, after capturing Palestine from the Mamluks, organized the rural subdistricts into 24 âthrone villagesâ that served as seats for the local leaders. At the head of these villages, they delegated the most powerful families of the territory (such as Abd al-Hadi in Arraba, Jarrar in Sanur, and Tuqan in Hebron) â which in due time became hereditary. Among the roles of these clans was to collect taxes and maintain law and order on behalf of the government.
As such, the Abd al-Hadi family had the opportunity to further increase its power and extend their cultivated land and livestock. Among other things, they had mills producing oil and soap, and they favoured the crucial location of Arraba for their commerce.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE ABD AL-HADI FAMILY AND THE PALACE
The Abd al-Hadi clan managed to remain on good terms with the rules and stayed away from the defeated insurrection during the Ottoman era. They also avoided conflicts of power among the other clans (the Jarrars of Sanur, the Tuqans of Nablus, and the Nimers of Jenin). They preferred to diversify their activities in agriculture, industrial transformation (mostly of oil, grains, and soap), commerce with Europe, and money loaning. Although their management was utterly authoritarian, yet the economic development was favorable to the wellbeing of the people.
The clanâs power increased so much with the Egyptian occupation (1831-1840), to the point that Hussein Abd al-Hadi, who proved to be a loyal and effective servant, was promoted to the governorship of Sidon province which then included almost all of Palestine.
Eventually, the restoration of Ottoman control and their alliance with the hostile clans defeated the Abd al-Hadis and destroyed their palace. But by that time, their presence in Nablus (the economic centre of Palestine) and their economic power was sound and settled enough for them to have a fast recovery of their wealth.
During the visit of the palace, make sure to look beyond the rooms, the two imposing doors of entrance, and the Musa and Assaf gates. Check out the seat of the Women Organization (with its display of handicrafts), the Turkish bath, the garden of the oranges, the antique mosque, the rooms for children training, and the permanent exposition of the local artist Kaujhan.
ARRABA SOCIETY FOR WOMEN DEVELOPMENT
EXPERIENCE AND SHOPPING
The Municipality assigned one of the Abd al-Hadi palaces as the headquarters for the local Women Organization of Arraba. This association, run by Temam Quinawi today, was founded in 2004 to empower women and protect them from violence. It also provides training and entertainment for members and their children and offers rewarded activities as contribution to families. It also has joint voluntary activities with the Municipality for the benefit of the community. Initially, the association had 52 members. Today, there are more than 700 members distributed around Arraba and the Jenin branches of Qabatiya, Yaâbad, and Kufayrit.
The women create and sell different handmade products (displayed at the palace and in fairs), such as embroidery, bijouterie, necklaces, baskets, handbags, olive paste, and jams. They recognize the value of handicrafts and are happy to provide (upon prior notice) training for the visitors to create their own handicrafts and make Palestinian dishes. In fact, their most original specialty is the dukkah, often cooked during the events, ceremonies, festivals, and expositions.
Dukkah is a Gazan condiment made with roasted and milled lentils and chickpeas blended with sumac, caraway and sesame seeds. The recipe for this particular blend was brought from Gaza by one of the women, Manar Khleif, who is willing to teach the guests how to make it in its authentic way.
Address: Abd al-Hadi Palace
Formal Hours: 2 p.m. â 7 p.m. every day (but you can visit anytime by calling Mrs Temam: +970
056-9000848)
THE SHAMI TURKISH BATH
CULTURE AND EXPERIENCE
An elegant Turkish bath will soon be opened in the premises of the Abd al-Hadi palace, near the garden of oranges. The bath has an old long-standing architecture style.
Address: Abd al-Hadi Palace. Open days and hours to be defined. Contact (in the municipality): araba_muni2005@yahoo.com
OM JEHAD PASTRY SHOP
EXPERIENCE AND GASTRONOMY
Om Jehad is a delightful woman who prepares homemade Palestinian pastries. Desserts include kullaj (a special kind of dough prepared for special occasions, similar to baklava but served hot), sweet kubbeh (outer dough-like shell and an inner filling). She also bakes yellow bread (made with corn flour, olive oil and sesame), and maâamoul (a soft biscuit filled with dates).
The talented Om Jehad started out by making dessert for her relatives who loved her pastries. She then decided to sell sweets by request. She also teaches how to make those special treats to visitors, especially her appetizing kullaj.
Contact: Om Jehadâs pastry shop in Western Street. Om Jehad is willing to show and teach her pastry skills, but it is best to book her at least one day in advance. Mobile: +970 059 5684241
TAL DOTHAN ARCHAEOLOGIC SITE AND JOSEPHâS WELL
Tal (mount) Dothan is an archaeological site inhabited since the Neolithic period (10,000 â 3,500 BC) and later, intermittently, until the Islamic period.
Dothan is mentioned in the Bible as the place where the sons of Jacob, envious that Joseph was the most loved by their father, plotted to kill Joseph by throwing him into the cistern. The site of the pit in Dothan is where that cistern was. But Joseph did not die there. The eldest son convinced the brothers to sell him to merchants on their way to Egypt. There, Joseph, interpreting the Pharaohâs dreams, was granted a powerful status. Joseph eventually forgave the brothers, welcomed them, and reunified the family with their old father Jacob.
Address: Along the Arraba main street, on the road to Jenin.
THE EXPERIENCE OF CALLIGRAPHY
The experience of learning to write Arabic words in a calligraphic way is quite fascinating. You will get to have this unique opportunity at Mohammed Sharifâs house.
Mohammed Sharif is an artist who worked with the famous calligrapher Hashem al-Baghdadi. He exhibited his projects in various places including in Great Britain, Ukraine, China, and Israel. His works show various elegant Arabic writing styles with compelling motifs and feasts of colors.
During the visit, you will get to see different samples of the artistâs work. He will also teach you how to write in an artistic way starting with six Arabic letters. With a small contribution from your part, you will be able to work with three kinds of brushes, the ink, and the special paper.
Address: Mohammed Sharifâs house, on the road to Arraba park near Hamza Mosque. Available during working days upon prior notice. Mobile: +970 599827389
HANA SALAH HOMESTAY
ACCOMMODATION AND GASTRONOMY
The homestay (Othmanâs Residence) by Hana Salah captures a part of an ancient palace in Palestinian-Ottoman style. Hana speaks good English and gives visitors an opportunity to interact and find out about the distinctive features of the real Arraba.
This is quite a luxurious stay at a very low price. It has two large elegant rooms: The first has 3 beds (extendable to 5), with WIFI. The second has 2 beds (extendable to 4), without WIFI.
The main meals are Palestinian specialties. The breakfast is exquisite, with fresh taboon bread with hot cheese or zaaâtar on top, circled by the usual variety of Palestinian hors dâoeuvres.
Address: Near the center of the town, always open.
Mobile: + 970 599 292 972.
Telephone: +970 4 246 8366.
Email: hanasalah1960@hotmail.com
Website: http://palstays.ps/profile.php?homestayID=62.
See also: https://masaribrahim.ps/portfolio/hana-homestay-arraba/
AL MARDAWI GUEST HOUSE
ACCOMMODATION AND GASTRONOMY
Mustafa and Ayat Mardawi offer the 2nd floor of their villa to the guests. The villa has 4 rooms and 14 beds. All with WIFI high speed.
The villaâs terraces have an exquisite view of Arraba town. The guestroom windows overlook the beautiful and lush olive groves, some of which belong to the Mardawis. The family put much love in building the house, thanks to the olive oil they have sold from pressing the olives. Mustafa is a driving instructor but devotes much of his time working on his land. During olive season, all the families in Arraba harmoniously pick olives together; a tradition learned from the ancestors. Mustafa skillfully combines the traditional cultivation methods he learned from his father with the innovative techniques of modern farming so as to meet the highest international standards for olive sale.
Ayat is a great cook of Palestinian dishes made from their landâs organic products. Her specialty is the Maqlubeh (the âupside downâ dish) prepared with rice, vegetables, meat and herbs â all cooked in a single pot and then turned over (in a unique style!) Many prepare this delicious meal, but we find difficult to meet one as tasteful as the one made by Ayat.
Address: Al-Mardawi Guesthouse (Mustafa and Ayat Mardawi), in Kufour Rai Street.
Open upon prior notice.
Mobile: +972 569329554/ +972 599722591/ +972 59972259.
Email: ayatmardawi1978@gmail.com
Website: https://masaribrahim.ps/2018/07/04/al-mardawi-guesthouse/
THE "MIRACULOUS" HAND CREAM
Mrs. Basima Arda has a workshop at her home where she produces a hand cream which is said to be âmiraculousâ! It has a special way in making the skin soft and free of wrinkles. Upon request, Basima will be pleased to teach visitors on how to take care of their hands and arms.
Location: Basimaâs workshop is at centre of Arraba.
Hours: Every day (except Friday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mobile: +970 42468794
THE NARGILEH SHOP AND OTHER GIFTS
EXPERIENCE AND SHOPPING
If you want to take home a piece of Palestine, the gift shop can give you some original ideas. One example is to get an elegant narghile or some less bulky gifts.
Address: The gift shop is at the center of Arraba. Open from 9 a.m. â 6 p.m. Mobile: +970 42468794.
THE MUNICIPAL PARK
The Arraba Municipal Park, with nature as orderly groves, is a great place for entertainment. It has games, a café with indoor and outdoor seating, and a swimming pool during summer for children. There is also a swimming pool for adults (which is open in the summer alternatively: women only in the even days, and men only in the odd days).
The park is also a good spot for couples and families to spend the evenings.
Address: At the end of Northern Street.
Hours: 9 a.m. â midnight.
BILAL OBEIDâS RESTAURANT
Bilal Obeidâs âHappiness Restaurantâ in Arraba offers good Palestinian food. You can grab fast food on-the-go or choose to have a dining experience (on the 1st floor) with a menu full of Palestinian dishes.
Address: On the main street of Arraba (downtown).
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. â midnight.
Mobile: +970 592462992, Tel +970 42462922.
AL-NAZAZEH OLIVE OIL AND CHARCOAL EXPERIENCE
Al-Nazazeh is specialized in producing olive oil while benefiting Palestinian farmers.
We highly encourage visitors to look into the olive oil seasons and take part in the olive-making process (our Contact Centre and al-Nazazeh can assist you in this matter). Through this project, you can join the community in olive picking during the last months of the year. You can then see at al-Nazazeh how olives are selected, pressed, and bottled as exquisite Palestinian olive oil.
In parallel to the olive oil, the factory has another fascinating production of charcoal bricks, made out of wasted wood, to be burnt in stoves.
Address: Al-Nazazeh Company. Managed by Abdalaziz Ardah.
Email: alsadeq.co@hotmail.com
Website: https://www.alnazazeh.com/?page_id=908
EXPLORING ARRABA AT NIGHT
Arraba is pleasant at night, although it must be noted that women rarely hang out there and rarely ever walk alone. You will mostly find couples and families enjoying the charming atmosphere. The shops, mainly of street food, are open at night and keep things bright. The shop keepers are well disposed and pleased to share their cooking specialties and expertise with tourists.
Guests are encouraged to taste and learn how to make such delicious treats. These include taboon bread, pita bread (for sandwiches or to dip in sauces), falafels in different compositions and tastes, fried kubbeh with meat or vegetables, and zarb (chicken cooked below the ground!) There are also various sweets to savour and create, such as the delicious knafeh, the mutabbaq with phyllo pastry and orange syrup, and others.