Burqin Jenin, Palestine

Visiting the village of Burqin is a wonderful experience, with many things of interest for visitors of all types, whether they come from nearby or far away.  It is where Jesus is said to have healed the ten lepers who were living in isolation, and it contains the Church of St. George, considered one of the oldest churches in the world.  While the Church is the village’s main attraction, it is not the only place of interest: the village is also famous for its historic buildings surrounding Jarrar Palace, which date back to the Ottoman era.

The village (called “Burqina”) is actually mentioned in the Amarna Letters, which are an archive of diplomatic correspondence between the ancient Egyptian administration and its representatives in Canaan and Amurru, composed between 1360 and 1332 BC.  It is identified as one of several cities that was conquered by the Canaanites for its strategic location.  Presently, Burqin is a Palestinian village in the West Bank, located 3 km from the city of Jenin and containing about 8,000 inhabitants.  The vast majority are Muslims, with only about 70 Christians left, who immigrated due to social and economic difficult situations.  However, both communities live together harmoniously, symbolizing a culture of tolerance and diversity.

The picturesque, winding streets of Burqin are home to several small shops, while the views across the northern West Bank from its lofty location (270 meters above sea level) are at times stunning.  The village covers an area of 40,000 acres and is famous for its agricultural lands.  These produce around 800 tons of olive oil per year.

Whether enjoying the olive harvest atmosphere or just passing through its impressive landscape, visitors will appreciate why Burqin is an important stage on the Palestine Heritage Trail.  Located between Rummana in the north and Arraba in the south, it is a place to hike, enjoy the natural beauty, and explore such cultural aspects as its traditional farming techniques.