| Birzeit | |
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| Other transcription(s) | |
| • Arabic | بيرزيت |
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Birzeit
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| Coordinates: | |
| Governorate | Ramallah & al-Bireh |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipality |
| • Head of Municipality | Yousef Nasser |
| Area | |
| • Jurisdiction | 14,077 dunams (14.0 km2 / 5.4 sq mi) |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Jurisdiction | 4,529 |
| Name meaning | "Well of [olive] oil" |
Birzeit (Arabic: بيرزيت) (also written Bir Zeit) is a Palestinian town near Ramallah in the central West Bank. Its population in the 2007 census was 4529.[1] Birzeit is a traditional Christian village. Its history dates back to the Byzantine era and earlier.[2]
The name Birzeit literally translates to "well of oil"; referring to the wells in which its inhabitants historically stored virgin-pressed olive oil. The topology of the town consists of hills and sloping terrains with its highest point known by locals as "Al-Khirbeh", or "the ruin". Much of the surrounding land consists of olive trees which historically was a source of sustenance for what was primarily an agrarian society.
Today, Birzeit is known for its flagship of Palestinian institutions, Birzeit University. Much of its economy tied to the student population of the University. Several surrounding villages depend on Birzeit's economy; particularly during the latest round of road blocks and closures imposed by the Israel Defense Forces. This has led to a business expansion within the town consisting of several restaurants, cafes, internet cafes and salons.
Everyday life in Birzeit town and university are described by Irish journalist David Lynch in his book, A Divided Paradise: An Irishman in the Holy Land.[3] Lynch spent the summer of 2005 living in the town, and studying in the local university and writes about his experiences there.
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About 60% of Birzeit inhabitants are Palestinian Christians; the rest are Muslims.[2] The Mayor of Birzeit, Yusef Nasser, is a Christian.
There are three Christian churches in Birzeit. The oldest one is St George Orthodox Church; now the Orthodox Christian community is building another large Orthodox Church, and an Orthodox Christian school that is considered to be the largest in the West Bank. The second church is the Our Lady Queen of Peace - Guadalupe (Roman Catholic), which also runs a high school. The Third church is St. Peter’s Episcopal/Anglican Church.
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