Revitalization and Development of AL-Habalah Quarter A Study in Urban Conservation and Revitalization of the Old Town of Nablus”

Palestine contains many historic cities such as Jerusalem, Nablus, Bethlehem and Hebron. These historic cities are in great danger of deterioration by neglect, misuse or by the destruction mainly by the assaults of the Israeli occupation that resulted in the destruction of the historical sites and buildings. Such situation emphasizes the importance of preservation of these historical sites. This thesis tries to present a proposal for a strategic plan for the revitalization and development of Al-Habalah Quarter, as a sample of the quarters of the Old City of Nablus. This is achieved through the study of the morphology of the urban fabric of Al-Habalah Quarter and its urban and architectural components, besides of the study of the social and economical situation for the inhabitants. This thesis basically depends on the descriptive and analytical approach, using some tools of scientific research such as: questionnaire, field study, personal interviews with the local inhabitants and specialists in the Municipality of Nablus. The study pointed that Al-Habalah Quarter contains a lot of urban and architectural elements of significant cultural value, such as palaces, squares, paths, vaults and soap factories, which need clear conservation strategy. Al-Habalah Quarter forms the north-east part of the Old City which is an important location that should be properly connected with the adjacent modern parts of the city of Nablus. Also the study pointed to the lack of inhabitants’ awareness of the importance of these valuable elements and the necessity of saving them. The study recommended the need to put a clear strategy for the conservation and development of Al-Habalah Quarter, in addition to the importance of improving the social and economical situation of the inhabitants. Finally the study recommended the need of coordinating and cooperation between the different authorities, institutions or any relative entities such as the Municipality of Nablus, Al-Najah University and the Ministry of Tourism in any work or plan concerning Al-Habaleh Quarter in particular and the Old City of Nablus in general, side by side with the public participation of the local inhabitants in such projects.