Ever heard of a village where a week lasts eight days? Welcome to Bettir. This Palestinian village holds ancient secrets and traditions. It is located in the Bethlehem Governorate in the West Bank. Bettir lies 6.4 km west of Bethlehem. It is also southwest of Jerusalem.
Bettir’s history stretches back to ancient times. It sits near the ruins of Betar, an ancient Jewish village. Betar was destroyed during the Bar Kokhba revolt. That revolt was against the Roman Empire.
The name Bettir actually preserves the name Betar. Impressive.
In 2014, UNESCO recognized Bettir as a World Heritage Site. It is known as Battir Land of Olives and Vines. The cultural landscape of southern Jerusalem is unique.
Battir has a long history. It was inhabited during the Byzantine and Islamic periods. Ottoman and British Mandate censuses recorded a primarily Muslim population. In the past, Bettir was on the route from Jerusalem to Bayt Jibrin.
Today, Bettir is known for its ancient terraces and irrigation system. This system dates back to the Roman period. The Roman-era network is still in use. Seven springs feed it. These springs have provided fresh water for 2,000 years.
The irrigation system uses man-made terraces. It also uses a system of manually diverting water. This is done via sluice gates. Each of Battir’s eight main clans takes turns watering the village’s crops. This is why locals say a week lasts eight days.
Battir’s landscape features a dense village core. Agricultural terraces surround it. A newer section extends along the main road to Bethlehem. Ein al-Balad is the village’s spring. It is encased in a spring house.
Battir stands at an elevation of around 760 meters above sea level. Summers are temperate. Winters are mild with occasional snowfall. The average annual temperature is 16 degrees Celsius.
Battir is also famous for its distinctive local eggplant. It is known as the Battiri eggplant or “Bitinjan Battiri”. This eggplant is long with a light purple color. Its flesh is seedless and soft. It is a key ingredient in Palestinian dishes.
Every summer, Bettir hosts the Eggplant Festival. This event supports local producers and farmers. It celebrates the cultivation of the renowned Battiri eggplants.
The village of Bettir once sued the Israeli Defense Ministry. This was to change the planned route of the Israeli West Bank barrier. The barrier would have cut through the 2,000-year-old irrigation system.
In 2011, UNESCO awarded Bettir a prize for its care for its ancient terraces. It also recognized its irrigation system.
Battir offers a unique blend of history, culture, and agricultural innovation. Its ancient irrigation system is still a functioning part of the village. This makes Bettir a truly special place. A place where the past and present intertwine. The village stands as a testament to the enduring connection between people and their land.