The Courtyard (Hosh) System in Saffa During the Late Ottoman ‎Period

The Courtyard (Hosh) System in Saffa During the Late Ottoman ‎Period

Salah Al-Houdalieh

taannek@yahoo.com

Received : 19-03-2005 , Accepted : 12-04-2006

Language: Arabic

Abstract

The Ottoman courtyards were designed to form adjacent constructional blocks which reflect the cultural concepts, the dominant social structure, and the economical status for a large sector of the Palestinian community. The relatives shared the same courtyard, and they did not allow the others to use it with them in order to maintain their social privacy. This phenomenon led to distribute the courtyards according to the degree of blood relationship. The size of these residential blocks varies according to the size of the family, and their economical status. This study came after demolishing several courtyards in the last five years in Saffa village. In order to document a sample of the traditional buildings, and to raise the awareness of the cultural heritage between the inhabitants, this study will attempt to signify the danger of such negligence.

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