Architecture In Palestine

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

ARCHITECTURE IN PALESTINE

INSTRUCTOR: ALESSANDRA GOLA ASSISTANT: SHAHED ALNATSHEH BY: MANAR ASSAF 1190144 AREEN NABALI 1191388

Contents :

● Introduction ● Literature review & References ● Case Study Posters ● Al-JIB , ASSAF’S FAMILY HOUSE - Location - Economical & political Situation - Surrounding - Building ● ABWEIN, SEHWEIL PALACE - Location - The Area: Abwein - The Site: Sehweil Palace

Introduction

This report is talking about the architecture in palestine by analysing two case studies of a public and a private buildings in the late ottoman period.

The late Ottoman period in Palestine witnessed a convergence of cultures, ideologies, and architectural styles, culminating in the construction of remarkable structures that served as tangible reflections of the socio-political climate and historical crossroads of the region. This research delves into the enthralling stories of two iconic buildings, standing as timeless witnesses to the rich tapestry of Palestinian history during the late Ottoman era.

During this period, Palestine experienced significant transformations, shaped by imperial ambitions, trade routes, and burgeoning nationalism. Against this backdrop, the architectural landscape of Palestine flourished, showcasing a blend of traditional local craftsmanship and influences from the diverse civilizations that have traversed its land. Our study focuses on two distinct architectural gems that epitomize the dynamic cultural interactions and the evolving socio-economic fabric of the late Ottoman Palestine.

Literature review & References

Literature Review The late Ottoman period in Palestine witnessed a confluence of multiple influences that shaped both society and architecture. Political dynamics, urbanisation, European and Islamic architectural influences, and the preservation of traditional village architecture all played significant roles. The legacy of this era is still visible today, with architectural landmarks standing as a testament to the rich history and diverse cultural heritage of Palestine.

Understanding these influences allows us to appreciate the complexities of the late Ottoman period and its lasting impact on Palestinian society and architecture.

The late Ottoman period in Palestine was marked by a complex political landscape. The Young Turk Revolution of 1908 brought about a constitutional regime, leading to increased political awareness and activism among Palestinians. Political societies emerged, promoting nationalistic sentiments and demanding greater autonomy. The rise of nationalist movements, such as the Arab Club and the Young Arab Society, reflected the growing desire for greater autonomy and self-governance.The Ottoman central government's policies, including land reforms and administrative changes, had a profound impact on Palestinian society and shaped the architectural landscape.At the same time, the late Ottoman period saw an increase in European influence in the region. European powers, particularly Britain and France, exerted political and economic influence in the Ottoman Empire, including Palestine. This influence had implications for the architecture of Palestine as European architectural styles and urban planning concepts were introduced and adopted.

The late Ottoman period witnessed significant urbanisation and modernization in Palestine. The development of transportation infrastructure, such as railways and improved roads, facilitated the growth of cities and towns .Growing economic opportunities resulted in increased urban migration. Cities such as Jerusalem, Jaffa, and Nablus experienced rapid expansion and the emergence of new neighbourhoods, leading to the emergence of new neighbourhoods and the transformation of existing ones. This urban growth necessitated the construction of modern buildings and infrastructure, blending local architectural traditions with European influences.In terms of modernization, Doumani examines the impact of external forces, such as European colonialism and global trade, on Palestine during the late Ottoman period. He investigates how these influences shaped the economy, infrastructure, and social structures of the region. The author also explores the responses and adaptations of the local population to these transformations.

The late Ottoman period witnessed socio-cultural transformations in Palestinian society.

Educational reforms and the establishment of modern schools such as the Arab College in Jerusalem facilitated a shift towards literacy and the spread of new ideas. The press played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and fostering intellectual discourse. Literary societies and cultural clubs emerged, promoting Arabic language and literature. These developments had a profound impact on the cultural identity of Palestinians fostering intellectual discourse and a sense of cultural identity and influenced architectural styles that incorporated elements of Arab-Islamic heritage.The introduction of printing presses and the proliferation of newspapers, journals, and other print media played a crucial role in disseminating new ideas, political ideologies, and cultural expressions. This facilitated the emergence of Arab intellectual movements and contributed to the formation of a collective Arab identity.

European architectural styles greatly influenced the late Ottoman architecture in Palestine.

The increased contact with the West, particularly during the late 19th century, brought about the introduction of new construction techniques, materials, and design principles. European-inspired buildings, characterised by eclectic styles such as Neoclassical, Renaissance Revival, and Art Nouveau, began to appear in urban centres. Notable examples include the iconic Russian Compound in Jerusalem and the Manshiyya neighbourhood in Jaffa.The European influence can be seen in various aspects of architectural design, including the use of new building materials, construction techniques, and decorative elements. For example, European architects introduced the use of iron and glass in construction, which allowed for the creation of larger windows and more intricate designs. European decorative motifs, such as arches, columns, and ornamental detailing, were also incorporated into Palestinian architecture during this period.It is important to note that the specific details and extent of European architectural influences in Palestine during the late Ottoman period can vary depending on the region, local preferences, and the architects involved Parallel to European influences, a significant revival of Islamic architecture occurred during the late Ottoman period in Palestine. Inspired by a renewed interest in Islamic heritage, architects incorporated traditional elements into their designs, seeking to create buildings that reflected an Islamic identity. Mosques, religious schools (madrasas), and public buildings often featured distinct Ottoman architectural characteristics, such as domes, minarets, and intricate geometric patterns.During this period, architects and builders drew inspiration from historical Islamic architectural styles, such as the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Mamluk periods. Traditional elements such as domes, arches, minarets, and decorative motifs were reintroduced and reinterpreted in the construction of mosques, palaces, and public buildings.

Literature Review While urban centres experienced profound transformations, traditional Palestinian village architecture largely retained its unique characteristics during the late Ottoman period.

Palestinian villages maintained a close relationship with their surrounding agricultural landscapes, resulting in a harmonious integration of buildings with the natural environment.

The use of local stone, flat roofs, and courtyard houses prevailed, emphasising functionality and community cohesion. The typical Palestinian village house during this period was constructed with stone or adobe walls, which provided thermal insulation and helped regulate interior temperatures in the region's climate. The roofs were often flat and made of wood, supported by beams and covered with layers of mud, soil, and sometimes terracotta tiles.

The houses were usually organised around a central courtyard, which served as a multi-purpose space for family activities, social gatherings, and agricultural activities. Different parts of the house were designated for specific functions, such as living areas, storage spaces, and animal shelters.Decorative elements in Palestinian village architecture during this period were relatively simple, with a focus on geometric patterns and floral motifs. Ornamentation was often found on doorways, windows, and interior walls.

It is important to note that the late Ottoman period encompassed a vast geographic area, and the architectural influences varied across regions and countries. Additionally, while some movements originated within the Ottoman Empire, others were imported from Europe and other parts of the world. several architectural and design schools, approaches, and movements emerged worldwide. Here are a few notable ones : Neo-Islamic Architecture: This movement aimed to revive and reinterpret traditional Islamic architectural elements and forms. It found expression in various regions influenced by the Ottoman Empire, such as Egypt, Iran, and India.

Orientalism: Orientalism was a European artistic and design movement that romanticised and appropriated Oriental cultures, including Ottoman elements. It influenced architecture, interior design, and decorative arts.

Eclecticism: Eclecticism was a prevailing architectural style during the late Ottoman period, characterised by the combination of different historical and regional architectural styles. Architects blended elements from various sources, including Classical, Gothic, Renaissance, and Islamic.

Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo: These revivalist styles gained popularity in Europe and its colonies during the late Ottoman period. They featured elaborate ornamentation, asymmetry, and theatricality.

Art Nouveau: Art Nouveau, an international style, emerged in the late 19th century. It was characterised by organic forms, flowing lines, and natural motifs. Although primarily associated with Western Europe, its influence reached various parts of the world, including the Ottoman Empire.

Neo-Gothic: Neo-Gothic architecture, a revival of the mediaeval Gothic style, was prominent in Europe and its colonies during the late Ottoman period. It featured pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and ornate decorations.

Neoclassicism: Neoclassical architecture, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman designs, was prevalent during the late Ottoman period. This style emphasised symmetry, clean lines, and classical motifs.

Modernism: Although not as prominent during the late Ottoman period, early modernist ideas began to emerge in architecture. The modernist movement sought to break away from historical styles, embracing functionalism, simplicity, and technological innovation.

Literature Review New architectural techniques introduced by the Ottoman rulers were gradually adopted, though not universally. Jerusalem was redeveloped under Ottoman rule, its walls rebuilt, the Dome of the Rock retiled and the water system renovated. Acre also underwent a massive renovation during this time and it is the best example of urban Ottoman architecture in Palestine with several khans, two bath houses, three main souqs, at least ten mosques and a citadel. The el-Jazzar Mosque is particularly impressive with its pencil-like minaret and large central dome.

Hammam al-Basha features fine decorative detailing in the form of Armenian tilework and inlaid marble floors. Houses in Acre built during this period range between two and four-storeys and many have wooden ceilings decorated with paintwork. Other important cities during the period of Ottoman rule include Hebron, Nablus, Ramla, Jaffa, Safad, and Tiberias.

Most of these cities were surrounded by fortifications, and the best surviving example from this period is the wall re-constructed around Tiberias by Zahir al-Umar.

Housing varied by region, with mud-brick houses common along the coast, of which there are few surviving examples today. Predominant features of stone houses were the domed roofs which in the 18th century were often decorated with swirls, rosettes and semi-circles formed of carved plaster. Roofs in the Galilee region were different in their use of transverse stone arches that supported short beams over which the roof was laid.

Ottoman fortresses that served as garrisons for the Ottoman troops were abundant outside of Jerusalem. These large square or rectangular structures with square corner towers can still be seen at Ras al-Ain near Jafa, Khan al-Tujjar near Kafr Kanna, and Qal'at Burak south of Jerusalem.

The culture of building balconies and arches became famous in the Ottoman era, and although many of these monuments remain, part of them no longer exists. Palestine is full of ancient Ottoman houses and palaces, whose ancient towns were and still are a witness to its civilisation. Its residences ranged from a simple country house to large palaces, whose traditional architecture flourished in one of the longest historical stages of the region, which spanned nearly four centuries.

Seven towers were built in different Palestinian cities at the end of the Ottoman era, specifically in 1901 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdul Hamid II ascended the Ottoman throne (located in Jerusalem, Haifa, Jaffa, Acre, Safed, Nazareth, Nablus - and is considered one of the most important remaining architectural monuments in Palestine.

At the end of the Ottoman era, a number of local architects who returned from abroad emerged. One of the most important was Murqus Nassar, who was officially the first architect in Bethlehem. The monastery of the closed Sisters of Paradise in the village of Artas is his first work, in which he worked alongside his brother in 1901. A large number of pilgrims, sculptors and workers from different towns in Palestine worked in it, and work in it lasted for three years. The Ottoman Empire seconded Nassar to build the road between Jerusalem and Jaffa, and between Jerusalem and Hebron. A number of Western architects who settled in Palestine in that period also emerged, the most important of which were German-American orientalist engineer Gottlieb Schumacher. After talking about Palestine in the Ottoman era, we will zoom in a little bit and start talking about the area where our site is located, which is called Abwein.

Abwein (Arabic: ) is a Palestinian village in the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, located about 37 kilometres north of Ramallah in the northern West Bank. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, Abwein's population was 3,119 in 2007.

Abwein's main agricultural products are olives, figs, grapes, apples, peaches, pears, and vegetables.[citation needed] There are three schools in the town with about 1,200 students and about 200 students are enrolled in various Palestinian universities. Abwein also has three mosques, the largest of which is the Farouk Mosque. Abwein now is full of buildings which were built in many era’s, the build up area raised and the population so.

Abwein, a town famous for its old town consisting of 230 historic buildings, the most important of which are Sahweil Castle. It is a modern castle in terms of size and shape, and a typical castle with its almost square layout, two floors, and the canals surrounding the main square. This castle was the centre of governance for the region during the Ottoman rule.

References 1. Khalidi, R. (1997). Palestinian identity: The construction of modern national consciousness. Columbia University Press 2. Doumani, B. (1995). Rediscovering Palestine: Merchants and peasants in Jabal Nablus, 1700-1900. University of California Press.

3. Abu-Manneh, B. (2013). The making of the Arab intellectual: Political economy and ideology in the Arab world. I.B. Tauris.

4. Jarrar, S., & Alsharif, S. (2003). Palestine and its architectural heritage as reflected in selected mosques and shrines in Jerusalem. Traditional Dwellings and Settlements Review,.

5. Tabbaa, Y. (2008). Constructions of power and piety in mediaeval Aleppo. Pennsylvania State University Press.

6. Baramki, D., & Sahoury, S. (1995). Palestinian village housing in the late Ottoman and early British mandate periods. Traditional Dwellings and Settlements Review.

7. Petersen, Andrew (2002). Dictionary of Islamic Architecture. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-203-20387-3.

8. Pringle, D. (1998), The Churches of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem: L-Z (excluding Tyre), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-39037-0 9. Ragette, Friedrich (2003). Traditional domestic architecture of the Arab Region (2nd, illustrated ed.). Edition Axel Menges. ISBN 978-3-932565-30-4.

10. "Ancient Muslim Ruins Found in Israel ... Again". Fox News. Associated Press. March 17, 2010. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved 2011-08-17.

Case Study Posters

Our chosin Case studies

Al-Jib, in the northwest of Jerusalem, at a distance of ten kilometres from it, rising from sea level about 710m.

The village of Al-Jib dates back from (3300 to 3000 BC) in the present place of the village an important Canaanite village was established during the Bronze and Iron Ages (Gibeon), which means hill. Its land area is 8,750 dunums.

There are many archaeological sites in the village of Al-Jib, such as the ancient water pool, the Byzantine church, oil presses, and ancient caves. Al-Jib was an economic trade point due to its location on the road between Jerusalem and Ramallah. The village was a meeting place for Palestinian merchants from the West Bank, and it contributed to the prosperity of trade in that area. This economic situation continued until the first years of the second intifada, but it ended in 2006 with the construction of The annexation wall and expansion that surrounded the village and isolated it from occupied Jerusalem. In the picture, the house of one of the village families, the Assaf Family, was built during the Ottoman period .

Sehweil palace or castle is one of the most wonderful buildings in Palestine located in Abwayn village which was built by Khalil Sehweil around two centuries ago in the Ottoman era. It is one of many castles that were built in the Ottomans era and used by the head of every community.

The castle contains beautiful entrances, rooms, oil wells and courtyard, and it was built with a difficult type of stone (small stones), not like other buildings around it.

In 2006 a nonprofit community called Rewaq started recreation for this building so now it looks good.

Al-JIB ASSAF’S FAMILY HOUSE

Location Al Jib is a Palestinian village in the center of the West Bank, located 10 km northwest of Jerusalem and 13 km south of Ramallah. On the same site as the ancient city of Gibeon stands the village of Al Jib, whose name originates from the original Canaanite city name.

'Gibeon' as a name may refer to one of the city's Canaanite kings or it may be derived from the root word 'jub' meaning a well, or the word 'jaba' meaning hill (Biladuna Filistine Encyclopedia).It contains 83 old houses, most of which date back to the seventeenth century, and some of them may be older than that.

The total area of Al-Jib is 8205 dunums, of which 358 dunums are built. It is inhabited by 4282 people in 2019‫ز‬

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Palestine Westbank 1:2,000,000

Westbank Jerusalem Governorate 1:600,000

Before al nakba

Jerusalem Governorate Al-Jib 1:250,000

A view of el-jib from Nebi Samwil as it appeared in an engraving of about two centuries ago

Al-Jib 1:15,000

Before 1920 PalestineRemembered

Ramallah

�� 📍

Rafat

��

Al Jib Bir Nabala

Biddu

It is surrounded by a number of neighboring towns, villages and refugee camps, such as: Beituniya (north), Bir Nabala (east), Al Nabi Samoul, Beddu and Beit ljza (south), and Beit Duggo (west).

Annexation Wall Main Road Al-Jib Boundaries

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Building

Wheat cultivation and milling shaped Al Jib's relationship with rural surroundings. In the 1970s, a wheat mill was owned by Dar Abdel-Aal, making it a popular destination during harvest season. The mill was demolished, and a restaurant now serves the same family.

According to archaeological and historical references, the village's history dates back to the middle Bronze Age and it had been populated during the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic periods. The survey and excavation findings documented 34 historic sites and features in Al Jib, making it one of the most important historical towns in Palestine.

The area known as Tal Al Ras has, without doubt, the most significant archaeological feature of the ancient city's water system dating back to the Iron Age II. This is made up of a great cylindrical stepped pool (11 metres in diameter and 14 in depth), an engraved stepped tunnel leading to the water spring, as well as the remains of an industrial area with a wine press and wine containers cut into the rock.

Economical & political Situation Pottery making was a significant ancient craft in Al Jib, known for its pottery vessels. Women in the village practiced it, making pots and jars for sale in Jerusalem or other cities. The craft was linked to the surrounding areas, relying on soil from the Al Matayen area and salt from Al Nabi Samuel.

The Al-Matayen area in Al-Jib village was the main source of soil suitable for making the clay, which was used in the pottery industry in the village. Al-Ma tayen area is located in the northwestern part of the village. In 1977, the settlement of Givat Ze'ev was built in the Al Matayen area, and itis currently outside the boundaries of the apartheid wall which makes it inaccessible from Al Jib.

Matayen

Al Jib

En Nabi Samwil

Ramallah

Rafat

Aerial photo showing matayen before construction of the Israeli separation wall begins Before 2004 Bir nabala was the link between Ramallah and jerusalem but when the Annexation wall was built it segregated the communities especially villages northwest of Jerusalem (Biddu ,Al qbeiba , Beit Surik …) , the only way for them to reach ramallah is the main street between Biddu and AlJib through a tunnel which made the street more active and led the economy .

Al Jib

�� Annexation Wall Main Road Al-Jib Boundaries

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Building Tunnel Confiscated part

Biddu

Bir Nabala

At the locality level, the highest area planted with vegetables was in Al-Jib cluster, which reached 207 dunums, or 58.1% of the vegetable area in Jerusalem Governorate, followed by Al-Jedira cluster, which reached 31 dunums, or 8.6%, during the agricultural year 2020/2021.

Work for the Israeli occupation

Surrounding The town was not spared from acts of negligence, demolition and vandalism, in addition to various forms of encroachment that endanger its historic fabric and structures. During past years, some historic buildings were demolished to make room for contemporary structures. In addition, buildings and courtyards were misused as stables for livestock and spaces for grazing. Despite the archaeological value of Al Jib as a historic site with its old town and other archaeological features, it is still subject to illegal excavations that affect both its historic buildings and ancient monuments.

AL SHEIKH HAMED SHRINE

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Abdullah bin nawas mosque

Agriculture sector

Employee sector

Assaf’s Family house

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The historic area, including the old village centre, also has distinguished historic buildings such Byzantine hall known locally as 'the church'.

Al-Jib village's architectural monument, Al Sheikh Hamed, is closely related to everyday socio-religious life.

The shrine, located on the northern edge of the historic center, features a green dome and red and blue murals surrounding the Sheikh's tomb. Its building likely dates back to the Mamluk period or has been renovated. Despite being detached from everyday life, the shrine is still present in villagers' stories of honoring, vows, and women covering it with garments.

The building

The building owner is NAZZAL ASSAF (1944-2021) He inherited the house from his father JAMEEL ASSSAF , It is a private house that was inhabited mainly by a family of 8 people ,the expansion of the house was on different stages that can be seen by using different materials and architectural elements ,and the use of every room has changed by time , The use of the building was for housing, as well as for sheep and storage of crops, due to the dependence of the villagers on agriculture represented by olives, wheat, and chickpeas and making pottery and wine. at the moment the house is not inhabited .

3D SKETCH

PLAN

First floor

Ground floor

EXTERIOR

INTERIOR

USE

Ground floorv

Ottoman elements

Stone randomly shaped creating ribbed vaults

Column in the middle to support the ceiling

Mainly was for everyday use for people then when the first floor was built it became for storage and animals

Stairs for the expansion of the first floor

Ceiling :ribbed vaults Flooring : cement material Roofs :oblate

Used for everyday use , living sleeping …

First floor

First floor

The use of the building was for housing, as well as for sheep and storage of crops, due to the dependence of the villagers on agriculture represented by olives, wheat, and chickpeas and making pottery and wine.

The rectangular door shape is indication that it is built after the ottoman period

This part was built in 2021 by riwaq trying to restore the building and the old town in general

Two Bathrooms

It is used for public meetings and

ABWEIN SEHWEIL PALACE

Location

Abwein (Arabic: ‫ )ﻋﺑوﯾن‬is a Palestinian village in the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, located about 37 kilometers north of Ramallah in the northern West Bank.

According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, Abwein's population was 3,119 in 2007.

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Palestine

Sehweil’s Tower is located in the old town of Abwein village

WestBank

Ramallah Governorate

Abwein

The Area: Abwein Abwein's main agricultural products are olives, figs, grapes, apples, peaches, pears, and vegetables.[citation needed] There are three schools in the town with about 1,200 students and about 200 students are enrolled in various Palestinian universities. Abwein also has three mosques, the largest of which is the Farouk Mosque.

Abwein now are full of buildings which built in many era’s, the build up area raised and the population so.

Abwein may appear to be a regular village on first inspection, but it is actually home to a fascinatingly restored old town and the spectacular remains of a palace. Located adjacent to Rawabi, Abwein is primarily agricultural 37 km north of Ramallah. But its old town is a true gem, with excellent regeneration work turning the area into a living museum, with maps explaining what the various buildings were used for.

BEFORE 1948

AFTER 1948

ABWEIN’S CHRONOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT The village was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1517 with all of Palestine, and in 1596 it appeared in the Ottoman tax registers as being in the nahiya (subdistrict) of Quds, part of the liwa (district) of Quds. It had a population of 53 households, all Muslims. The villagers paid a fixed tax rate of 33.3% on wheat, barley, olive trees, vineyards, fruit trees, goats and/or beehives; a total of 8,750 akçe.

All of the revenue went to a Waqf

Land Ownership

Donums

Arab

16199

Jewish

0

Public

6

Total

16205

Land Use

Donums

In 1838 it was noted as a Muslim village in the Bani Zeid administrative region.

Irrigated & Plantation

1863

In 1870 Victor Guérin visited the village, which he called "A'youein", and estimated it to have about 300 inhabitants. He described it as having abundant water-sources, beautiful walnut trees, and gardens with figs, olives and pomegranates.[11] An Ottoman village list of about the same year, 1870, showed that Abwein had 158 houses and a population of 429, though the population count included men only.

Olive Groves

925

Planted W/ Cereal

8296

Built up

36

Arable

10159

Non-Arable

6010

In 1882, the PEF's Survey of Western Palestine described Abwein as a village situated on the slope of a hill, with a well to the south, and olive trees on its lower north side.

In 1896 the population of Abwein was estimated to be about 933 persons.

Year

Population

Year

Population

1922

543

1987

1672

1931

695

1997

2429

1961

1174

2005

3319

1982

1001

2007

3550

The village of Abwein surrounded by Khirbat Qeis

Bani zeid al sharqiya

Amuriya

Jiljilya

Ajul

Rawabi

Land Use

Donums

Irrigated & Plantation

1863

Olive Groves

925

Planted W/ Cereal

8296

Built up

36

Arable

10159

Non-Arable

6010

Atara

The Site: Sehweil Palace

The best feature has to be Suhweil Palace, an Arab fortress which is in good enough shape to be able to explore all of its various rooms, from the kitchen to the main hall. The stone steps leading to the upper floors can also be traversed, allowing access to the rooftop and its wonderful vistas. It’s the kind of place that, if it were in Europe, would be decked out with car park, café, gift shop and various information boards.

Sehweil Tower - Abwein Abwein, a town famous for its old town consisting of 230 historic buildings, the most important of which are Sahweil Castle. It is an modern castle in terms of size and shape, and a typical castle with its almost square layout, two floors, and the canals surrounding the main square. This castle was the center of governance for the region during the Ottoman rule.

Ground floor

Ground floor

First floor

First floor

BUILDING OWNERSHIP

Sehweil tower was built nearly in 1700s So we talk about around 300 years

The owner of Sehweil Tower is Sehweil family

BUILDING USE ● At the beginning it was built for the feudal lord Al-Sheikh Sehweil to collect taxes from the villagers in the ottoman era, also! Some parts was used as a court amd execution chambers. ● After the ottoman era it was abandoned and subversive. ● Then Riwaq started a restoration for the tower but its still deserted.

It contains imposing gates, vestibules, iwans, oil wells, and a wide courtyard. The area of its buildings with the surrounding land is three dunums.

Shots for Sehweil tower from The Palestinian Museum Digital Archive

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