Palestinian city of Jericho’s Tell es-Sultan recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site

Located in the occupied West Bank, the site is the earliest example of permanent human settlement

JERUSALEM, Palestine – Tell es-Sultan in the ancient Palestinian city of Jericho has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It is the oldest known agrarian city in the world, dating back to 10,000 BC.

Located in the occupied West Bank, the site is the earliest example of permanent human settlement.

It is believed that early people in this region lived a stable life centered on agriculture, construction and pottery.

Tell es-Sultan is known for its unique value as it houses 29 layers of civilizations and lies 250 meters below sea level, making it the lowest ancient city in the world.

The area is oval and contains the prehistoric deposits of human activities.

Palestinian officials welcomed the designation, which President Mahmoud Abbas called ‘a testament to the authenticity and history of the Palestinian people.”

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Rula Maayah stressed the importance of the site, noting that it represents an important part of Palestinian cultural identity and their connection to the land.

However, the recognition has sparked controversy, with Israel condemning the decision, interpreting it as the result of the organization’s politicization and accusing the Palestinians of cynical use.

Israel had withdrawn from the UNESCO organization in 2019 because it felt it was biased against the country, but remains a member of the World Heritage Committee.

The inscription makes Tell es-Sultan the fifth Palestinian site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, joining landmarks such as Jerusalem’s Old City and its walls and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.”