Cultural heritage in Palestine was, and still is, a very sensitive, ideologically and politically tainted issue. This is because heritage research in Palestine has been intricately tied to the region’s historical development since 1850. Thus, it is essential to review this context in order to properly assess the current status and its perspectives for the future. The aim of this assessment is not just to reflect the shortcomings, failures, and successes of past efforts, but also to trace the history of those tendencies which led towards today’s more scientific, objective and modern cultural heritage, which still struggles to free itself from the ideological pressure and influence of political conflicts.

Read full article