There’s a feeling you only understand once you’ve lived it: the moment you arrive back in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), the very first place you want to be is al-Masjid al-Aqsa. In this return-to-Palestine journey, Hamzeh Afghani shares how, after a big trip lasting two days, he couldn’t wait to step into the atmosphere again—straight from travel days into worship, and then onward to a day of discovery in Yaffa.
First stop after returning: al-Masjid al-Aqsa
Hamzeh describes a belief that many visitors relate to: when you travel and then return, you want to do one thing first—go to al-Aqsa to experience these surroundings. He sets the tone for the day by planning to attend Friday prayers, and then continue with a tour of the Old City.
The video moves with a sense of purpose: meeting family, offering greetings, and gathering energy for what’s ahead. Along the way, Hamzeh points out the idea of arriving early and taking your time—so the day stays peaceful and meaningful, rather than rushed.
In the Old City: Al-Aqsa atmosphere and a guided route via Bab al-Qattanīn
Before heading out to Yaffa, Hamzeh shares that they plan to leave al-Aqsa via a specific route that holds special meaning for him: Bab al-Qattanīn (the Qattanīn Gate). He also explains why that area matters—because if you’re visiting and want the right “feel”, you should experience the market by the Qattanīn area, with plenty of shops and places to sit and refresh.
He also notes a contrast: on that day, Al-Quds felt relatively quiet, even though he recognises many people are often around. For him, the atmosphere is still the focus.
A quick practical pause: markets, supplies and local favourites
Because they are heading to Yaffa (roughly an hour away, as mentioned in the video), Hamzeh explains the need to save time—so they stop to “pick up what matters”. In the Old City market, they gather essentials such as:
- Meat (as part of their preparations)
- Za‘atar (described as Palestinian za‘atar, and something they’re happy to find)
- Spices/seasonings and “bithr” (seed items mentioned in the video)
The trip isn’t portrayed as a checklist—more like a warm, lived-in experience, where buying local ingredients becomes part of the story.
On the way to Yaffa: when the plan changes
Here, the video becomes especially real. Hamzeh explains that after leaving al-Aqsa and heading toward Yaffa, unexpected issues slowed the schedule. The family experiences difficulties with the car—issues with cooling/engine conditions and missing water are mentioned—so they had to adjust. Hamzeh and his father tackle the situation, and they eventually re-gather everyone and continue.
Although it disrupts the original plan, the day moves forward. The message is clear: even when logistics go wrong, the journey continues—and you still get to see what matters.
Arriving in Yaffa: sea-side first moments and Mahmudiyah Mosque
When they arrive, they describe the route with guidance—how to approach the area near the Clock Tower and then head toward the sea-side areas. Hamzeh also highlights the Masjid al-Mahmudiyah (Mahmudiyah Mosque), describing it as an important stop that their family has long visited.
They stop for Friday prayer there, and after the prayer Hamzeh shows the area’s layout and the nearby entrances. He also speaks about how, at that time, the mosque felt filled with local visitors and people from Palestine.
Sea view options: harbour or onward to the Old City
Once you step out, Hamzeh offers two choices that shape your experience in Yaffa:
- Go toward the seaside/harbour first (for the water and views).
- Continue into the Old City for historic lanes and atmosphere.
He personally favours moving toward higher viewpoints first, then letting the sea and the landscape “unfold” as you go.
Wandering Yaffa: theatres, Turkish baths, alleys and rooftops
The video becomes a montage of Yaffa’s layers. Hamzeh references several places and tells viewers what to look out for as they walk:
- Historic theatre area / old Ottoman-era reference (described as changing over time)
- Roman/Greek-era themed baths mentioned, including a small Turkish bath that appears closed
- An old soap-related factory area and a space where bats are referenced (as part of what visitors may notice)
Even where places are no longer active or have changed, Hamzeh frames them as part of the “memory” of the city—what you can feel when you’re walking the same paths.
Panoramic highlights: grass terraces, cliffs and the coastline
One of the most appealing parts of the video is the emphasis on views. Hamzeh describes stopping to take in higher vantage points—where the sea and Yaffa’s coastline open up, and even the skyline feels different from the streets below.
He tells viewers that after enjoying the scenery, you can descend toward the harbour or keep following the old-city atmosphere.
The Old City of Yaffa: gates, monuments and living history
As they enter the Old City, Hamzeh explains that this is (in his words) the “original Yaffa”, the area where people lived before the city expanded and walls were later described as forming around the region. He also speaks frankly about how the city’s character has changed over time—highlighting that, as he sees it, the space is not what it once was.
While walking, he points out moments that stand out visually:
- Defensive structures described with historical associations
- A church mentioned: “Church of the Green” (as stated in the video), described as an important site within the Christian community
- Restaurants and a small waterside area, plus “more modern” details he notices nearby
At every stage, the tone is one of appreciation—not just for the sights, but for the atmosphere of wandering: the way streets, textures and views come together.
Why this journey matters (and how to plan your own)
For Hamzeh, the day is more than sightseeing. It’s the feeling of returning to Al-Quds and reconnecting with worship at al-Aqsa, then experiencing Yaffa’s coastline, historic corners and old lanes as part of the same story.
If you want to follow a similar rhythm, consider these guiding ideas reflected directly in the video:
- Start with the spiritual anchor (Friday prayer at al-Aqsa is central to the story).
- Build in time-saving stops for essentials in the market.
- Expect that travel plans can shift—then keep moving and adapt.
- In Yaffa, choose a flow: views first, mosque/harbour/old streets next.
Ready to experience Al-Quds and Yaffa in your own way?
If this itinerary sparked that “I want to be there” feeling, it’s your sign to start planning. At Sakina Tours, we create curated experiences that respect the pace of travel and the heart of the places you visit—so your day feels meaningful, smooth and truly yours.
Contact Sakina Tours to design a guided route that matches your interests—whether that’s al-Aqsa, the Old City atmosphere, or the sea-side beauty of Yaffa.
