Machpelah

Machpelah, also known as the Cave of the Patriarchs or the Tomb of the Patriarchs, is a sacred site located in the West Bank city of Hebron. According to religious tradition, it is the burial place of several key biblical figures, including Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah. The name "Machpelah" itself is believed to derive from a Hebrew word meaning "double" or "cancellation," possibly referring to a double cave or a place where sins were canceled.

The site has been a significant pilgrimage destination for Jews, Christians, and Muslims for centuries. The current structure above the cave, a large rectangular edifice, was built by Herod the Great in the first century BCE. Over the centuries, it has been modified and used by various religious groups, serving as a synagogue, a church, and a mosque at different times. The division of access and control of the site has been a point of contention, particularly in modern times. While the interior of the tomb is generally inaccessible, its historical and religious importance continues to draw visitors and scholars alike. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.