Why is Palestinian Battir called the bird house?

Weather of Arabia - When you delve into the world of Palestinian culture and history, you find threads woven with stories and legends that recount the details of the authenticity of this land that embodies history. In this context, the Palestinian Battir stands out remarkably, but not only because of its traditional structure, but also because of its charming nickname , “House of the Birds.”

Why is Battir called the Bird House?

Historians have found several explanations for this symbolic name , “House of the Birds.” Here are some of these explanations:

• Some historians attribute the name Battir to a Canaanite origin known as “Beit-Ir”, which is derived from the Canaanite word “Ir”, which means bird. It is believed that “Batir” exactly means “house of the bird”, and this interpretation refers to the eagle bird that used to nest in The high mountains of Battir, and the valley running next to the village is called Wadi al-Nisour, which is the current Wadi al-Sarar.
• There is another suggestion that the name Battir is derived from another Canaanite word , “Bit-Tira,” meaning sheepfold. This interpretation suggests the existence of a small plain called “Al-Qaa,” where sheep gathered in abundance.
• Some historians have suggested that the name is derived from the Arabic verb "batr", which means to cut off or separate, and this interpretation suggests the possibility that the village's name refers to a place that could have been separated, or cut off from neighboring areas.
• During the Roman era, Battir was known as “Bethther” , because it was a fortified castle at that time.

Where is Battir located?

Battir, the Palestinian village located southwest of Jerusalem , between two towering mountains. It is surrounded by a deep valley that embraces many orchards. This village is distinguished by the diversity of its natural life, where birds in their various colors and shapes blend with the beauty of the natural details in the region, where ospreys, eagles, and Palestinian sunbirds soar above the sky. This village.

Given the abundant agriculture in Battir , green can be seen bathing the area throughout the year thanks to winter and summer plantings; As it is evergreen, visitors may find it difficult to describe its agricultural diversity. Among the most famous crops grown in this village are “eggplant, thyme, mint, parsley,” and many other trees and plants.

This unique natural landscape distinguishes Battir from neighboring villages, and the uniqueness of the residents of this village, who founded it about 5,000 years ago, is evident in the construction of stone barriers known locally as “Sanasil,” as the average length of these barriers is between 5 and 8 meters.

Urban wall, agricultural diversity and water network

A wall was built extending from the top of the mountain down to the last valley, with the aim of preserving the soil from erosion as a result of rainfall and changes in geographical and temporal factors. The viewer can easily distinguish between the different orchards through the varying colors and greenery in each orchard.

When you approach these lands, you will hear the sound of water flowing through the valley in all directions, and you will be surprised to discover that this natural flow occurs easily from under your feet without knowing its exact source. The secret behind this homogeneous flow goes back to a complex Roman water network that extends from the top of the mountain to the end of the valley, preserving every drop of water without losing it. This success depends on the presence of more than seven springs that pour out their bounty throughout the year, irrigating the land and hydrating the population. .

Natural beauty and ancient history in Battir village

The village of Battir is full of a picturesque natural landscape and a rich history that extends back thousands of years. It adds a special attraction to visitors with the presence of several archaeological sites that reflect a diverse heritage that includes the Canaanite, Roman, and Byzantine eras. This heritage includes a historic Canaanite castle and a Roman bath, in addition to the well from which our master Abraham - peace be upon him - drank. - During his trip to the city of Hebron, and the mosque in which Caliph Omar bin Al-Khattab prayed after the conquest of Jerusalem.

Hejaz train

In addition to this rich cultural and historical heritage, the distinctive village is divided into two parts thanks to the train railway built by the Ottomans in the twentieth century, which was completed by the British after the Ottomans’ withdrawal from Palestine, and this railway connected Jerusalem to the Palestinian coast.

Despite the urban development and population growth witnessed by the village, with a population of more than 3,000 people on an area of 8,000 dunams, this development did not affect the cultural and historical heritage of Battir in the slightest degree. On the contrary, the village won the UNESCO Award for Heritage Preservation. Cultural and Natural Museum in 2011, in recognition of its cultural and historical value.

Also know:

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The strange connection between the October winter and olive trees

Sources:

skynewsarabia

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