The
Throne village phenomenon in rural Palestine dates back
to the late Ottoman Period. Comprised of 24 villages
that were, during that time, the “county seats of the
local leaders," the Throne villages all boast period
architecture and invaluable heritage.
In 2006 with the
first grant provided by the Representative Office of the
Federal Republic of Germany, Riwaq initiated its
Preventive Conservation of Throne Village Palaces
Project with the Suhweil Castle in the village of Ibwein.
Further projects have included the preventive
conservation of the Ibn Samhan Castle in Ras Karkar—a
huge complex of more than 40 rooms, displaying a
defensive building style and believed to be one of the
most beautiful Throne village castles in the West Bank.
Also,
we implemented a conservation project of Al Jarrar in
Sanur—considered the largest Throne village castle in
the area, and the reconstruction of which guarantees the
castle to withstand the effects of time for years to
come. Additionally, the west wing of a square castle in
Ne’len, dating back to the 18th century, was restored.
The conservation of the 21 rooms and one huge courtyard
as well as four interior plazas will be utilized for a
community center. Safeguarding these historical legacies
is undoubtedly a significant contribution to the
protection of cultural heritage in Palestine.
