The workshop brought together a diverse group of students and distinguished experts in Ottoman history, fostering an enriching environment for dialogue and learning. The discussions focused on the critical role of Ottoman documents in preserving Palestinian cultural and civilizational heritage, emphasizing their significant contribution in addressing colonial challenges and resisting land appropriation by the Israeli occupation.

The workshop was formally inaugurated with a welcoming address by Prof. Mahmoud Mattar from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dr. Loay Abu Alsaud, Director of the Department of Social Sciences at the Faculty of Humanities and Educational Sciences, then provided a detailed overview of the project’s outcomes. He highlighted the creation of a dedicated website for Ottoman documents, the development of a mobile application, and the production of a documentary film that examines the pivotal role of Ottoman-era documents in preserving Palestinian heritage.

The workshop also featured valuable contributions from several experts. Dr. Ameen Abu Bakr, from the Department of History, provided a comprehensive overview of Ottoman history in Palestine. This aimed at emphasizing its long-lasting influence on the region and its cultural significance. Dr. Mahmoud Yazbak, an expert in Ottoman documents and lecturer at the University of Haifa, highlighted valuable insights on the subject. He underscored the crucial role these documents play in preserving Palestinian heritage. Additionally, Prof. Allam Mousa, Director of the Center for Augmented Reality, shared the exciting development of a virtual museum dedicated to Ottoman-era documents, offering a groundbreaking way to engage with this rich historical resource.

This workshop highlights An-Najah National University’s ongoing commitment to documenting and sharing the Palestinian historical narrative, while preserving and promoting the nation’s identity and cultural heritage.