Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Famous Cities of the World: Nazareth




Nazareth is also Israel’s largest Arab city and as such serves as a major cultural center. Over the past decade the historical Old City has been extensively renovated, preserving and restoring the architectural beauty and unique character of its narrow lanes and alleys. Nazareth is located between the open space of the Jezreel valley and the mountainous regions of the Galilee. The valley and its history were well known to the Jews of Nazareth in the time of Jesus.

Nazareth is situated among the southern ridges of the Lebanon Mountains, on the steep slope of a hill, about 14 miles from the Sea of Galilee and about 6 west from Mount Tabor. The modern city lies lower down upon the hill than the ancient one. Nazareth is mentioned 17 times in the New Testament, and it is known to be the town where Jesus grew up. He was often referred to in later years as both Jesus of Nazareth and the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee. Nazareth is situated in the most southerly hills of the Lebanon range, just before it drops abruptly down to the Plain of Esdraelon. The town lies in a hollow plateau about 1200 feet above the level of the Mediterranean, between hills which rise to an altitude of 1610 feet.

Nazareth is not included in the 45 cities of the Galilee that mentioned by Josephus the historian and its name is missing from the 63 towns of Galilee mentioned in the Talmud. It was not expected to have a prophet, a king, or priest to ever come out of Nazareth. Nazareth is full of fascinating and lovely corners that will open your heart to their beauty. Another place that is worth visiting during a walking tour is the Nabi Sain ridge promenade to enjoy the marvelous view of the Galilee.

Nazareth is one of few schools to have an on-campus Center for Service Learning, assisting faculty to incorporate service into the curriculum. Student satisfaction contributes to the College's notable retention rates and graduation rates - both higher than the regional and national averages. Nazareth is also a regional trade center. Tourism has become increasingly important to its economy, which also includes light manufacturing. Over the past decade the historical Old City has been extensively renovated, preserving and restoring the architectural beauty and unique character of its narrow lanes and alleys.

Nazareth is packed with good restaurants, for all tastes and budgets. If you want a real treat, don't forget to visit the Diana Restaurant (51 Paulus Ha'shishi St. Nazareth is situated in the centre of the Lower Galilee area. This world-famous place has 60,000 inhabitants.

Nazareth is also the trade center for an agricultural region. The town's manufactures include processed food, cigarettes, and pottery. Nazareth is one of the most important Christian holy sites in the world, and has long been a special haven for Christian pilgrims. The city has a unique mixture of European and Middle Eastern ambiance as can be seen in its architecture, which is a combination of Gothic or Neoclassical style with typical Middle Eastern style. It was captured (1099) by Crusaders, taken (1187) by Saladin, and retaken (1229) by Frederick II.

Moreover, it also serves as an Arab capital for Israel's Arab citizens who make up the vast majority of the population there. Nazareth is dotted with churches, convents and monasteries that have been built since the 6th century. The most known landmark in Nazareth is "The Basilica of The Annunciation", a Franciscan church dating back to 1730. In 1955, it was destroyed to give way to a new building completed in 1969.

Thank you for taking your time to read this article. Your comments on this article will be highly appreciated.Please visit http://gurmittoor.blogspot.com to see Hundreds of Gurmit's articles.

Gurmit loves travelling, he has been to over 70 countries. Gurmit is an author, writer, insurance and mortgage expert. He frequently writes on various topics of interest to his readers. To get in touch with Gurmit Singh, please visit his website www.gurmitsingh.ca

Gurmit Singh is a licensed mortgage expert with Dominion Lending Centres Mortgage Villa.

Gurmit Singh, mba
Mortgage Expert
M08009905
Dominion Lending Centres Mortgage Villa (11574)
Email:gurmit@gurmitsingh.ca
Website: http://www.gurmitsingh.ca

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