Uncovering the Mystery of Askalan
The city of Ashkelon, also known as Ascalan, is a coastal city located in the southern region of Israel. The ancient city has a rich history dating back to biblical times. It is situated 50 km south of Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel, and 13 km north of the Gaza Strip.
Ashkelon plays a significant role in the TV series “Saladin Ayyubi, the Conqueror of Jerusalem,” and it is known as one of the last Palestinian cities that was conquered by Muslims. Its historical importance is highlighted in the TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, which provides insights into the city’s religious and commercial significance during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Christian periods.
Throughout its history, Ascalan served as a vital trade center, connecting Syria and Egypt. The city’s strategic location made it a pivotal area for commercial activities and trade between the two regions. It also gained special importance under the rule of the Fatimids, who established a mint and shipyard in the city.
Ascalan’s history is marked by periods of conquest and conflict, with the city changing hands between various powers over the centuries. It was occupied by the Crusaders and later recaptured by Selahaddin Ayyubid after the Battle of Hittin in 1187. The city’s fate shifted between Muslim and Crusader rule, with periods of combat and sieges.
After facing destruction and abandonment over the centuries, Ascalan eventually fell into ruins and was inhabited by a new settlement called Tel Ashkelon, which is currently occupied by Jews.
The city was famous in ancient and medieval times for its agricultural products, including plane and walnut trees, olive groves, and henna. It is also known for a type of garlic, ascalonia cepa, which is named after Ascalan.
Overall, the historical significance of Ascalan, or Ashkelon, as an ancient city is immense, and its rich history continues to be a subject of interest and research for historians and scholars.
