Tulkarm
PalestineBWh
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
عاصمة الزيتون | The capital of olive oil
Why visit
Tulkarm is rarely visited by international tourists, it offers an honest glimpse of contemporary Palestinian life rather than headline sights. Visit the Old City's Ottoman-era mosques and souks, the Palestine Technical University Khadoorie campus (one of the oldest in the territories), and the surrounding olive groves. The agricultural villages of Anabta and Bal'a feature traditional stone architecture. Sample za'atar man'ousheh, knafeh (the famous cheese-and-syrup dessert), and freshly pressed local olive oil.
When to avoid
The Israeli to Palestinian conflict makes Tulkarm an active flashpoint, IDF military incursions, raids, and clashes have intensified since 2023. Most Western governments advise against all but essential travel to the West Bank, with specific cautions about Tulkarm, Jenin, and Nablus. Closures and checkpoints can change daily. If visiting, contact local fixers, register with your embassy, and check current conditions hour-by-hour. Dress modestly. Don't photograph IDF or Palestinian security personnel.