Al-Amad House: A Historic Landmark Transformed
Through collaborative efforts, Al-Amad House in Nablus’ Old City has been transformed from a deteriorating, abandoned structure into a vibrant multipurpose facility serving as a community center, student hall, and destination for visitors. This renovation reflects An-Najah National University’s commitment to community engagement and heritage preservation.
According to a recent report from An-Najah University’s Public Relations Department, the Al-Amad House, despite enduring generations of wear, remains a proud monument from the Ottoman era in Palestine. Nearly 200 years old, it is located at the foot of Aqabah stairs, east of Al-Nasr Mosque in Bab Al-Saha, and has served as the home of the Al-Amad family, one of Nablus’ prominent lineages. Generations of this family were raised within its walls, embedding the house deeply into their heritage.
The initiative to hand over Al-Amad House to the university was spearheaded by Dr. Iman Al-Amad, a faculty member in the Department of Architecture and Head of the Architectural Conservation Unit at An-Najah University. Driven by her work in architectural conservation, Dr. Iman saw the potential for the house to be preserved and used by the university. After consulting family members, both in Palestine and abroad, she gained their unanimous support. With the backing of her cousin, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Amad from the Department of Physical Education, the proposal was embraced, and the family agreed to lease the house to the university for the next 15 years.
In partnership with the Tawoon, a foundation active in Old City restorations, An-Najah University initiated the house’s restoration. Tawoon conducted structural reinforcements to preserve the building’s authenticity, while modern infrastructure upgrades—such as water, electricity, and electronic networks—were added, allowing for contemporary use while respecting the house’s historical integrity.
Bilal Salameh, Director of the Center for Community Service and Continuing Education at An-Najah University, noted that the university has repurposed the house to accommodate several functional spaces, including the headquarters for the Center for Community Service. The central location within Nablus’ Old City enhances accessibility for residents, linking community services to those who need them most. The house also provides a unique environment for architecture students to study a living example of traditional Palestinian architecture, with classrooms equipped with specialized tools and resources.
The house is set to become a prominent destination for visitors to Nablus, especially for international visitors to An-Najah University. It will also serve as a volunteer center where An-Najah students engage with the Community Service Center’s programs, delivering essential support within the Old City and neighboring areas.
Following the restoration, Dr. Maher Al-Natsheh, Acting President of An-Najah University, along with university leaders and scientific center coordinators, visited Al-Amad House. They were welcomed by Dr. Iman Al-Amad, Bilal Salameh, and the Community Service Center team. The visit marked a preliminary celebration of the house’s transformation into a community-centered space that not only preserves heritage but also actively serves the people of Nablus
