Writing on the wall: Palestinian engravings tell tales of heritage, faith
A history and geography teacher has devoted decades to painstakingly deciphering Palestine's rich heritage as depicted on the walls of its ancient buildings.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — For more than three decades, Ibtisam Sulieman has been fascinated with the symbols that adorn the buildings of Palestine. The history and geography teacher snaps photos of the vegetal engravings, geometric shapes, crosses, symbols of the Virgin Mary and Arabic letters engraved on the facades.
Dating them or deciphering their meaning, however, has been far from easy.
“Some of the symbols and ornaments on the buildings reflect the beliefs and traditions that prevail in different eras,” Sulieman told Al-Monitor, explaining that the Canaanite, Christian, Umayyad and Abbasid constructions are all rich in ornaments and decorations.
“The hexagram, for example, was part of the Canaanite heritage that symbolizes the fertility deity Ishtar, which was believed to bring prosperity to household,” she said.
