In the Israeli-occupied Old City of Hebron, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in Danger, shopkeepers are preserving their centuries-old heritage and expressing solidarity with Türkiye by hanging Turkish flags on their shops. Locals say nearly every store displays the crescent-and-star flag as a symbol of gratitude for Türkiye’s support.
Despite Israeli restrictions and daily settler harassment, residents continue to keep their shops open. Among the city’s historical sites is an 850-year-old Mamluk-era building housing a 350-year-old Ottoman sesame press, reflecting Hebron’s deep cultural roots. Locals urge visitors to support their efforts to keep the ancient bazaar alive.
Huriye Ferah Vanlı – Refik Fidan