Cultural Heritage and Awareness Contribution in Development: Kh. Al-Karmil as a Case Study
Date
2019-12-15
Authors
Shireen Mahmoud Khader Allan
شيرين محمود خضر علان
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Al-Quds University
Abstract
The Study designed to investigate and evaluate the cultural heritage value and community awareness in the economic development of Al-Karmil town. Using the available archaeological, historical and ethnographical resources as a parameter to examine the local community opinions regarding their Cultural Heritage in relation to economic and social aspects feasibility.
This study is shedding light on the impact of culture heritage in the potential of sustainable development in the socio-economy of the local people. Therefore, it is eventually skewing towards the significance of Cultural Heritage Awareness as a tool for understanding and appreciating heritage values to be able to maintain the past and present human activities culture within their environmental context.
The Main goal of the study is to raise the awareness of the local community regarding their Culture Heritage. This can be achieved via, first, protecting cultural heritage of the archaeological sites, traditional buildings and Handicrafts via contributing in the identification and documentation of cultural heritage elements. Second, encouraging local people to employ these resources in the field of economic development, which will reduce unemployment and poverty and would lead to an increase in their dignity and wellbeing.
To achieve this goal, the research sought on combining the sciences of archeology, ethnography and development of the current status of Kh. Al-Karmil and the surrounding area in south of Hebron. As potentials of cultural heritage based on people effective management, then further awareness and economic benefits contributes in sustainable development investment.
The study adopted the method of exploration and description, which enriches the research study in the field of development and economics. Questionnaire was distributed between 132 respondents participated in the research whereby 104 questionnaires were filled and returned, 15 interviewed from different categories, especially older people and decision makers; and 15 interviews was conducted to 10 key informants from responsible institutions.
Finally, the study indicated that the available heritage assets are being destroyed. Despite of the prevalence of manifestations of negligence in the archaeological site, and the prevalence of manifestations of illegal random construction, and the findings indicated that the available heritage assets still are generally known. This study suggested that there should be effective strategies to promote and guide public awareness to identify and document elements of cultural heritage in Al-Karmil town. Many of oral stories were collected, some of which were documented in this study.