‘Awarta to Duma You will see: Palestinian Heritage Trail Walk from a village to village, encounter 'Awarta, which in the ancient Syriac the stunning views of the Jordan Valley in language might mean invisible or the background. hidden, is a home to several maqams, an Arabic word referring to a sacred Distance: 18.6 km | Time: 5-7 h | place, shrine or tomb. In addition to Challenge: Moderate being an essential place for those From Awarta the trail leads out of the interested in the history and archeology village following a ridge with expansive Walk a Path of History of the area, it is also the perfect spot, off of views of the surrounding hilly Experience Nature and Hospitality “the beaten path”, for hikers to countryside. Halfway between Awarta experience Palestinian hospitality with a and Aqraba sits Mt. Arma or Orma, local family-owned homestay. whose name means pile of wheat. At the mountain’s are the remains of an ancient – likely Roman – watchtower and spacious cisterns cut into the mountain’s face.
Maqam Nabi ‘Uzeir The site of Maqam Nabi ‘Uzeir is located approximately half a kilometer west of the village. A dirt road towards the shrine leads up through a meadow, covered with colorful flowers during the Palestinian Heritage Trail is a long A few kilometers ahead, the trail passes spring time. The area can be accessed distance, cultural walking route in through Aqraba, a village whose name through an arched portal. An old carob Palestine. The trail is 321 km long and (scorpion in Arabic), according to oral tree gives some shade to the peaked, extends from the village of Rummana tradition, came from Canaanites who pyramid-like shrine. Muslims attribute northwest of Jenin to Beit Mirsim compared Aqraba’s inhabitants’ strength the maqam to the Prophet (Nabi) ‘Uzeir. southwest of Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi to that of scorpions. From Arqaba, the However, a Samaritan tradition states (Ibrahimi Mosque) in Hebron. The trail route takes hikers along the rim of the that it is the burial spot of Eleazar, the passes through 53 cities and villages Jordan Valley with incredible views of third son of Aaron, brother of Moses where hikers, walkers and travelers can Jordan and Al-Qarn (or Sartaba), an (Nabi Musa in Arabic). experience the legendary Palestinian ancient mountain-top fortress. hospitality. Continuing through the village of Majdal Stage Map Bani Fadil, the trail ends in Duma, a Palestinian Heritage Trail is more than Palestinian village whose name comes just a hiking trail. It is a means of from the Canaanite word for quietness meeting and making connections or rest. between Palestinians and hikers from all over the world. It invites hikers to What to wear? change their perspectives by - Broken-in hiking shoes discovering the common values they - Suncream, sunglasses and a hat share with new acquaintances along - Comfortable and light clothes the way, all while experiencing the (covering arms and knees) beautiful natural environment of What to take in your backpack? Palestine. - At least 3 liters of water -A snack - Your passport -A camera - Personal medications - Warmer blouse ** Your community trekking guide will be equipped with a first aid kit.