On 19 January 2005, a military highway was built though the old city of Nablus on the Palestinian West Bank. This action had serious consequences for its immediate environment: houses, shops and workplaces were destroyed, and buildings that were located at a greater distance were frequently damaged as a consequence of constructing this highway. Many buildings in Nablus are propped up against each other for stability and share construction elements. Hence, if one building collapses, it will frequently bring down other buildings with it. The Abu Sarrieh and al-Sadder houses were built in approximately 1920 and form a unique representation of the Byzantine history of the City of Nablus.
The two houses were extensively damaged as a result of military action. CER’s donation of €11,000 enabled the shoring-up and repair of the houses’ retaining walls and facades, thus preventing their collapse.
A CER action in Nablus, Palestina: The fortification of the supporting walls and facades of the Abu Sarrieh and Al-Sadder mansion. Copyright: Naseer Arafat
A CER action in Nablus, Palestina: The fortification of the supporting walls and facades of the Abu Sarrieh and Al-Sadder mansion. Copyright: 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
