Nablus and the Weight of Olive Wood

This episode moves away from the high politics of Oslo and the battles of 1948 to explore the deep, living history of Nablus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. We examine how the city’s identity was forged not just by Ottoman governors or British mandates, but by its ancient roots as Neapolis and its central role in the soap-making industry that connected Palestine to global trade routes. Lucas and Luna discuss the architectural heritage of the Old City, the resilience of its families through centuries of change, and how the olive tree serves as both an economic pillar and a cultural symbol of rootedness. The conversation touches on the social structures of the Husayni and Nashashibi families, the impact of the Nakba on Nablus’s demographics, and the modern-day tensions surrounding checkpoints and agricultural land. By focusing on the texture of daily life and historical continuity, we offer a perspective on Palestinian identity that is grounded in place, memory, and material culture rather than solely in conflict.

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