Bethlehem University continues to make strides in academic excellence and community engagement as faculty and students from the Archaeology and Cultural Heritage program embark on an ambitious research initiative. Fourth-year students enrolled in the Research Seminar course (ARCH455) have begun their fieldwork at the Khirbet Abu Hamama and Khirbet Al-Mazar sites in Bethlehem, marking a significant milestone as they prepare to become the program’s first graduating class in Summer 2025. This initiative is a testament to the university’s commitment to preserving Palestinian heritage through rigorous academic inquiry and hands-on learning.
Under the joint supervision of Dr. Omar Abed Rabbo, Chairperson of Humanities Department, and Mr. Ahmad As’ad, lecturer at the department, the students are actively conducting archaeological surveys and ethnographic research. This project, made possible through collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, has received an official permit for site exploration, with Dr. Abed Rabbo serving as the team leader.
The fieldwork began with extensive exploratory visits to the sites, followed by two hands-on archaeological surveys conducted on March 8 and March 12, 2025. This ongoing research will extend through April and May, allowing students to deepen their practical skills and contribute to the documentation of these historically significant but under-researched sites.
Dr. Abed Rabbo is overseeing the archaeological survey and excavation techniques, ensuring that students gain essential fieldwork experience. Meanwhile, Mr. As’ad is guiding students in ethnographic research and oral history collection, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding the cultural significance of the sites. Additionally, Engineer Issam Juha, Instructor at the Humanities Department, is offering training in architectural drawing, technology applications, and site measurement techniques, enhancing the students’ technical competencies.
This research seminar is the culmination of students’ academic journey, integrating specialized courses in archaeology, oral history, ethnography, site conservation, and heritage management. The work at Khirbet Abu Hamama and Khirbet Al-Mazar is particularly significant, as these sites remain largely undocumented in major archaeological records and historical archives.
In the first phase of the seminar, students have designed survey recording forms, prepared and conducted oral history interviews, and gathered scarce data from encyclopedias, archives, newspapers, atlases, and commemorative books. This foundational work is paving the way for a potential excavation phase, reinforcing Bethlehem University’s role in preserving and promoting Palestinian cultural heritage through innovative and impactful scholarship.
Through this hands-on experience, students are not only gaining valuable professional skills but also contributing to the broader mission of Bethlehem University—to empower the next generation of scholars and leaders dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering cultural preservation, and making a meaningful impact in their communities.