Cultural Emergency Response contributed a donation of 1,200 euro for the repair of the roof of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Demethros in Nablus that covers an unusual wooden ceiling. In May of this year, the roof was damaged as a result of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Greek Orthodox church of Saint Demethros in Nablus was built in 1861.The roof of the relatively small church covers a painted wooden ceiling.This type of ceiling is typical of Nablus and is only one of seven such ceilings in the city. In May this year, it suffered limited damage. But if the roof wasn’t repaired in time for the winter rains, the wooden ceiling beneath it would have been lost.The repair work was carried out just in time: soon after the work was completed, an estimated third of the region’s annual rainfall fell in Nablus.
The repair work was carried out by architect and restorer Naseer Arafat, based in Nablus. The emergency relief provided by CER prevented damage to the ceiling. Now financing can be sought for the complete restoration of the church.
The damaged roof of the Greek Orthodox Church in Nablus, Palestinian Territory, 2004. Photo: Naseer Arafat
CER provides emergency relief for cultural heritages that have been affected by man-made or natural disasters.
Cultural Emergency Response
Prince Claus Fund
Hoge Nieuwstraat 30
2514 EL The Hague
Tel. 31 (0)70 4274303
Fax 31 (0)70 4274277
E-mail cer@princeclausfund.nl
www.princeclausfund.nl
