RESTRICTION SUMMARY: Ramallah, 18 December 2021. Palestinians walk amid cliffs during their journey in the village of Ein Arik near the West Bank city of Ramallah.

0.1 SOUNDBITE (in Arabic) Greek Orthodox Church Pastor, Father Nicholas Shaheen
0.2 SOUNDBITE (in Arabic) Maysa Al-Khatib
0.3 SOUNDBITE (in Arabic) Raymond Awad

STORYLINE:

Ein Arik, like the rest of Palestine, was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1517, and in 1596 'Ain 'Arik appeared in the tax registers as being in the Nahiya of Quds of the Liwa of Quds. It have households Muslim and Christian.


Ein ‘Arik is a village 5.6km north-east of Ramallah City which is known for its Christian population, and therefore also its church. One main road bisects the village and leads to neighboring Deir ‘Ibzi, with various shops and small restaurants lining it. The picturesque Orthodox Christian church takes pride of place on the side of the valley, looming above the village. There is also a Roman Catholic Church, and a Mosque in the center of the village, which claims to have the tallest minaret in Palestine. The population of Ein ‘Arik is about two-thirds Muslim and one-third Christian, with the council reflecting this ratio. Ein ‘Arik is also famous in the region for the natural springs that run through the valley and right through the village. They are the reason the valley is so lush and abundant in fruit trees. There is a public swimming pool which is open from May to September.

Footage by/ APAwire