Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir in Palestinian Territory

Facts and Data

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2014
Size of heritage: 349 ha
- Buffer zone: 624 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 35,131°
Latitude: 31,720°

Summary

This site is located a few kilometres south-west of Jerusalem, in the Central Highlands between Nablus and Hebron. The Battir hill landscape comprises a series of farmed valleys, known as widian, with characteristic stone terraces, some of which are irrigated for market garden production, while others are dry and planted with grapevines and olive trees. The development of terrace farming in such a mountainous region is supported by a network of irrigation channels fed by underground sources. A traditional system of distribution is then used to share the water collected through this network between families from the nearby village of Battir.

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Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir

The UNESCO World Heritage site "Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir" is located in the Palestinian Territory, specifically at coordinates N31 43 11 E35 7 50. This cultural landscape holds immense historical and cultural significance, representing the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature for centuries.

History

The history of this heritage site dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement in the area since the Canaanite period. Battir, the village at the heart of this landscape, has witnessed the rise and fall of various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Crusaders.

One of the most remarkable features of this site is its ancient agricultural terraces, which were built by the inhabitants of Battir over centuries. These terraces, supported by stone walls, allowed the cultivation of olives, grapes, and other crops on the steep slopes of the landscape. The irrigation system, known as "qanats," was developed to efficiently distribute water throughout the terraces.

During the Ottoman period, Battir became an important agricultural center, supplying Jerusalem and other nearby cities with its renowned olive oil and grapes. The village's economy thrived, and its cultural landscape flourished.

Current State

Today, the cultural landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir, faces numerous challenges due to political conflicts and urbanization. The construction of the Israeli separation barrier threatened the integrity of the site, as it would have divided the landscape and disrupted the traditional agricultural practices.

However, through the efforts of local communities, international organizations, and UNESCO, the site has been successfully preserved and recognized as a World Heritage site. The inscription in 2014 highlighted the importance of safeguarding the cultural and natural heritage of this unique landscape.

The cultural landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir, continues to be a living testimony to the sustainable practices of traditional agriculture. The terraces are still cultivated by local farmers, who maintain the ancient techniques passed down through generations. The olive groves and vineyards produce high-quality products, contributing to the local economy and preserving the cultural identity of the community.

Visitors to the site can explore the terraces, walk along the ancient irrigation channels, and witness the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. The site also offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region, with archaeological remains and historical landmarks scattered throughout the area.