Nazareth is an Arab city and the administrative center of its district, which bears its name. It is considered one of the largest and most beautiful cities in Palestine, and it holds a special place in the hearts of Christians around the world. They visit it for pilgrimage just as they do for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Jesus Christ was associated with it, and hence he is called Jesus of Nazareth, while his followers were known as Christians, or at times, Nazarenes.
While Safed was the capital of Upper Galilee, Nazareth is the capital of Lower Galilee. The city has been the administrative center of the Nazareth district since the late Ottoman period. It was occupied by Israel in 1948, and although some residents fled, the majority remained steadfast despite the harsh conditions of the occupation and the neglect of the city’s affairs. For over thirty years after the occupation, Nazareth did not see much development; projects stalled, and the municipality faced growing deficits. The city not only suffered from underdevelopment and neglect but also from suffocation and control by the occupation authorities, who established a new settlement, “Upper Nazareth” (Nazareth Illit), on a nearby mountain peak in order to dominate its residents.
A. Geographical Location
Nazareth is located in the heart of Lower Galilee, overlooking the Marj Ibn Amer Plain to the north. Its position makes it a transitional point between the flat Marj Ibn Amer region and the hilly Upper Galilee. This strategic location has been important since ancient times, as several secondary roads connected it to main routes linking Syria and Egypt on one side, and Jordan and Palestine on the other. Some trade caravans passed through Nazareth while traversing the Marj Ibn Amer Plain.
The Crusaders and other conquerors focused their military plans on controlling Nazareth to dominate the natural passage through the Marj Ibn Amer plain and use the city as a base for conquering surrounding areas, whether mountainous, flat, or Jordanian.
Nazareth remains a hub for commerce, tourism, and military importance due to its central location amidst a variety of surrounding environments. Its religious significance attracts Christian pilgrims who visit to see the places Jesus Christ visited and admire the city’s surrounding natural beauty.
Nazareth is also a transport hub, with roads connecting it to neighboring cities and towns. The paved roads link it to Marj Ibn Amer (5 km), Afula (13 km), Jenin, Nablus, Jerusalem, and Hebron to the south, Tiberias to the east, Safed to the northeast, Shefa-Amr to the northwest, Haifa to the west, and Beisan to the southeast. This means that Nazareth connects Palestinian mountain cities and villages, coastal plains, the Jordan Valley, and neighboring countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt.
B. Land Features
Nazareth is situated at a medium elevation within Lower Galilee, approximately 400 meters above sea level and 300 meters above the Marj Ibn Amer plain. The city is surrounded by high mountains that form part of the Lower Galilee mountain range, which runs from west to east, gradually descending toward the Marj Ibn Amer plain. Between these mountains are transverse valleys that follow the same alignment as the mountains themselves.
Nazareth’s location is favorable for connecting to neighboring areas in the east-west direction, rather than the north-south. Some of the major mountains near Nazareth include Mount Tabor to the east, Mount Sartaba to the east, Mount Qafza and Tel Adashim to the southeast, Mount al-Shakh to the northeast, and Mount Reineh to the north.
Nazareth lies on the watershed between the Jordan River Valley to the east and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Water from its valleys drains into the Jordan River to the east, and towards the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Several springs and wells surround Nazareth, including the Virgin’s Spring, Ain al-Qana, Ain Abu Ras, Ain al-Qastal, and Ain Musa.
C. Climate:
Nazareth enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average annual temperature is 17°C, and during the months from December to March, the daily average temperature does not exceed 11°C. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 9°C, while August is the hottest, with an average of 24°C. Occasionally, cold northern winds sweep through the city during winter, bringing snow to the surrounding mountains.
The average annual rainfall is 639 mm, with most rainfall occurring between September and May. January typically sees the most rainfall, averaging 173.2 mm. Due to the high rainfall and lower winter temperatures, the region experiences a water surplus, leading to the abundance of springs and streams.
D. Foundation and Development
Archaeological excavations indicate that Nazareth was inhabited during the Middle Bronze Age and Iron Age, with evidence of tombs carved into rocks or caves.
Nazareth was not a major city in ancient times and is not mentioned in the Old Testament or other pre-Gospel sources. However, it became more prominent after the second century AD, following the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s destruction of Jerusalem and the expulsion of the Jews.
1. City of Christ
Nazareth’s historical significance comes from its association with Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. It was in Nazareth that the Virgin Mary and Joseph lived, where the angel Gabriel announced the birth of Christ, and where Jesus spent 30 years of his life. It was also in Nazareth that Jesus was nearly thrown off a cliff by the local Jewish population (Luke 4:29).
Despite this, Christians were initially banned from entering Nazareth during the second and third centuries. From the fourth century, after the conversion of Emperor Constantine to Christianity, Nazareth’s history began to transform.
While it is believed that Empress Helena, Constantine’s mother, may have built the Church of the Annunciation in the fourth century, archaeological evidence suggests that the church was actually constructed around 450 AD. The conversion of Constantine to Christianity allowed Christian pilgrims to visit Nazareth and pray at locations linked to Jesus and his mother.
In 614 AD, the Jews of Nazareth joined the Persians in their war against the Byzantines.
2. Under the Umayyads and Abbasids
In the early Islamic period, Nazareth came under Muslim rule by the forces of Sharhabil bin Hasna during the 13th year of the Islamic calendar (634 AD). It was then part of the Jordan military district, with Tiberias as its base. In 104 AH / 722 AD, the Umayyad Caliph Yazid II visited Nazareth and reported the presence of the Church of the Annunciation.
By the Abbasid period, Nazareth had become a place of religious harmony. Bernard the Wise, who visited the city in 869 AD, described the peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.
3. During the Crusader Period
Nazareth was heavily damaged during the Crusader period in the 11th century, with the Crusaders finding the city in ruins when they captured it in 1100. The Crusaders, led by Tancred, rebuilt and beautified the city, constructing churches and establishing Nazareth as the center of the Bishopric of Scythopolis (Beisan).
In 1187, after the Battle of Hattin, Saladin’s general, Muzaffar al-Din, took Nazareth and spared its churches. Following an agreement with Richard the Lionheart, the Crusaders briefly regained control of the city in 1196.
4. Destruction of Nazareth Era
Nazareth was struck hard in 1263 AD when Sultan Baibars devastated the city, demolishing its churches and killing many of its Christian inhabitants. In 1271, the city was briefly occupied by the English King Edward during the Ninth Crusade.
By the late 13th century, the Crusaders were expelled, and the city began to decline, remaining in a state of neglect for more than 300 years.
5. During the Ottoman
In the year 923 AH (1517 AD), Nazareth came under Ottoman control. European travelers from the mid-sixteenth century report that there were no monks in Nazareth. The number of Christians was small. In 1015 AH (1606 AD), a treaty was signed between the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I and Henry IV, King of France, granting the latter the authority to appoint consuls in cities. This led to an improvement in the situation of the monks. In 1030 AH (1620 AD), Prince Fakhr al-Din II of the Druze, a prominent leader of Mount Lebanon, handed over the Cave of the Annunciation to the Franciscans. From that point, Christians began to visit Nazareth in increasing numbers. Initially, Christian settlers from the Muwazna sect arrived, followed by Orthodox Christians. In the seventeenth century, the city was frequently attacked by Arab tribes. Rulers would sometimes expel the monks, but they always returned.
In 1143 AH (1730 AD), the Latins built a church in Nazareth. The region witnessed a period of religious tolerance under Prince Fakhr al-Din II and later under Zahir al-Umar, who took Acre in 1163 AH (1749 AD) and made it his capital, granting religious freedom, providing security, and expanding trade. He played a major role in the development of Nazareth. After Zahir al-Umar’s assassination in 1190 AH (1776 AD), he was succeeded by Ahmad Pasha al-Jazzar, who ruled the country with terror.
The eighteenth century was marked by conflicts between the Greek Orthodox and Latin Christian communities. Toward the end of the century, French traveler Volney described Nazareth, noting: “A third of its inhabitants are Muslim, and two-thirds are Christian. The Franciscan Fathers have accommodations and temples there, and they dominate the town.”
In April 1214 AH (1799 AD), Napoleon occupied Nazareth and visited the city, only to withdraw after his defeat at the walls of Acre (see: the French campaign).
In 1242 AH (1826 AD), Ottoman Sultan Mahmud allowed the Franciscans to designate some sites and gave them Nazareth and several surrounding villages, provided they paid taxes to the state.
The traveler Burckhardt, who visited in 1227 AH (1812 AD), mentioned: “The Christians of Nazareth enjoy great freedom. The monks go hunting alone, according to their customs, at distances from the monastery without facing any insults from the Muslims.”
Nazareth, like the rest of the country, enjoyed a period of tolerance during the rule of Ibrahim Pasha, son of Muhammad Ali Pasha of Egypt, from 1831 to 1841. His rule marked the beginning of a new era of modern administration (see: Egyptian rule).
In the nineteenth century, the Ottoman Empire entered the era of reforms, or the “Tanzimat,” and began efforts to improve the conditions of its subjects. Since the early 1800s, increasing numbers of foreign missions and missionaries have arrived in Nazareth, building churches, monasteries, and institutions for the education of all sects.
Nazareth, along with other mountainous cities in Palestine, suffered from the devastating earthquake of 1837, which destroyed 424 homes, damaged 373 others, and killed 126 people.
Before World War I, Nazareth consisted of four hills that formed a circular pattern. The buildings did not cover all these hills; sometimes they were clustered closely together, and at other times they were separated by hills. Most of the buildings were covered with red clay tiles (roofing tiles) and surrounded by fruit trees, especially olive trees. At that time, the number of buildings did not exceed 1,500, and the city’s urban growth extended widely to the east and west.
In 1852, the population of Nazareth was estimated to be around 3,000. By 1881, this number had grown to about 5,939. In 1904, the population increased to 6,458, reaching 7,988 in 1912, and 8,584 during World War I. The city’s inhabitants were involved in agriculture, industry, and trade.
During World War I, Nazareth served as the headquarters for the German-Turkish army.
6. Under the British Mandate
In the early years of the British Mandate, the population of Nazareth slightly decreased compared to the beginning of World War I, with an estimated 7,424 residents in 1922. This decline was due to the war, epidemics, famines, and migration of people from Nazareth to outside Palestine. In the 1931 census, the population had risen to 8,756, living in 1,834 homes within the city, in addition to 138 residents living in 28 houses in the outskirts of Nazareth.
Afterward, Nazareth experienced tangible development in both population and urban growth. The population, all Arab, increased to 14,200 in 1945. By the end of the British Mandate, the population had risen to around 17,000. This increase in population had a direct effect on the city’s growth in terms of housing, public facilities, and infrastructure. The city’s urban expansion stretched over an area of more than 5,000 dunams, extending along axes connecting Nazareth to neighboring towns and villages. Not only did the number of houses increase, but their quality and architectural style improved, with Nazareth becoming known for its white, luxurious homes equipped with modern amenities, clean streets, and flourishing gardens.
The Nazareth Municipality contributed significantly to the city’s organization and administration since the establishment of the first municipal council in 1875. In 1922, the total revenue of the municipality amounted to about 4,308 pounds, with an equal amount in expenditures. By 1944, the revenues had risen to about 18,000 pounds, while expenditures were around 17,000 pounds. In 1935 alone, the municipality issued approximately 150 building permits worth 17,000 pounds.
7. Under Israeli Occupation
The Nazareth Municipality continued to manage the city’s affairs after 1948, despite the harsh Israeli occupation. Israel established the Jewish city of Upper Nazareth (Nazareth Illit) as a modern settlement on the mountains and hills surrounding the city, in the east and north. This new settlement housed groups of Jewish settlers, with the eastern neighborhoods reserved for them, and the northern area designated for the families of Israeli soldiers. 
By 1983, the Arab population of Nazareth had reached about 41,700, and by 2001, it had risen to 62,200. In contrast, the population of Upper Nazareth (the Jewish part) in 1983 was around 23,600, growing to 44,800 by 2001. However, the budget of the Jewish municipality was 17 million Israeli lira, while the budget of the Arab Nazareth Municipality was only 30 million lira. This discrepancy in budgets is exacerbated by the indirect support the Israeli government provides to the Upper Nazareth Municipality through development project funds. Thus, the per capita allocation for municipal services in Upper Nazareth is 5,000 lira annually, compared to just 1,500 lira per capita in Arab Nazareth.
E) Structure of Nazareth
Nazareth has always had a diverse range of functions due to its prominent religious status and strategic geographical location, which attracted many people to settle and engage in various occupations.
- Religion
Nazareth holds religious significance, much like other holy cities in Palestine, such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Hebron. It is home to 24 churches, monasteries, and a number of religious museums. It also contains some mosques and shrines of Muslim martyrs and saints. The most notable religious site is the Church of the Annunciation, which stands at the spot where the Virgin Mary was told she would give birth to Christ. Nearby, there is the Church of St. Joseph, marking the site of Joseph’s house and workshop, as well as the Church of the Table or the Last Supper, the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, the Church of the Synagogue, and the Virgin’s Spring.
Nazareth’s religious significance has attracted thousands of Christian pilgrims and tourists annually, creating vibrant activity in the city.
2. Agriculture
The total area of land belonging to Nazareth is 1,226 dunams, of which 150 dunams are for roads and valleys. The Jews did not own any land in the area before the occupation. However, after the occupation, they seized a piece of mountainous land and established a Zionist settlement there, beginning the process of Judaizing Nazareth.
Many agricultural lands around Nazareth are located on the slopes and ridges of mountains, as well as in valleys and plains. The most fertile of these lands are found in the Marj Ibn Amer Plain. The surrounding land is used for cultivating fruit trees like grapes, olives, apples, apricots, figs, pomegranates, and almonds. A large portion of the land on the steep mountain slopes is covered with forested areas. The Jews planted Balfour Forest south-west of Nazareth to commemorate the Balfour Declaration. The forest stretches along the Afula-Nazareth Road, adding a scenic beauty to the route.
The agricultural lands around Nazareth are also used to grow various field crops like wheat, barley, lentils, beans, and chickpeas, in addition to vegetables. Agriculture in Nazareth depends on rainwater and groundwater from springs and wells for irrigating flat lands and those in the valleys. Despite the agricultural importance of Nazareth, it still depends on nearby rural areas for the supply of vegetables and fruits. Among the most important agricultural villages near Nazareth are Kafr Kanna, Al-Riyyah, Daburiyya, Jaffa al-Jalil, and Ikmal.
3. Commercial Function
Nazareth, since the beginning of the 20th century, was a thriving city bustling with commercial activity, with villagers coming to buy what they needed. However, commercial activity slowed down after World War I when several Zionist colonies were established, leading to the displacement of the surrounding Arab villages. These colonies no longer depended on Nazareth for trade. Despite this, Nazareth continued to serve as a market for residents of nearby villages, who would bring agricultural and livestock products for trade.
Tourism is one of the main factors that boosted commercial activity in Nazareth. The city is a prominent tourist center, receiving a large number of Christian pilgrims every year. These tourists buy a variety of souvenirs, which they take back to their countries. Nazareth’s geographical location and the extensive network of roads linking it to different parts of Palestine and the Arab countries also contribute significantly to the promotion of its commercial activities. The area around Nazareth is strategically located with close proximity to the ports of Haifa and Acre.
4. Industria
Nazareth was historically famous for its textile industry, particularly the production of towels and socks. The city also produced farming tools such as sickles and plows. Trade and woodworking were some of the earliest industries in Nazareth. Other industries included tanning leather, fur sewing, pottery, and the production of souvenirs made from carpets, copper, and carved wood. Nazareth’s women were also known for their production of silk embroidery. The city had olive and sesame oil mills, as well as soap factories, carpet factories, and sweet-making industries.
5. Administration
Nazareth became the center of the Nazareth District following the Israeli occupation. During the Ottoman era, it was part of the Acre administrative division. Under British mandate, it was the center of the Galilee District, which included five sub-districts: Nazareth, Acre, Bisan, Safed, and Tiberias.
In 1904, Nazareth’s district included 25 villages, which increased to 37 villages and farms by 1910. By the end of British rule, Nazareth’s district had 23 villages and one Bedouin tribe.
In 1945, the total area of the Nazareth district was around 497 square kilometers, including 8 square kilometers for roads, valleys, and railways. The population of the district at that time was 46,100 people, resulting in a population density of 92.4 people per square kilometer. The city of Nazareth houses several government agencies, public institutions, and services for the local population and surrounding districts.
6. Education
In the early days of the British mandate, Nazareth had several schools, including two government schools, a Catholic school, and several foreign schools. It was home to the Russian Teachers’ Seminary, one of the most prominent educational institutions. By the 1942/1943 academic year, Nazareth had three government schools: two for boys and one for girls. One of the boys’ schools became a complete high school in 1948, while the two others were full primary schools for boys and girls. By 1943, there were 11 non-governmental schools in Nazareth, with 1,735 male students and 1,224 female students.
These figures reflect Nazareth’s advanced intellectual and cultural life, which produced a significant number of teachers, intellectuals, and writers.
7. Health
Nazareth offers good healthcare services to its citizens. The city was home to two hospitals: one English hospital, which had 72 beds in 1944 and treated 1,731 patients that year, and a French hospital, which had 88 beds and treated 1,278 patients in the same year.
