Nāblus (نابلس)

Nāblus, or Nabulus, is one of the largest cities on the West Bank. It is surrounded by the Gerizim and Ebal mountains and situated in very scenic surroundings. In Roman times, the city was known as Flavia Neapolis. It got its current name, after Muslims took over in the 7th century. After the First Crusade, the city got very rich. During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Jordan annexed the West Bank, including Nāblus. Israel occupied it after the Six-Day War in 1967 and since 1997, it has been under control of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).

The Arab part of Nāblus includes a bustling old quarter, as well as more than 30 mosques, whose minarets dominate the city's skyline.

The An-Nasir Mosque is probably the most interesting one. The old Turkish mansion of Touqan Castle is in the same street, not far away. Just east of the mosque is the oldest working Turkish bath in the West Bank and Israel. It was built around 1480 and apart from the bath, it includes a hot room, a massage room and a central hall, where you can relax on lovely cushions. Sexes are strictly separated.

There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Nāblus. The city is 50 km north of Jerusalem and has erratic taxi services with that city.