By Loay Abu Alsaud.

Part 1. The Foundation of the Society

The Society for Palestinian Archaeology was formally established on September 1, 2022, with a mission to advance the preservation, research study, and dissemination of Palestine’s extensive archaeological heritage. This organization emerged in response to the pressing need for a coordinated initiative dedicated to safeguarding Palestinian cultural and historical sites. These sites, which hold significant historical and cultural value, have increasingly faced threats from destruction, neglect, and misrepresentation. The Society aims to address these challenges by promoting research, enhancing awareness, and advocating for policies that protect and accurately represent Palestinian heritage. Through collaborations with local and international scholars, institutions, and communities, the Society seeks to ensure that Palestinian archaeology is both preserved for future generations and represented authentically within the broader historical narrative.

The establishment of the Society reflects a broader movement for cultural preservation within Palestine, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding archaeological sites and artifacts as integral components of the nation’s cultural heritage for future generations. It also underscores a collaborative endeavour among local experts to confront the multifaceted challenges facing Palestinian archaeology, including political, environmental, and social pressures.

Goals and Objectives

1. Protection of Archaeological Sites: Ensuring the safeguarding of Palestine’s ancient sites from looting, vandalism, and environmental degradation.

• Advancement of Archaeological Research: Supporting rigorous academic research, systematic excavations, and comprehensive documentation of archaeological findings.

• Promotion of Cultural Heritage Awareness: Educating both local communities and the global audience on the historical and cultural significance of Palestinian heritage.

• Development of Heritage-Based Tourism: Utilizing cultural heritage as a foundation for sustainable tourism, contributing to economic growth and community engagement.

The society’s activities include:

• Organizing exhibitions of archaeological findings.
• Hosting lectures and discussions on Palestinian history.
• Publishing research and educational materials.
• Promoting collaboration with local and international archaeologists.

This initiative reinforces the importance of cultural preservation as a means of strengthening national identity and fostering global appreciation for Palestine’s rich and diverse history.

Inaugural Opening Ceremony

The opening of the Palestinian Antiquities Society took place in the Mahmoud Darwish, Al-Jalil Hall in Ramallah. The choice of the venue symbolized a profound connection between archaeology and poetry. Mahmoud Darwish, a celebrated Palestinian poet, often intertwined themes of history, identity, and homeland in his works, making the hall a fitting place to host an institution dedicated to uncovering and preserving the past.

This landmark event connected archaeologists across Palestine, including the Gaza Strip, demonstrating unity and collaboration in preserving the nation’s heritage. The simultaneous participation of archaeologists from Gaza via Zoom underscored the inclusive and resilient spirit of Palestinian archaeology, transcending geographical and political barriers.

Live presentations from Gaza-based archaeologists enabled them to share insights on their work, recent discoveries, and the challenges they face in safeguarding archaeological sites amid ongoing adversities. The event was also an opportunity to discuss collaboration between Gaza and the West Bank to enhance research, preservation techniques, and education about Palestine’s history. It was also an opportunity to recognise Gaza’s rich archaeological significance, including its Roman mosaics, Byzantine churches, and ancient trade routes, as vital components of the shared Palestinian narrative.

By leveraging technology, the event highlighted the interconnectedness of Palestinian archaeological efforts and the commitment to preserving heritage despite constraints. The society’s inauguration, coupled with this digital collaboration, serves as a powerful statement of resilience, cultural pride, and the enduring significance of archaeology in the Palestinian identity.

As part of the inauguration of the Palestinian Antiquities Society in the Mahmoud Darwish Hall, certificates were awarded to archaeologists in recognition of their significant contributions to the preservation and study of Palestine’s rich historical heritage. This gesture underscored the importance of their work in uncovering, documenting, and safeguarding the cultural and historical legacy of the region. Certificates were awarded to archaeologists from across Palestine, including those attending virtually from Gaza, recognizing their dedication to archaeological research, fieldwork, and education under challenging circumstances. By including archaeologists from Gaza via Zoom, the distribution ceremony symbolized solidarity and collaboration within the archaeological community across Palestinian territories. The recognition served as motivation for continued efforts in exploring and preserving archaeological sites, fostering a deeper understanding of Palestinian history.

The certificates feature:

• The logo of the Palestinian Antiquities Society.
• Personalised details of each recipient’s contributions.
• A message of gratitude for their role in enriching Palestinian archaeology.

This recognition reflects the Society’s commitment to empowering professionals who play a vital role in connecting past and present through archaeology.

Founding Committee

• Dr. Loay Abu Alsaud – An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine / Chairperson of the Administrative Committee.
  • Dr. Mohammed Al-Zarad – Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Ramallah / Vice President.
  • Professor Salah Al-Houdalieh – Al-Quds University (Abu Dis) / General Secretary.
  • Dr. Ayman Warasneh – Al-Istiqlal University, Jericho / Member of the Financial Committee.
  • Hanin Hejab – Master of History, An-Najah National University, Nablus / Member of the Financial Committee.
  • Dr. Issam Halayqa – Birzeit University / Member of the Founding Committee.
  • Dr. Ghassan Najajreh – Dar Al-Kalima University, Bethlehem / Member of the Founding Committee.

The work of the Society on excavating and restoring the shrine of of Emad Al-Din on Mount Ebal, Nablus, is covered in Part 2 of this blog.

To find out more about the work of the Society for Palestinian Archaeology, please contact:

Loay Abu Alsaud

Department of Tourism and Archaeology,

Faculty of Humanities and Educational Sciences,

An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine

E-mail: loayabualsaud@najah.edu

Ayman Warasneh

Department of Tourism and Archaeology Security, Al-Istiqlal University, Jericho, Palestine

E-mail: a.warasneh@pass.ps

Salah Al-Houdalieh

The Institute of Archaeology, Al-Quds University, East Jerusalem

E-mail: shoudalieh@staff.alquds.edu

Dr. Loay Abu Alsaud is Associate Professor at An-Najah University in Nablus.

Part 2 of this blog, The Restoration and Documentation Project of the Shrine of Emad Al-Din on Mount Ebal, Nablus, focussing on one of the Society’s field projects, appears on the From the Field section of the website.