Bethlehem: A Journey Through History and Culture

• Helloمرحبا
  [Marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [Wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [Na'am]
• Noلا
  [La]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [Min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [Shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [A'zra]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [Kayf halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [Bikhair. Wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [Hal tatahadath al-ingliziyya?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [Ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [Aridu an ara al-qa'imah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [Ana la akul al-lahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [Fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [Awadu an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [Al-najdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [Izhab ba'idan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [Itasal bial-shurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [Itasal bitalib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [Lakad dalalt al-tariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [Ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أود أن أشتري...
  [Awadu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [Ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [Kam sa'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [Hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [Hal yumkinuk khafd al-si'r?]

• What time is it?كم الوقت؟
  [Kam al-waqt?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [Al-sa'ah al-wahidah]
• Half past (10)النصف بعد (10)
  [Al-nisf ba'd (10)]
• Morningالصباح
  [Al-sabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [Al-dhuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [Al-masa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [Ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [Al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [Ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [Wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [Ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [Thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [Arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [Khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [Sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [Sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [Thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [Tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [Asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين ...؟
  [Ayna ...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [Ma huwa al-‘anwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [Hal yumkinuk an tarini (‘ala al-khariitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادم (الحافلة)؟
  [Mata al-qadim (al-hafilah)?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [Tazkirah (‘ila...)]

Bethlehem, located in the Judean Hills, holds a rich tapestry of history dating back to ancient times. The city is first mentioned in the Amarna letters of the 14th century BCE, during the period of the Egyptian Empire, where it was a Canaanite settlement. The name Bethlehem means 'House of Bread' in Hebrew, indicating its historical role as an agrarian hub.

Bethlehem is perhaps most famous for its role in the biblical narrative. It is cited as the birthplace of King David, Israel's second king and the founder of the Davidic dynasty. The Book of Ruth also places significant events in Bethlehem, where Ruth met Boaz, leading to the lineage that would eventually include David.

For Christians worldwide, Bethlehem is revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem due to a Roman census, and Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room at the inn. The Church of the Nativity, built over the site where Jesus is believed to have been born, is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world.

The Byzantine Empire's influence in Bethlehem is evidenced by the construction of the original Church of the Nativity in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine and his mother, Helena. The Crusaders later fortified the church in the 12th century, adding to its architectural grandeur. These periods were marked by religious and cultural exchanges, contributing to Bethlehem's rich heritage.

Under Ottoman rule from 1517 to 1917, Bethlehem experienced significant changes. The city's economy was largely agrarian, but it also became known for its craftsmanship, particularly in mother-of-pearl and olive wood carvings. The Ottomans also introduced administrative reforms and infrastructural developments, shaping the city's modern landscape.

Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, Bethlehem came under British mandate. This period saw increased tensions between different communities, leading to significant demographic shifts. After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Bethlehem was governed by Jordan until the Six-Day War in 1967, when it came under Israeli control. Today, Bethlehem is located in the West Bank and is administered by the Palestinian Authority, making it a focal point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Bethlehem's cultural heritage is a blend of its diverse historical influences. The city's old quarters are filled with narrow streets and stone houses, reflecting its ancient origins. Traditional crafts, such as olive wood carvings and mother-of-pearl inlays, continue to thrive. Festivals, such as Christmas, draw visitors from around the world, adding to Bethlehem's vibrant cultural scene.

Bethlehem is situated just a few kilometers south of Jerusalem. The most common way to reach Bethlehem is by road from Jerusalem. You can take a taxi or a bus from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station. Bus lines 21 and 24 run frequently between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour that includes transportation. Be prepared for security checks at the checkpoints between Israel and the West Bank.

Once in Bethlehem, getting around is relatively easy. Taxis are readily available and are a convenient way to navigate the city. You can also use shared taxis, known as 'servees,' which are cheaper and follow fixed routes. Walking is another viable option for exploring the Old City and nearby attractions. For longer trips, consider renting a car, but be mindful of local driving customs and road conditions.

The official currency in Bethlehem is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, especially in tourist areas. It's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in advance, as some ATMs may have limited availability.

Bethlehem is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is important to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. The Old City is well-patrolled, but neighborhoods like Aida Camp and Dheisheh Camp can experience occasional unrest. Stay informed about the current political situation and follow local advice.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 101 for medical emergencies. Bethlehem has several medical facilities, including the Holy Family Hospital and Caritas Baby Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. A friendly 'Marhaba' (Hello) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bethlehem like a local, visit the bustling Old City markets and try the traditional Palestinian dishes such as Maqluba and Musakhan. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Church of the Nativity, Manger Square, and the Milk Grotto. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Bethlehem Wall and view the street art and murals that depict the region's history and struggles.