An-Najah Staff

The old town of Nablus, built hundreds of years ago, is of significance to Palestinian cultural heritage. It has an intact urban fabric that encompasses several important buildings. However, the old town is threatened by transformation of its urban fabric and loss of its inherent qualities due to several problems manifested in overcrowdness, dilapidation, degradation of its urban environment, random development in and around the historic core, decline of traditional handicrafts and industries, let alone the systematic destruction caused by Israeli occupation since 1967. This paper investigates related issues pertinent to conservation and protection of the cultural heritage of Nablus and revitalization of its historic core. The main objective is to explore the means to sustain an important part of Palestinian cultural heritage, preserve the identity of Nablus, and ensure that future development of the city will not compromise the urban and architectural qualities of its heritage.