The Old City is located at the center of Deir Istiya town to the north of Salfit province in the occupied West Bank and considered the core of the town which still maintains its presence despite the passing of days.
The residents of the Old City are proud of the efforts they make to preserve the city by insisting to live in it and doing some restoration activities as well as establishing a number of local institutions there.
A unique model
The researcher Abdul Qadir Aqel said that the Old City of Deir Istiya is characterized by its archaeological nature displayed in its old buildings and alleyways with its curved roofs considering the city a wonderful and unique model of the rural and authentic Palestinian architecture.
Aqel added that the city still retains its old guest rooms where food was provided for visitors travelers and passersby which bears witness to goodness generosity and warm hospitality. Guest rooms also served as places for sleep and rest.
A number of non-profit and charitable organizations as well as civil society institutions are headquartered in the Old City.
These institutions include Deir Istiya Girls Center Deir Istiya Children Center Deir Istiya Sports Club The Palestinian Youth Union and its community medical clinic.
History and present
Said Zeidan the mayor of Deir Istiya said that the Old City was built during three successive eras and its original construction which lies under the current Old City dates back to the Roman era in Palestine.
He added that the existing buildings in the city date back to the Mamluk and Ottoman eras 600 and 300 years ago respectively.
Zeidan pointed out that the municipality constantly works to maintain the city and its buildings and that its residents continued to live in it until this day which made it the only old city that still maintains the consistency of its construction. He noted that many visitors regularly come to get to know the city and its history.
