Integrated management structure for cultural heritage in Palestine

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated management structure for the identification and evaluation of Palestine’s heritage, although the unending Israeli occupation poses a huge, multi-faceted constraint. Necessarily, the approach chosen considers aptly the local culture, values, dynamics and context, assimilating the significance of a broader range of different, diverse historical and cultural resources with a variety of meanings, tangible and otherwise, across various sections of the population.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-technique strategy emphasized the combination of between-technique triangulation in the implementation to enhance and improve substantially the related internal legitimacy of the investigation. A thorough exploration was executed via field investigation survey, meetings with the local communities and conservation questionnaires. Equally useful was the second method employed to gain valuable information on the transformation of conservation activities in highly diverse geological and cultural cases in the USA, France and Egypt.

Findings

This research consequently produced a much needed, important approach for the recognition, assessment and administration of Palestine’s ancient cultural assets with respect to native culture, standards, non-static aspects and boundaries.

Originality/value

The study assists the authorities and decision makers in developing mechanisms for the management of the cultural heritage that would stop the expansion of Israeli settlements as a form of non-violent resistance.

Citation

Shehada, Z.M.M., Yaacob, N.M. and Keumala, N.I.M. (2015), "Integrated management structure for cultural heritage in Palestine", Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 224-247. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-12-2013-0050