# Ashkelon

> city in Israel

**Wikidata**: [Q60956](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60956)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashkelon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ashkelon

## Summary
Ashkelon is a coastal city located in the Southern District of Israel, situated on the Mediterranean Sea. With a history dating back to antiquity, it has been known historically as Ascalon and has been governed by various entities including the Rashidun and Umayyad Caliphates and the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The city has a population of approximately 141,000 residents as of 2018 and covers an area of 48 square kilometers.

## Key Facts
- **Location:** City in Israel, located in the Ashkelon Subdistrict, on the Mediterranean coast.
- **Coordinates:** 31.665833333333 latitude, 34.566388888889 longitude.
- **Area:** 48 square kilometres.
- **Elevation:** 10 metres above sea level.
- **Population:** 141,000 (as of December 31, 2018).
- **Inception:** Approximately 1995 BCE (value: -095).
- **Earliest Written Record:** Approximately 200 BCE (value: -200).
- **Timezone:** UTC+02:00 / UTC+03:00.
- **Local Dialing Code:** 8.
- **Postal Code:** 78***.
- **UN/LOCODE:** ILAKL.
- **Official Language:** Hebrew.
- **Website:** http://www.ashkelon.muni.il/openning_eng.asp.
- **Historical Names:** Ascalon, Ashqelon, Askalún, among many others.

## FAQs
**What is the demographic history of Ashkelon?**
The population of Ashkelon has grown from 1,100 residents in 1949 to over 141,000 in 2018, with consistent growth recorded throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

**What is the historical significance of Ashkelon?**
Ashkelon was a significant ancient city, serving as the capital of the Ashkelon Subdistrict. It was part of the Kingdom of Jerusalem from 1153 to 1270 and was previously under the rule of the Rashidun and Umayyad Caliphates. Significant historical events include the Siege of Ascalon and the Battle of Ascalon.

**What are the city's international relations?**
Ashkelon maintains sister city relationships with 13 cities worldwide, including Côte Saint-Luc (Canada), Xinyang (China), Iquique (Chile), Aix-en-Provence (France), Kutaisi (Georgia), and several cities in the United States such as Portland, Baltimore, and Sacramento.

**What administrative and political status does Ashkelon hold?**
Ashkelon is a city and administrative territorial entity within Israel. It serves as the capital of the Ashkelon Subdistrict and is classified as a big city. The head of government holds the office of the Mayor of Ashkelon.

## Why It Matters
Ashkelon serves as an important urban center in Israel's Southern District. Its strategic coastal location has made it significant throughout history, from ancient times when it was a major Philistine city to its modern role as a developing urban center. The city's sustained population growth from a small settlement of 1,100 in 1949 to a major city of over 140,000 residents demonstrates its importance in Israel's demographic and economic landscape.

## Notable For
- **Ancient Origins:** One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, with origins tracing back to the 20th century BCE.
- **Historical Capital:** Served as the capital of the Ashkelon Subdistrict.
- **Crusader History:** Part of the Kingdom of Jerusalem during the Crusader period.
- **Modern Growth:** Rapid population growth from 1,100 residents in 1949 to 141,000 in 2018.
- **Archaeological Significance:** Site of major historical events including the Siege of Ascalon and the Battle of Ascalon.
- **International Recognition:** Documented in major encyclopedias including Encyclopædia Britannica, Great Soviet Encyclopedia, and Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron.
- **Cultural Documentation:** Featured in over 85 Wikipedia language editions.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Ashkelon is a coastal city located in Israel, positioned at coordinates 31.665833333333 latitude and 34.566388888889 longitude. The city covers an area of 48 square kilometres and has an elevation of 10 metres above sea level. It is situated in the Ashkelon Subdistrict, of which it serves as the capital.

### Demographics and Population
The city has experienced consistent population growth since 1948. Starting with 1,100 residents in 1949, the population grew to 24,310 by 1961 and reached 53,500 by 1981. By 1995, the population was 83,072, crossing the 100,000 mark in 2001 with 101,535 residents. As of December 31, 2018, the population stood at 141,000 residents.

### Historical Governance
Throughout its history, Ashkelon has been governed by various political entities:
- **Kingdom of Jerusalem:** 1153–1270
- **Rashidun Caliphate:** 640–661
- **Umayyad Caliphate:** 661–750
- **Modern Israel:** Since 1948

### Significant Historical Events
The city has been the site of several significant historical events:
- Siege of Ascalon
- Battle of Ascalon
- Another recorded Siege of Ascalon

### International Relations
Ashkelon maintains sister city relationships with multiple cities:
- **Canada:** Côte Saint-Luc
- **China:** Xinyang
- **Chile:** Iquique
- **France:** Aix-en-Provence
- **Georgia:** Vani, Kutaisi (since July 14, 1987)
- **Germany:** Pankow
- **Italy:** Aviano
- **Poland:** Sopot (twinning to end in 2025)
- **Uganda:** Entebbe
- **United States:** Portland, Baltimore, Sacramento

### Administrative Classification
Ashkelon is classified as:
- A city (large human settlement)
- An administrative territorial entity
- A big city
- A depopulated Palestinian village (historically)

### Identity and Documentation
The city is known by numerous names across different languages and historical periods, including Ascalon, Ashqelon, Askalún, and others. Its official name has been Ashkelon since 1948, while it was known as Ascalon between 1153 and 1270. The city is documented in major reference works including Pauly–Wissowa, Great Soviet Encyclopedia, Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary, and Encyclopædia Britannica.

### Infrastructure and Services
The city maintains an official website and has the following service identifiers:
- Local dialing code: 8
- Postal code: 78***
- UN/LOCODE: ILAKL
- Israeli CBS municipal ID: 7100

### External Identifications
Ashkelon is referenced in numerous international databases and authority files:
- VIAF ID: 144973534
- GND ID: 4229349-2
- Library of Congress Authority ID: n88099077
- GeoNames ID: 295620
- MusicBrainz Area ID: 339ed589-3664-4741-99ab-b4d479b0a2b9

## References

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