Building Destruction: The Consequences of Rising Urbanization on Cultural Heritage in the Ramallah Province

Abstract

Urbanization, particularly in terms of private housing construction, constitutes a mounting threat to cultural heritage sites in Palestine. At risk are not only archaeological sites, but traditional architecture and other locations of cultural heritage. The Ramallah province serves as a practical case study by which to examine how this process of urbanization affects the cultural heritage of the region, because of the increased rate of development the province has experienced over the past decade. This urbanization has proceeded with relatively little governmental oversight and administration by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and is typified by an absence of planning, which often places sites of cultural, historical, and archaeological significance in severe jeopardy. This article considers both the internal and external factors affecting the urbanization of Ramallah and proposes solutions to mitigate the dangers to cultural heritage posed by unchecked urban growth.Urbanization, particularly in terms of private housing construction, constitutes a mounting threat to cultural heritage sites in Palestine. At risk are not only archaeological sites, but traditional architecture and other locations of cultural heritage. The Ramallah governorate serves as a practical case study by which to examine how this process of urbanization affects the cultural heritage of the region, because of the increased rate of development the governorate has experienced over the past decade. Since the establishment of limited Palestinian administration of the West Bank and Gaza Strip through the Oslo Accords of 1993 and 1995, the

A systematic review of literature on contested heritage

“…The booming tourism industry which regards heritage as a core resource has caused a major contestation especially in terms of packaging the past (Baillie et al, 2010). The rapid urban development which involves a level of devastation, ruination, and forced resettlement also poses threat to the longevity and security of heritage (Al-Houdalieh & Sauders, 2009). However, both tourism and urbanism could be valuable conceptual and empirical frames to understand the multiple facets of contested heritage.…”

Impact of urban sprawl to cultural heritage monuments: The case study of Paphos area in Cyprus

“…As Al-Houdalieh and Sauders [7] argue, aspects of human development deemed positive and progressive construction, cultivation and expansion equally threaten the longevity and security of cultural heritage, yet often fail to generate the same widespread condemnation. The formidable forces of unplanned development, incessant productivity, rampant innovation, and heedless technical advance can dramatically change the environment and landscape of an area.…”

From river to Riverfront: how meanings and cultural heritage change. The case of the Sabarmati Riverfront project, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

“…Despite this considerable body of knowledge, there is little empirical evidence examining the impact of specific urbanization processes or projects on the relationships Indians have with the river as part of their traditions, everyday practices and heritage (after Rountree, 2012). The research reviewed here suggests that urbanisation poses a threat to cultural heritage (al-Houdalieh and Sauders, 2009; after Arabindoo, 2011) and people's sense of identity (Radoine, 2013). We examine if this is the case for an ongoing regeneration project in Gujarat.…”