DEIR DIBWAN AND THE POINTS OF INTEREST
DEIR DIBWAN, a village of 6,000 people, is located 6.4 km east of Ramallah and 21 km north of Jerusalem. Besides the residents who were born in the village, there are almost as many who migrated abroad.
At a distance of 3 km north west of Deir Dibwan, there is El Tel Ai’, a very important archeologic site dating back to the Canaanite period.
The Main Points of Interest
KHIRBET AL-TAL (ET-TEL RUINS)
Khirbet al-Tal, about 855m above sea level, is located 3 km northwest of Deir Dibwan. One of the main Canaanite cities stood on the top of the hill. Its importance grew until it became the seat of the Kingdom with a population of 12,000 people.
Al-Tal is one of the most important archaeological sites in Palestine, dating back even earlier than the Canaanite period (4,000 BC – 1200 BC). Its location oversaw dominating structures in present Lebanon, Israel, Palestine and parts of Syria and Jordan. Today, it is considered one of the few locations in the world that still has signs of the civilizations from that period.
This is definitely a fascinating part of history to explore. The local guide will show you the layout of the royal palace and temple, as well as the houses, shops, tombs, and the fortified towers for protection. There are many stories to be shared here about the kingdom and family structure in the village, with many references to the visitors’ experiences.
SHEIKH AMMAR SHRINE AND AL BAYYARA PARK
The shrine takes the name from Ammar bin Yasser – one of the beloved companions of Prophet Muhammad – who passed by and prayed in this spot during his travel to Syria. A small mosque was set up on that location in his memory. In 1999, a group of young volunteers arranged a garden and a park in this area. The park, later renovated in 2016, is called al-Bayyara Park.
? Address: On southeast of the village. Open 5 p.m. – 2 p.m
MOSQUES Al-Kabeer
The main mosque of the village is Al-Kabeer. It was built in 1997 at the center of the village. Al-Kabeer is one of the five mosques in the town, besides: Ahmad bin Ahmal, Al-Maraj, Al-Bahari, and Hanbal. All of them are recent and reflect the extension of Islam which went along with the development of the town.
? Address: At the center of Deir Dibwan. Open 4 a.m. – 10 p.m.
KHIRBET AL-MAQATIR
Khirbet al-Maqatir is located southwest of Deir Dibwan. It stands in an elevated area of 900m above sea level, opposite to Tel Ai’ in the north. The place overlooks a wide view of the landscape around the village.
The remains indicate that a Christian church with colorful mosaics was once there, later demolished. It is claimed that Al-Maqatir was the real place of the battle between the Canaanites and Israelites. The bulk of the Israeli army hid in Wadi Sheban, whereas Gideon and a part of the warriors were on the land. Then Gideon attacked, but when the hiding army intervened from the back, the Canaanites were taken between two fires and lost.
LAMSAT UMMI CENTER
Lamsat Ummi (My Mother’s Touch) is an initiative founded in 2017 by Dr. Fayeq Oweis to empower women, in memory of his beloved mother who inspired his art and love for embroidery. The project has a museum containing authentic heritage items and embroidery. It is hosted in an old house that was built in 1923. The visit not only displays women-made products but also reveals the history and lifestyle of a high-class family throughout the wars.
? Location: Downtown Deir Dibwan
For visits, call the Director: Subreen Taha: +970597323529
? Email: subreen@oweisco.com
LAMSAT UMMY CENTER WOMEN SOCIETY LAMSAT UMMI
GASTRONOMY AND EXPERIENCES
The Lamsat Ummi Women Society, led by Subreen Taha, goes beyond the museum’s embroidery and introduces visitors to the women who produce them.
Upon request, the women can cook Palestinian specialties and share their recipes and skills with the visitors so that they are all part of the process.
? Location: Downtown Deir Dibwan
For visits, call the Director: Subreen Taha: +970597323529
? Email: subreen@oweisco.com
WADI AL SEEQ
Wadi al-Seeq is a greatly inhabited valley that starts from the eastern part of Deir Dibwan (after crossing road no. 458) and goes on for a little over 10 km en route to Jericho.
The hiking, which can be led by the local guide, is a four-hour easy walk, along a flat and safe path. It can be challenging but is well-marked.
Along the Seeq overlooking the Jordan Valley, you can find interesting traces of a Roman monastery with remains of a church, rooms, and columns with carved rocks.
The hike can be made all year round, but we suggest planning it during spring to see the gorgeous flower colors. If you are going in the summer, make sure to start the walk in the early hours of the morning so as to avoid the heat.
FADI’S SWEET SHOP
Fadi’s pastry shop is a family business his father started in 1989 and he diligently continues. The shop has a wide range of delicious sweets such as knafeh, mutabbaq, kullaj, and baklava.
Meeting with Fadi is also worthwhile since he will be happy to teach visitors (upon agreeing on the day in advance) how to make some of his typical sweets. He is also eager to share his firsthand business experience and knowledge about the town’s socioeconomic situation.
STREET AND FAST FOOD
The center of Deir Dibwan has many small restaurants and takeout shops offering a range of typical Palestinian street food, including:
- Sanad restaurant
- Al Jada kitchen
- 7 Neru fruit cocktails
- Dar Kharoufa
- Al-Sheikh restaurant
