The Oak of Ibrahim (Oak of Mamre, Oak of Sibta or Oak of Abraham), is an ancient holy site in the city of Hebron long-held as prominent in the story of Abraham (Ibrahim) and therefore honored – in a similar fashion to the Tomb of the Patriarchs in the Old City – as an important part of the narrative of all three of the Western Abrahamic traditions, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Recently, Excellence Center volunteers Ratmir Agliullin and Chris Bahara joined students of Hebron University to tour the holy site and take in the noted legacy.
The site is said to be the home of the original tree where the prophet Ibrahim is to have received the three angels who told him of his wife Sarah’s coming conception. This Hebron location is distinct from the original historic site in Mamre located 2km northeast. After the mid-12th century, the tradition of the “Oak of Mamre” assumed several locations along the road from Mamre to Hebron, eventually settling at the Hebron site.
The grounds of the oak were acquired in 1868 by Archimandrite Antonin (Kapustin) for the Church of Russia. Subsequently, the Monastery of the Holy Trinity was established there. Ever since the site has been a major attraction for Russian pilgrims both before and after the Russian Revolution when it came under the control of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). The site is the only remaining active Christian shrine in Hebron.
Once behind the ominous gate in front, one walks halfway up the hill, where the oak itself sits within its protective enclosure. Not a particularly engrossing display, the gravity of the artifact itself is due solely to the shear age and historic relevance of trees. Even if not the original, this specimen is ancient by any standards and consequential among all.
Arguably the more arresting site itself is the Monastery of the Holy Trinity and Church of the Holy Forefathers further up the hill. Making this climb, one can look back toward the entry gate and see a clear and breathtaking overview of the city of Hebron itself. It’s no mystery as to the reverence experienced by the resident monks – those currently living onsite as well as from centuries past.
Once inside the sanctuary, one is met with two distinct sensory experiences: silence and color. The former seems to stem from three factors. By definition, the holy compound is meant for the quiet observance. That said, it is also situated far up the hill and far away from city life. Finally, on this particular weekday afternoon, the sanctuary is virtually empty.
In this welcomed quiet, one can observe and experience those vibrant colors as mentioned. Once in the shrine, rich sky blue ceilings are buttressed by orange-cream colored archways and encircled by deep maroon walls. All structures surround centuries-old dark wood altars, pews and lecterns. Sunlight streams in from high windows while priceless chandeliers stand ready for nightfall. And in this reverent space, medieval paintings accent throughout. The entire building seems designed with very purposeful creativity. The result being a definitive sense of peace.
Outside the church, a small cemetery holds the remains and the histories of the original church founders and overseers. The palpable peace continues on these grounds, and over the Hebron cityscape in the distance.
The historic Oak of Ibrahim at the current complex of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity is one of the most important holy shrines in Hebron. Though at the center of occasional tensions between the three faiths – not uncommon to any of the holy sites of Palestine – the importance of the site stems from its relevance to all. When coming to the Excellence Center for a volunteer assignment, this historic site should be included as a must-see.
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