Publications
Tourism, Security, and Sacred Space at Bethany Beyond the Jordan
At Bethany Beyond the Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking Jesus of Nazareth's baptism site, sacrality is not merely inherent but actively shaped by tourism, commodification, and security infrastructure. This study reveals that ritual encounters are organized through tourist spaces, while the commodification of sites and souvenirs, alongside state security practices tied to border geopolitics, co-creates perceptions of sacredness. Through semiotic analysis grounded in first-person observation, the research demonstrates how these forces—tourism, security, governance, and materiality—intertwine with power dynamics, redefining sacred spaces in the Holy Land as contested sites rather than neutral pilgrimage destinations.
Assessment of radon exhalation rate and radium content in soil samples from east west bank, palestine
Soil samples from the eastern West Bank, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas)', reveal significant variations in radon concentration and radium content, with Al-Maghtas showing particularly high levels. Radon concentrations ranged from 169.3 to 6184.4 Bq/m³, while effective radium content varied between 8.2 and 301.2 Bq/kg. The study also identified notable radon exhalation rates, with averages reaching up to 543 mBq/m²h (19.5 mBq/kg/h). These findings suggest potential health risks in certain areas and provide a baseline for monitoring radiation levels over time. The research employed comparative analysis against similar studies to assess the implications of these radiological characteristics.
Site of Jesus Baptism: From Discovery to World List Heritage
The Baptism Site 'Bethany Beyond the Jordan' (Al-Maghtas) has been confirmed as the actual location where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist, a discovery supported by extensive archaeological evidence and recognized by UNESCO in 2015. Excavations conducted between 1996 and 2002 uncovered three distinct areas: Tell al-Kharrar (Elijah's Hill), the Monastery with its Large Pool, and the Churches of St. John the Baptist. These findings include architectural remains such as churches, mosaic floors, caves, and water systems dating back to the Byzantine Period, which were built to commemorate sacred events for early Christian communities. The site holds immense religious significance, attracting pilgrims since the 1st century AD and serving as a continuous destination for baptism rituals. To preserve its sanctity, visitor numbers are controlled, and facilities like a Visitor's Centre, restaurant, parking, and new churches have been developed sensitively by the Jordan Ministry of Tourism and Department of Antiquities.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas)