Visit historic Deir Istiya!

IWPS met with Saed Zaiden, the Mayor of the town in occupied Palestine where we are based, Deir Istiya. We were shown around the recently renovated hotel in the old city, called the Palace of Abu Hijleh.

Construction on the historic building started in 2016 and it is now almost ready to be opened. The building boasts beautiful old features such as holes in the walls for burning wood, a well and a place for storing olive oil.

Stunning Palestinian Architecture

It has 5 hotel rooms, a working kitchen and restaurant.

Cozy Rooms

Hotel Restaurant

It is the highest point in Deir Istiya and from the roof we took pictures of the stunning view of the town and surrounding areas.

Deir Istiya From Hotel Roof

Deir Istiya From Hotel Roof

Deir Istiya From Hotel Roof

This is the first building to be renovated in the town, but the Mayor has big plans for the rest of the old city, with renovation of an old building into a Turkish bath, and following this a library and heritage exhibition space. He also aims to open roads connecting Deir Istiya with other historic old towns in the West Bank.

The Sun Sets Over Deir Istyia

This is part of a scheme to attract more tourists to the area, both Palestinian and international.

IWPS also attended a photo exhibition and opening in the hotel to mark the anniversary of the cremation of Yasser Arafat, a national holiday in Palestine.

For more information on the hotel opening and events in Deir Istiya, you can visit the Municipality website