National Arab and Circassian District

The National Arab and Circassian District was established in 2008 and is the largest district within the Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites in Israel. It encompasses all Arab and Circassian communities throughout the country—from the far south to the northernmost regions—including Muslim, Druze, Bedouin, Christian, Circassian, and other communities

The district is home to a rich variety of heritage sites and historic buildings that tell the fascinating story of the Land of Israel and the diverse populations that have lived here for generations. These cultural landscapes and historic complexes, together with the region’s unique natural features, reflect the distinctive character and richness of this remarkable land

The Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites in Israel promotes transformative heritage conservation projects throughout the Arab and Circassian District

Today, the district is served by a Conservation Committee chaired by Prof. Mustafa Abbasi. The committee comprises academics, architects, and public representatives. It convenes every two months to discuss buildings designated for conservation and to prepare conservation guidelines for inclusion in the district’s statutory master plans. Alongside the committee, a network of volunteer conservation trustees supports its work by identifying heritage buildings at risk of demolition, alerting the Council to potential threats, and mobilizing community action when needed. In several local authorities, we have successfully established local conservation committees

The conservation challenges facing the district are considerable. The Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites in Israel operates under the close attention of local communities, which increasingly recognize that heritage conservation can serve as a catalyst for economic development while enhancing the cultural, social, and economic quality of life for all residents

Many of the historic buildings identified throughout the district have been recognized as worthy of preservation. Unfortunately, a significant number have suffered from years of neglect and inadequate maintenance. Nevertheless, the district’s activities are already yielding positive results, and we are committed to making heritage conservation an integral part of regional planning and sustainable development

The Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites in Israel is the country’s leading professional organization dedicated to preserving the built heritage of historic sites and cultural landscapes. Its work encompasses several key areas:

• Identifying historic sites and buildings and preventing their demolition

• Physical conservation and restoration of heritage properties

• Ongoing collaboration with planning and building authorities, while providing professional guidance to local municipalities

• Filing formal objections and leading public campaigns against development initiatives and planning schemes that threaten heritage conservation

• Raising public awareness through a wide range of educational initiatives, including

  • Introducing heritage conservation to schools and the general public

  • The “Adopt a Heritage Site” educational program

  • A mandatory four-credit undergraduate course on heritage conservation at Al-Qasemi Academic College

  • Encouraging community involvement in heritage activities throughout the district

  • Public lectures, guided tours, study days, workshops, and additional educational programs

With best regards

Samer Fallah Al-Haib
Director, National Arab and Circassian District
The Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites in Israel

Email: samer@shimur.org.il
Tel: +972-4-983-5556
Fax: +972-4-857-7818