Palestinian Ministers Inaugurate Heritage Market, Discuss Antiquities Protection
Translated & summarized from Panet by baba
Palestinian Ministers Hani Al-Hayek and Imad Hamdan opened the Beit Ummar Heritage Market, aiming to support local crafts and national identity. Minister Al-Hayek also met with Halhul Mayor Wajdi Melhem to discuss protecting archaeological sites and potentially establishing a museum. The initiatives aim to bolster local economies and preserve Palestinian heritage.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Palestinian Ministers Al-Hayek and Hamdan opened the Beit Ummar Heritage Market north of Hebron.
- The market aims to support local industries, handicrafts, and Palestinian embroidery.
- Minister Al-Hayek stressed protecting archaeological sites facing threats.
- Minister Hamdan highlighted traditional crafts as a key part of Palestinian cultural identity.
- Minister Al-Hayek discussed cooperation with Halhul Mayor Melhem on antiquities protection.
- Plans include potentially establishing an archaeological museum in Halhul.
Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek, alongside Minister of Culture Imad Hamdan, inaugurated the Beit Ummar Heritage Market in the town of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. The event was attended by local officials, including the Mayor of Beit Ummar Mohammed Awad, Hebron Region Commander Brigadier General Jamal Isia, and representatives from the governor's office and the Chamber of Commerce. Minister Al-Hayek conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa, emphasizing the market's role in supporting local industries, handicrafts, and Palestinian embroidery, thereby promoting national identity and economic empowerment for artisans. He also stressed the importance of increasing Palestinian presence at historical and archaeological sites, particularly those facing threats, calling for collective efforts to protect them as testaments to Palestinian history and civilization.
Minister of Culture Imad Hamdan highlighted the bazaar as a component of Palestinian cultural identity, noting that traditional crafts are a vital part of the cultural heritage that must be preserved and passed down through generations. Mayor Mohammed Awad underscored the significance of supporting local initiatives and production, integrating Palestinian heritage into tourism and economic development.
In a separate engagement, Minister Al-Hayek met with the Mayor of Halhul, Wajdi Melhem, and council members. They discussed enhancing cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and local authorities to boost visitor numbers at archaeological sites, ensure their protection, and affirm Palestinian connection to their land. The mayor emphasized the importance of partnership in developing the archaeological landscape of Halhul and exploring the possibility of establishing a local museum to safeguard and promote Palestinian cultural heritage.