Here in my city, Deir al-Balah, we have long been known for sleeping early—a reputation that some find amusing and others see as an outdated stereotype. I found myself wondering: should I embrace this perception, or question its origins? So, I began searching for the reason behind it and came to this conclusion:
Deir al-Balah has always been an agricultural city with a relatively small population. Due to its location on the Mediterranean coast, many of its residents traditionally worked as fishermen, while others took up farming, making use of its vast open lands. Because these professions require early mornings, fishermen and farmers would wake before dawn to start their work, then head to the market to sell their catch or harvest. Over time, this lifestyle made early sleep essential, ensuring they were ready to face the demands of another busy day.
The city’s very name, “Deir al-Balah,” reflects its deep connection to palm tree cultivation, one of its greatest sources of prosperity.
As the saying goes, “He who owns a palm tree gifts a branch to one who does not,” symbolizing the generosity and shared abundance among its people. For some, climbing, pollinating, and harvesting date palms is not just a job but a way of life, while others see it as an inseparable part of the city’s identity.
But do these traditions still hold today? The passage of time has brought new challenges and changes to Deir al-Balah, from modern technology to shifting lifestyles. The night is no longer reserved for rest; instead, screens and the demands of modern life have extended waking hours. So, does Deir al-Balah still sleep early, or has this cherished tradition faded with time? Has the essence of early rest truly been lost, or is it merely hiding beneath the surface, waiting to be rediscovered?
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