Historical Palestinian Dwellings
In the bygone era, housing in Palestine was characterized by its simplicity and modesty, particularly in the quaint villages and towns that leaned more towards rural living than urban lifestyle. The majority of the houses were constructed using mud blocks that were shaped in specialized molds. Along the coastal regions of Palestine, houses were crafted from concrete blocks produced in molds known as “Tabooq”. In the mountainous areas where building materials were readily available, houses were built using stones extracted from the mountains by skilled craftsmen.
The roofs of these houses were typically fashioned from wood, branches, and a layer of clay mixed with cane. This roofing style was prevalent in mud houses, requiring annual maintenance and repairs following the first rain in October, known as the “rain of the cross”. This rain was perceived as a forewarning of the impending winter season, prompting people to vacate the fields, return to their permanent residences, and tend to any damages to their homes.
Certain houses featured roofs made of small stones embedded in plaster, known as Caesareans, a construction style dating back to the Roman era during the reign of the emperors. These houses were often rectangular in shape, with a central open courtyard. The courtyard served as a space for cultivating flowers, creating a small garden, or hosting social gatherings like weddings and celebrations.
Occasionally, individuals would add a room above the house called “Elia”, meaning “higher” in reference to its elevated position. Accessible via a set of stairs known as “Salmalk”, a Turkish term, the “Elia” room was utilized for sleeping during hot summer nights or as a reception area for hosting guests.