Israel's systematic war against historical Palestinian buildings

 January 2004

Introduction:

Nablus is a historical city which dates back as far as the Canaanites. Historians consider it one of the World's oldest cities as it existed for more than 6000 years. It was named Shechem by its first builders as such name was mentioned in Tel Al Amarnah letters in 1400 BC. The city was destroyed by the Romans in the year 67. Nevertheless, the Roman Caesar issued his orders to commander Sir Palis to rebuild the city which called later called NeyaPolis ( New City) which was the origin of the city's current name.

Nablus is known for its strategic location, rich history, tall mountains, old houses, snake-like allies, industry, mosques and its universities.

Type of Violation:

The threat by the Israeli Army to damage and destroy Abdel Hadi family's Palace.

Violation Date:

December 29^th, 2003

Palace's Historical Background:

The Palace was built more than 220 years ago during the Ottoman era. Dr. Saleh Rushdi Abdel Hadi, dean of Al Rawda Polytechnic College in Nablus and owner of the Palace, indicated that Mahmoud Biek Abdel Hadi started building the Palace which was completed by Abdel Raheem Biek Abdel Hadi who gave it 20 years after its completion to the Islamic Waqf (Charity) in the year 1257 according to Islamic calendar. 

Palace's Detailed Description:

The Palace was built on an area of about 8,000 m² with an amphitheatrical shape. In the middle of it there exists a 3,000 m² rectangular garden built using Islamic style of decoration where the visitor can witness rare Islamic ornaments and paintings. As such, there have been a great number of engineers and architects visiting the site throughout the years to take lessons about the Islamic style of building. The number of rooms in the Palace is 144 with an area of each is 35 m².

Usages of the Palace:

·        It was used by the Ottomans as a center for the Turkish Army stationed at the north of Palestine. It was, also, used as a place where the poets and elites of the Nablus and surrounding villages and towns met.

·        In the near past and in the current era, the Palace was used in the following manner:

1. The first and second floors were used in 1949 as a kindergarten. It was then developed to be used both as kindergarten and an elementary school until 1960 when a secondary school was added to the same location. In 1961, the secondary phase was moved to a different location and the kindergarten stayed in the location up until today where more than 120 children attend school.
2. Currently, the Palace holds the Diwan of Abdel Hadi Family.
3. The third floor houses 10 Abdel Hadi families (50 individuals). They include the families of :

·        Mr. Nizam Rashad Abel Hadi

·        Mr. Hisham Tahseen Abdel Hadi

·        Mr. Ayman Badee' Abdel Hadi

·        Mr. Mo'een Badee' Abdel Hadi

·        Mr. Ma'amoon Badee' Abdel Hadi

·        Mr. Nader Rashad Abdel Hadi

·        Mr. Mazen Shawqi Abdel Hadi

·        Mr. Mohammad Shawqi Abedl Hadi

·        Mr. Dorgham Shawqi Abdel Hadi.

The above-mentioned data indicates that the Palace is still being used despite its old age and the fact that he was hit and slightly damaged during the 1927 earthquake.

The Violation:

At about 4:00 AM of the morning of December 29^th 2003, a large Israeli force surrounded the Palace and its immediate vicinity. The inhabitants of the Palace were forced out of it under heavy gunfire. Doors were broken and furniture was damaged in front of the eyes of the inhabitants. The Palace was occupied as students were prevented from reaching the kindergarten located inside of it. Moreover, tens of surrounding houses belonging to the Ghanem and Shi'ebi families were also occupied. On January 1^st 2004, a tank shell pierced through the house of Al Shi'ebi family, destroying in it in the process, and damaged the eastern wall of the Palace. No reports of the damage to the Palace are available due to the current curfew on the city of Nablus.

Copyright ©  LRC 2004.    All rights reserved.