Qalqilya: Zoo and Ottoman Architectural History

Qalqilya offers two very different starting points for planning your trip: the zoo and the historic Al-Murabiteen School building in the centre. The zoo was founded in 1986 and covers about 20 dunams; the current school building was used as a Saraya during the Ottoman period and bears the coat of arms of the Ottoman Empire on its façade. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Qalqilya, you can first consider whether a zoological destination or the history of a particular building should be the focus of your stay.

Qalqilya Zoo

The founding year and area figure describe two different aspects of the zoo: 1986 places its founding in time, while about 20 dunams indicate its approximate size. Together, these details provide both a temporal and a spatial point of reference before you decide what role the zoo should play in your stay.

During an Eid holiday period, there was lively activity in the zoo’s recreational, educational and environmental areas. These three perspectives make the zoo a possible focus for travellers who want to bring together a range of interests. The named areas provide more specific points of reference than the area figure alone.

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider the zoo as one possible focus alongside the historic building in the centre. This way, your choice is guided by your own plans rather than solely by the general name of the destination.

A historic building in the centre

The current Al-Murabiteen School building is a historic structure in the centre of Qalqilya. During the Ottoman period, this building was used as a Saraya. The coat of arms of the Ottoman Empire is on its façade. Its former use and the emblem on the façade offer two distinct historical points of reference: one detail concerns the building’s function at the time, while the other is a feature on its exterior.

For travellers interested in architectural history, a specific building and its Ottoman past take centre stage here. Its location in the centre provides a clear point of reference within Qalqilya; the coat of arms adds a specific façade detail to the building’s former use. This gives architectural history its own place alongside the recreational, educational and environmental areas mentioned in connection with the zoo during an Eid holiday period.

The two highlights appeal to different curiosities: the zoo is characterised by its founding year, approximate area and activity across several areas; the school building stands out for its historic use, central location and coat of arms. If you are weighing up what interests you most for your trip, this comparison can help with planning. You can then compare the location of a particular holiday apartment with the focus you want for your stay.

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