Al Dahriya
Al Dahriya is a large, bustling town with a rather magical Old City just waiting to be discovered. This is one of the real hidden gems of Palestine, and arguably the most beautifully restored Old City in the entire West Bank. It should be a tourist hit, but a total lack of marketing means it is virtually empty every day. It is also amongst the few Old Cities – outside of Palestine’s big cities – to boast a charming coffee shop, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking domed rooftops, elegantly decorated with a water fountain too.
The town of al Dahriya, by contrast, is a bustling, somewhat hectic place, with supermarkets, businesses and a service taxi depot all along the main road. There is usually music emanating from the various coffee shops, while regulars sit outside sunning themselves during the day. Dahriya mosque is unmissable, rising tall and proud above everything else in the town and visible for miles around. While there is also a big sports facility with a football pitch for residents to use.
The Old City is centred on Haruja Square, where there is a map detailing the various restored buildings including a mosque, a hostel and an old bakery. There is also a plaque thanking RIWAQ for the excellent renovation project, carried out between 2011-13. Al Dahriya is located 23km southwest of Hebron.
Population: 29,356 (2007)
