Publications
From counter-maps to counter-evidence: Hebron Rehabilitation Committee's documentation as counter-archive
The Hebron Rehabilitation Committee (HRC) has developed a 'counter-archive' that challenges Israeli settler control and documents the built heritage of Hebron’s old city, Palestine. This archive functions as a dynamic tool—serving as counter-maps in engineering contexts, counter-heritage when digitized for advocacy, and counter-evidence in legal proceedings—to assert Palestinian presence and ownership. The study highlights how the HRC's documentation adapts to different uses, defying the boundaries of traditional 'imperial archives' and playing a critical role in preserving heritage under militarization. By examining the archive’s multifaceted functions, the research underscores its potential as a bottom-up architectural media that resists hegemonic settler narratives.
Tactics of Resistance: Palestinian Women and the Reclamation of Space in the Old City of Hebron, Palestine
Palestinian women in Hebron's Old City employ everyday resistance tactics to reclaim and revitalize urban space despite severe spatial fragmentation imposed by Israeli occupation. This study highlights their pivotal role in challenging urbicide through professional initiatives and daily practices, asserting their right to the city. The research combines situated knowledge with archival data, site observations, social media analysis, and reports from organizations like the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee and UN-OCHA, offering a nuanced understanding of resilience in oppressive socio-spatial conditions.
‘Who Is David and Who Is – the Son of Jesse?’ The Interpretation of the Figure of King David in the Development of Old Testament Theology
Research suggests that the figure of King David in the Old Testament may have been based on a real historical warrior from Ziklag, a Philistine city, who conquered Hebron and laid the foundation for the statehood of Judah. By analyzing inconsistencies in the 'David cycle' (1 Sam 14 – 1 Kings 2), the study proposes that while legends about David likely originated from different sources, they may have been rooted in the actions of a single historical figure. This challenges traditional views that attribute these narratives to purely mythological or legendary origins.
Adaptive Reuse of Historic Dwellings into Cafés: Design Challenges and Planning Issues in Hebron
Adaptive reuse of historic dwellings into cafés in Hebron’s Old Town preserves cultural heritage while enhancing functionality. The study found that integrating traditional architectural features—such as niches and cabinets—with sustainable solutions effectively addresses challenges like humidity and outdated infrastructure, reducing costs without compromising historical integrity. This approach not only maintains aesthetic value but also strengthens local identity. The research analyzed multiple dwelling models using a scientific analytical methodology, combining literature reviews, interviews, and surveys to assess the success of transformations. It underscores the importance of thoughtful interventions that balance preservation with modern needs, offering a model for similar contexts.
Defiant and resilient voices from the field
Social workers in Area C of the West Bank face severe challenges, including lack of security, cultural norms restricting trauma responses, institutional limitations, psychological toll from secondary trauma, and burnout due to multiple responsibilities. These factors significantly hinder their ability to effectively deliver psychosocial support services in a colonial context like Palestine. The study, based on 27 years of experience with the Psychosocial Counseling Center for Women, highlights the resilience and defiance required by social workers to navigate these obstacles while advocating for women's rights and providing critical humanitarian aid during crises.
Furniture Design in Historic Residences: Balancing Modernity and Cultural Heritage Respect (Case Study: Old Town of Hebron).
A harmonious balance between modernity and heritage preservation is achievable through thoughtful furniture design in historic residences, as demonstrated by case studies from Hebron's Old Town. The research reveals that modern functional requirements—such as ergonomics and technological integration—can be met without compromising architectural authenticity or cultural identity. Findings highlight the importance of material sustainability, user-centric perspectives (ranging from minimal intervention to broader modifications), and careful restoration practices to maintain historical integrity while improving living standards. This study provides a practical framework for integrating contemporary needs with heritage conservation, offering insights that could inspire sustainable urban development in similar World Heritage Sites.
Groundwater contamination with heavy metals: A case study in Hebron, Palestine
Groundwater in Hebron's Wadi Al-Samen exhibits significant heavy metal contamination, with 17 samples exceeding selenium limits during the dry season and 15 in the wet season. Four samples surpassed barium and lithium permissible levels year-round, while three exceeded zinc limits. The study, analyzing 20 wells for 16 trace elements using atomic absorption spectrometry, found spatial variations in heavy metal pollution index (HPI) values—17.2 in the dry season and 11.99 in the wet season—both below the critical threshold of 100 but indicating poor to very poor water quality. Mean metal index (MI) values suggested moderate contamination. The research underscores urgent mitigation needs to address health risks for local residents, highlighting critical deviations from World Health Organization standards.
Occupational Stress and Associated Risk Factors Among Nurses in Hebron Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study from the West Bank, Palestine
A cross-sectional study of 140 nurses in Hebron, West Bank, found that all participants experienced moderate levels of occupational stress, with workload and role conflict identified as the primary stressors. The research used the Health and Safety Executive Occupational Stress Scale to assess stress levels between December 2023 and March 2024. Key findings indicated that systemic and organizational factors, rather than personal demographics, were the main contributors to stress. No significant associations were found with age, gender, marital status, job title, or work experience (p > 0.05). The study suggests interventions targeting workload management, supportive leadership, and work autonomy could help mitigate stress among Palestinian nurses.
Urban Morphology and Energy Performance: Spatial-Simulation Assessment from Hebron, Palestine
A study on Hebron, Palestine, reveals that medium-density urban layouts with mid-rise buildings significantly reduce energy demands by balancing cooling and heating needs. Research found that increasing the Floor Space Index (FSI) from 0.7 to 1.2 reduces cooling demand by 34%, but doubles heating demand under identical conditions. The Zeitoun district, characterized by an FSI of approximately 1.0 and an Open Space Ratio (OSR) of 1.6, achieved the lowest combined energy use, outperforming both compact and sprawling configurations. This suggests that medium-density urban forms are optimal for semi-arid climates, offering a pathway for climate-responsive urban planning in the Middle East.
Die Herrschaftsbildung in Hebron
Research on the feudal formation in Hebron reveals that the so-called 'Lords of Hebron' were, in fact, royal castellans who played a crucial role in the emergence of true baronies within the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Contrary to previous assumptions by Gustav Beyer, this study clarifies that Hebron's separation from the royal domain and its elevation to an independent barony occurred around 1161, coinciding with a significant land exchange involving Philipp von Nablus. The study challenges the notion that the absence of documentation in RRH n° 366 is problematic, arguing instead that Hebron should logically have been included in the same record due to its importance. It also explores the potential survival and transmission pathways of any lost documents related to this transaction, considering the legal implications for Philipp's family and the subsequent acquisition by the Teutonic Order.
Structural Static Evaluation of Historic Stone Building (Case Study: Zahdeh Building in Hebron Old City)
A historic stone building, the Zahdeh Building in Hebron's Old Town, demonstrates remarkable structural resilience. Through advanced numerical modeling and non-linear static analysis using ANSYS, researchers determined that the building can withstand its current load while also supporting an additional two floors. This finding underscores the robustness of traditional construction techniques and provides a method for assessing similar structures to preserve architectural heritage. The study employed experimental techniques to determine the mechanical properties of stone and mortar, validating numerical models to ensure accuracy. These methods offer a reliable approach for structural assessment, applicable to other historic buildings worldwide.
The Counter-Colonial: The Agency of Architectural Rehabilitation as a form of Resistance in Hebron, Palestine
In Hebron, Palestine, architectural rehabilitation emerges as a powerful form of counter-colonial resistance against Israeli settler colonialism. The Hebron Rehabilitation Committee (HRC) employs strategic tactics—counter-governance, counter-heritage, and counter-evidence—to reclaim Palestinian agency over their built heritage, challenge colonial structures, and advocate for the Palestinian cause. These tactics leverage UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, legal documentation, and grassroots governance to assert spatial, material, representational, and symbolic control. The study frames resistance as an ongoing, indigenous process that transcends problem-solving, emphasizing slow learning and epistemic reconsideration.
Algorithmic State Violence: Automated Surveillance and Palestinian Dispossession in Hebron's Old City
Automated surveillance systems, such as Israel's Blue Wolf biometric identification system, function as a form of state-sponsored terror in Hebron's Old City, eroding Palestinian social life and advancing settler colonialism. The study combines ethnographic interviews with Palestinian residents, a former Israeli general turned biometric entrepreneur, and veterans involved in the system's development to reveal how these technologies intersect with political violence and capital investment. This research reorients theories of accumulation and dispossession by highlighting the violent political imperatives driving surveillance innovations, moving beyond economistic framings.
Interior design and furniture in traditional dwellings in the old towns between modernity and preservation of cultural heritage (a special case in the old city of Hebron)
Traditional dwellings in Hebron's Old Town, dating back to the Mamluk and Ottoman periods, face significant challenges due to their outdated spatial designs that no longer meet modern living needs. This study identifies potential solutions to adapt these heritage structures without compromising their cultural value or aesthetics. By analyzing selected dwelling models, it proposes new approaches that balance modernity with preservation, ensuring comfort while maintaining structural integrity and historical authenticity. The research employs an objective analytical methodology, offering insights into sustainable heritage conservation that could be applied globally.
Palestine Hotel in the Old City of Hebron, Between Modernity and Traditional Dwelling Architecture During the 19th-20th Century
A significant shift in Palestinian dwelling architecture occurred between the 19th and 20th centuries, marked by the integration of Western-style modernity with traditional Palestinian elements. The Palestine Hotel in Hebron's Old City exemplifies this transformation, showcasing a hybrid design that reflects the coexistence and mutual influence of these architectural styles. This study identifies pivotal turning points driven by European missions and Zionist migration, which introduced concrete housing and altered traditional building structures. Employing analytical and documentary methodologies, the research underscores the importance of preserving such cultural assets to safeguard civilizational and cultural heritage for future generations.
Palestinian Traditional Architecture and Methods in Designing Dwellings Case Study Old City of Hebron
Traditional Palestinian dwellings in Hebron's historic district, characterized by their agricultural construction and peasant architecture, reveal intricate design elements and materials that reflect the cultural history of Palestine within Islamic civilization. The study identifies key structural and architectural components unique to this vernacular style, distinguishing it from formal Islamic city designs. Through descriptive, analytical, and documentary methods—supported by images and diagrams—the research highlights the critical role of authentic foundations in preserving these dwellings during restoration. It emphasizes the responsibility of society, institutions, and engineers in safeguarding Hebron's traditional architecture, which stands as a vital resource for understanding regional cultural heritage.
The effectiveness of a counseling program based on violence alternatives in reducing the psychopathic tendency among the adolescents in the old city of Hebron
A counseling program based on violence alternatives significantly reduced psychopathic tendencies among adolescents in Hebron's Old Town, according to a study published in the An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities). The research, involving 100 adolescents randomly divided into experimental and control groups, demonstrated that the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements post-intervention compared to pretest scores. No differences were observed based on gender, academic performance, or economic status. The findings underscore the potential of violence alternatives in mitigating adolescent psychopathy, offering a practical approach for intervention programs in conflict-affected areas.
A Street View of Occupation: Getting Around Hebron on Google Maps
Google Maps serves as a tool for Israeli authorities' surveillance in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in Hebron, by curtailing certain views and information. This study reveals how such censorship operates through an ethnographic exploration conducted between 2018 and 2019, focusing on Wesam, a Palestinian photographer who creatively uses Google Maps' Street View to navigate and respond to these restrictions. The research highlights the intersection of technology and military rule in occupied territories, offering a nuanced perspective on digital surveillance and resistance.
Aesthetic and architectural formations in Qasr Amro, an analytical documentary study
Qasr Amro, a historic palace in Hebron's Old Town, exemplifies the aesthetic and architectural evolution of residential buildings in Palestine. This study reveals how the palace transitioned from a private residence to a public school while retaining its decorative and interior design elements, highlighting the significance of preserving such heritage structures. Through documentary, descriptive, and analytical methodologies, the research documents these transformations with input from engineers and specialists, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts that protect the aesthetic components for future generations. The study also proposes practical suggestions to enhance preservation practices.
Biodiversity and Phytosociological Analysis of Plants in Wadi Al-Quf Nursery Reserve North - Western of Hebron City in Palestine
A phytosociological study of Wadi Al-Quf Nursery Reserve, located northwest of Hebron in Palestine, identified 82 plant species, including 16 endemic ones (19.51%), distributed across 90 vegetation plots. The research, employing Braun-Blanquet methodology and Salvador Rivas Martínez's land classification, revealed three novel plant associations and alliances within the reserve, which spans arid to sub-humid climates influenced by Mediterranean, Negev, Sinai Desert, and Red Sea regions. Cluster analysis distinguished two major groups: one representing climatophilous forests, shrublands, and copses, and another dominated by pino copses, both shaped by climatic factors. This study highlights the reserve's significant biodiversity and its transitional ecological position.
Challenges of Maintaining Housing Structures in the Old City of Hebron
Preserving traditional dwellings in UNESCO World Heritage Sites demands balancing structural maintenance with cultural integrity. A study on Hebron’s Old Town reveals that necessary modernizations—such as tile replacements and plumbing upgrades—can be achieved without compromising the essence of these structures, provided preservation principles are rigorously applied. The research highlights significant challenges, including living conditions and the need for adaptive changes while safeguarding structural and cultural elements. It underscores the importance of further studies to define dwelling identities in such sites, ensuring they remain both habitable and true to their heritage. The findings advocate for a nuanced approach that prioritizes preservation without stifling necessary improvements.
Endemic plant species in the west of Hebron, Palestine
A study of the western Hebron region in Palestine identified 169 endemic plant species within a total flora of over 1,300 species across 71 km². This represents an endemism rate of approximately 13%, highlighting the area's significant biodiversity. The research, conducted using Braun-Blanquet methodology, categorized these endemic plants by life form and habitat, revealing dominant groups such as annuals (43%), phanerophytes (65%), geophytes (15%), hemicryptophytes (14%), and chamaetophytes/semi-shrubs (10.65%). The region's arid to semi-arid climate further characterizes its unique ecological niche, with families like Papilionaceae, Compositae, and Lamiaceae being particularly abundant.
Heritage and the Cultural Struggle for Palestine by Chiara De Cesari
Palestinian heritage work has emerged as a crucial player in the struggle against Israeli colonialism, particularly in the absence of a state and its institutions. Chiara De Cesari's ethnography highlights how heritage practices, from the 1970s folklore movement to post-Oslo initiatives, serve as 'anticipatory representation,' projecting a future Palestinian state through material claims to sovereignty, civil society building, and social development. The Hebron Rehabilitation Committee (HRC), established in 1996, exemplifies this approach, transitioning from a countersettlement project to a hybrid governance model that balances heritage preservation with humanitarian aid and resistance to colonization.
The Psychological Wellbeing of Palestinian Children Living among Israeli Settlements in Hebron Old City
Palestinian children living among Israeli settlements in Hebron's Old City exhibit significantly higher levels of psychological distress, particularly posttraumatic stress symptoms and overall mental health problems. A study involving 357 Palestinian children aged 8-18 found that girls and younger adolescents reported the highest scores on both the UCLA-PTSD-Reaction Index and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The research, which utilized self-report questionnaires completed by children, mothers, and teachers, highlights the profound impact of prolonged exposure to settlement-related stress on psychological wellbeing. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted psychological care and support for affected children and their families.
Urban Planning and Its Impact on the City of Hebron, Palestine
Hebron, one of the world's oldest cities with over 5,000 years of history, faces severe urban planning challenges due to rapid development and external occupation. The study highlights that Hebron lacks effective structural plans, leading to uncontrolled land use and loss of cultural heritage. Unlike some ancient Arab cities like Al-Basra, which maintained sustainable environmental standards, Hebron struggles with global obstacles hindering its planning potential. The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive urban planning to preserve Hebron's history, resources, and sectors while addressing the complexities imposed by Israeli occupation.
Design and Contestation in the Jewish Settlement of Hebron, 1967–87
Jewish settlement design in Hebron (1967–87) was not solely driven by military strategy but significantly influenced by settlers' engagement with mainstream architectural culture, challenging the conventional narrative of settlement planning. Noam Shoked's study reveals that while government architects initially aimed to control settler ambitions, their plans were often subverted by amateur archaeologists and volunteer architects, who repurposed designs to reflect religious identities. This research employs archival analysis and interviews to uncover the unexpected dynamics between settlers, architects, and officials, highlighting the role of grassroots participation in shaping urban landscapes.
Macrofungi from the Hebron and Jerusalem Hills of Palestine
A comprehensive annotated list of 135 macrofungi species from the Hebron and Jerusalem Hills of Palestine, including new additions, has been published. This study significantly expands the known mycobiota of the region, providing detailed distribution data for both scientific and conservation purposes. Researchers employed field surveys and taxonomic analysis to document these fungi, contributing valuable insights into the biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The full list is freely accessible online, offering a critical resource for mycologists, ecologists, and heritage conservationists.
Israeli Settlements in the Old City of Hebron
Israeli settlements in Hebron's Old City have severely disrupted its historical and architectural integrity since 1967. The study reveals that systematic land confiscation, forced closures, and military restrictions have transformed the area into a 'ghost town,' with most streets deserted and shops shuttered. These actions, aimed at Judaizing Palestinian areas, have led to mass deportations and economic collapse, while shifting commercial activity to areas beyond checkpoints. The research underscores the urgent need for preservation efforts that address both architectural heritage and the political pressures hindering rehabilitation.
Classification of Residential Buildings in the Old City of Hebron
Residential buildings in Hebron's Old City exemplify a harmonious integration of architectural design with environmental and social needs, reflecting broader Islamic urban planning principles. These structures feature internal backyards, narrow streets, covered markets, and stone-paved courtyards, designed to optimize privacy, comfort, and collective living for extended families while adhering to Islamic construction rules. The buildings' shared external walls create a protective barrier around the city, providing shade and security. This study highlights how Muslim architects prioritized residents' welfare by adapting designs to local environmental conditions, ensuring both functional and aesthetic cohesion.
Planning and Managing the Preservation of Historical Buildings in the Old City of Hebron Palestine
A critical approach to preserving historical buildings in Hebron's Old Town demonstrates that detailed architectural documentation—including plans, elevations, and sections—is essential for addressing complex challenges during the planning and management of preservation projects. These challenges encompass architectural significance, future use, environmental integration, cost analysis, time constraints, and quality assurance. By leveraging expert-generated documentation, many of these issues can be systematically resolved, ensuring the sustainable transfer of heritage to future generations.
Architectural heritage in the city of Hebron and the rehabilitation of the historical centre
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town's architectural heritage, particularly Souq al-wakala, showcases unique regional and historical characteristics that hold significant cultural value in Palestine. A proposed rehabilitation project aims to repurpose the souq into a multifunctional space, including a guest house for the Hebron Rehabilitation Centre (HRC), while adhering to international standards for sustainable urban rehabilitation. The study emphasizes the need to integrate essential services and maintain historical authenticity, ensuring the preservation of this culturally rich site.
A Visit to the Old City of Hebron
A stark contrast emerges between the past and present access to Hebron's Old City, highlighting systemic barriers that have worsened over time. While weekly trips were feasible in the 1980s, current Palestinian movement is severely restricted by Israeli-imposed measures, including tunnels exclusively for Israelis and prolonged delays at military checkpoints like the Container Checkpoint, located along a dangerous route known as Wadi Al Nar. This narrative account underscores the growing isolation of Hebron's Palestinian community due to infrastructure and security policies that disproportionately affect civilians.
World heritage sites, human rights and cultural heritage in Palestine
Protecting cultural heritage in conflict zones, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hebron/Al-Khalil and Jerusalem, can serve as a powerful tool for preserving national identity and human dignity. This study highlights the positive impact of Palestinian-led conservation efforts despite significant political and social challenges, including repressive measures that affect daily life. By focusing on heritage management practices, community development, and human rights, local organizations in Hebron/Al-Khalil have successfully sustained cultural preservation amid adversity. The research underscores the importance of integrating human rights considerations into heritage conservation strategies to address the complexities of armed conflict.
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