Thursday, September 3, 2009

Traditional Palestinian Tiles

...a backyard of the only remaining traditional handmade tiles factory in Palestine.Of course the owner never meant it to be such a masterpiece.He only added and added samples of his factory's designs
,aiming at showing as much as possible to passers by.(this wall is facing a main road)
What an outcome,a mosaic of exquisite color and design, ingenious,a magical quilt, call it what you will,its beautiful........not to mention the white pigeon!!!!!
Similar tile designs and color can still be found in Meexican and Spanish houses.It should be mentioned that such tiles are neve mass poduced,they ae handmade individually.You need to place an oder specifying the colors, patterns and number of tiles you need and then wait fo a month to get them.

Monday, June 23, 2008

"Ancient stones ae everywhere...."

In the garden of the public libraryof Nablus,four Corinthian capitals(meaning the head part of a coloumn) stand majestically as wittnesses of ancient cultures.The Corinthian style coloumns(refering to the Greek city of Corinth) , are characterized by a slender fluted coloumn and an ornate capital decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls.(click to see details , it's beautiful)
Note the very old floor tiles made from local stones querried from the mountains of Nablus .
The planter on the right is also locally made of cement and gravel.


Photo by Haifa Shawwa

Monday, June 16, 2008

Eid Breakfast Tradition.

,
Countries have traditions,cities too.
Families of Palestine are no exception. Men in this family,gather around a very early breakfast table, after doing their Eid prayers.
Very traditional dishes are served;Hoummos(Paste-like seasoned chick-peas),Foul,labaneh,Olives, Pickles,Omlettes, and the star of the show :Fseekh(preserved salted fish).
A decade ago, women used to be ready with their mid-day meal from as early as 8.00 or 9.00am, ready to welcome any guest/relative that knocks at their door .
Nowadays only older ladies do this,younger women are gradually withdrawing from such energy and time consuming social activities.(pity!)

Sunday, December 16, 2007

....Now Where could this be...?"

Zoom in.this the gate of the oldest hospital in Nablus,built during the Turkish occupation 1905 , funded by the Nabulsi communittee then.
picture by Haifa Shawwa.

"A Balcony In The Sky....."

.....tucked in the so narrow streets of the old city of Nablus, this balconette -an undiscovered treasure could have easily been a setting for a love story....something like a .....Palestinian edition of  Romeo and Juliet !?
picture by Haifa Shawwa