Bethlehem

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Schnorr von Carolsfeld Bibel in Bildern 1860 106

Gerard van Honthorst - Adoration of the Shepherds (1622)

1698 de Bruijin View of Bethlehem, Palestine (Israel, Holy Land) - Geographicus - Bethlehem-bruijn-1698

Bethlehem Polenov

Bethlehem 1898

Bethlehem is a city located in the Central West Bank, approximately 10 kilometers south of Jerusalem. It is the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate of the Palestinian National Authority, and a hub of Palestinian culture and tourism. Known worldwide as the biblical birthplace of Jesus Christ, Bethlehem holds a pivotal place in Christianity and has been a site of pilgrimage since the 2nd century.

History

Bethlehem's history dates back to the Bronze Age, when it was a Canaanite town. Its name, derived from the Hebrew Bet Lehem, means "House of Bread" in English, reflecting its agricultural heritage. The city is mentioned in the Old Testament as the site where Rachel died and was buried "on the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem" (Genesis 35:19), and as the birthplace of King David of Israel, who was anointed king there (1 Samuel 16:1-13).

The New Testament identifies Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus, which has imbued the city with a significant religious significance for Christians. The Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke recount that Jesus was born there to Mary, his mother, who was in Bethlehem with Joseph for a census.

Over the centuries, Bethlehem has seen numerous changes in control, from the Roman Empire to the Byzantine Empire, followed by the Muslim conquests, the Crusades, the Ottoman Empire, and the British Mandate for Palestine. Each era has left its mark on the city, contributing to its rich historical and cultural tapestry.

Geography and Climate

Bethlehem is situated in the Judean Hills, surrounded by numerous villages and towns. Its climate is Mediterranean, characterized by hot and dry summers, and cold, rainy winters, which support the cultivation of olives, grapes, and other fruits in the area.

Demographics

The population of Bethlehem is predominantly Palestinian Arabs, including both Muslims and Christians. The city has also been home to one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, though in recent decades, the Christian population has declined due to emigration and economic challenges.

Economy

Bethlehem's economy is primarily based on tourism, with the pilgrimage season being especially busy around Christmas. The city is home to the Church of the Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe. Other economic activities include handicrafts, particularly olive wood carvings, mother-of-pearl ornaments, and textile production.

Culture

Bethlehem is a cultural center for Palestinians, hosting numerous festivals, including the annual Bethlehem Christmas Market and the Bethlehem Live Festival. The city is also home to the Palestinian Heritage Center, which aims to preserve and promote Palestinian culture and arts.

Education

The city hosts several institutions of higher education, including Bethlehem University, a Catholic co-educational institution founded in 1973, which plays a significant role in the community by providing higher education to Palestinians from all over the West Bank.

Transportation

Bethlehem is accessible by road from Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. The city does not have its own airport; the nearest international airport is Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

Challenges

Bethlehem faces several challenges, including political instability and restrictions on movement due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These factors have impacted the local economy, particularly tourism, which is a vital source of income for many residents.

See Also

• Church of the Nativity
• Palestinian National Authority
• West Bank
• Christianity in the Middle East