A survey was conducted to assess the impact of war on the Old City. In the first two months, 70% of commercial shops were closed, and 90% of souvenir shops, hotels, and tourism services have remained closed for the past 13 months. As part of this effort, a comprehensive profile of the Old City and its urban functions was developed to better understand the interconnected roles of its residential, commercial, cultural, and religious...
A survey was conducted to assess the impact of war on the Old City. In the first two months, 70% of commercial shops were closed, and 90% of souvenir shops, hotels, and tourism services have remained closed for the past 13 months. As part of this effort, a comprehensive profile of the Old City and its urban functions was developed to better understand the interconnected roles of its residential, commercial, cultural, and religious sectors. This profile highlighted the city's unique dynamics and the vulnerabilities exacerbated by the conflict.
In response, an Old City community group was formed to analyze the war's impact and propose communal interventions for recovery. This group includes residents of the Old City, educational institutions, Churches, the Islamic Waqf administration, and representatives of merchants, tour operators, and hotel owners. The group contributed significantly to assessing the war’s impact and designing strategies to safeguard the city’s cultural, social, and historical fabric amidst ongoing challenges. These strategies emphasize preserving traditions, highlighting neighborhood identities, and ensuring the rich heritage is passed down to future generations. Recovery efforts also prioritize urban revitalization to restore the Old City’s vibrancy and livability, aligning with the community’s aspirations for a thriving Palestinian living space. (See publication)