The capital of the Nablus Governorate and a leading Palestinian commercial hub, Nablus has had a varied and turbulent history. Roman Emperor Vespasian founded the city in 72AD, then under the Arab Caliphate, and it thrived throughout the centuries thanks largely due to its abundant olive trees, mills and large market place.
In 1099, crusaders gained control of the city, thus mixing Christians with Muslims and Samaritans, before Saladin re-established Nablus as a Muslim state. It was during the Ottaman era that followed that many Turkish baths sprung up around the city.
The Jericho earthquake of 1927 destroyed many of Nablus’s historic buildings, but the city survived as an important cultural centre and is now home to one of the West Bank’s largest higher learning institutions; Al-Najah university, as well as the stock exchange.
Since the Oslo Accord in 1995, it has been governed by the Palestinian National Authority. However, Israeli troops have caused a great deal of damage and killed many citizens since that date, including the Passover massacre between 2000 and 2005. While the numerous surrounding checkpoints – now reduced – made it very difficult for residents to work outside the city.
There are three refugee camps within the city’s boundaries, Ein Beit al-Ma’, Balata, and Askar. There are six hospitals, and the 8,000 capacity Nablus football stadium is home to the city’s club, Al-Ittihad.