This 15 month inter-generational project will focus on the nomadic Bedouin communities of the Occupied-Palestinian Territories, engaging with young people to explore the relationship of their cultural heritage to land and agriculture.
Bedouin Communities in the OPT
The Bedouin communities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) have a rich cultural heritage linked to the semi-nomadic lifestyle that has historically defined their identity. This heritage includes oral tradition, agricultural practices, food and drink, and traditional arts and handicrafts. Of particular importance to all of these practices is the centrality of the Bedouin's relationship to the land and agriculture, specialist knowledge and understanding that has the potential to be lost due to ongoing conflict in the region.
Empowering Young Bedouin People to Protect Their Cultural Heritage
Led by the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University, in partnership with Al Maleh Agricultural Cooperative and Al Twani Crafts Cooperative, this 15-month intergenerational project will focus on the nomadic Bedouin communities of the OPT and engage with young Bedouin people to explore the relationship of their cultural heritage to land and agriculture. As well as capturing and recording at-risk heritage and providing training opportunities to young people from very deprived communities, the wider long term aim is to gather resources that could support the resilience and sustainable economic development of future generations.
During the project, 20 young researchers will be recruited and trained in documenting oral history, and will be supported to record testimonies with elderly people and social and religious leaders in their community. Data gathered will be transcribed and uploaded to an open-access cultural inventory and the young researchers will develop and work on proposals to protect the cultural heritage identified through their research.
