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articles by shatha abu khafajah

Public Participation in Archaeology, May 2014

Heritage Matters is a series of edited and single-authored volumes which addresses the whole rang... more Heritage Matters is a series of edited and single-authored volumes which addresses the whole range of issues that confront the cultural heritage sector as we face the global challenges of the twenty-first century. The series follows the ethos of the International Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies (ICCHS) at Newcastle University, where these issues are seen as part of an integrated whole, including both cultural and natural agendas, and thus encompasses challenges faced by all types of museums, art galleries, heritage sites and the organisations and individuals that work with, and are affected by them.

In this paper, the meaning of the cultural heritage in the citadel of Amman is investigated, by u... more In this paper, the meaning of the cultural heritage in the citadel of Amman is investigated, by understanding the relationships through which individuals, as well as local communities, interpret the time and place of the past. It is suggested that values and meanings individuals ascribe to the past derive importance from being a reflection of individuals' contexts. What is meaningful in one context might be meaningless in another. Throughout the process in which meanings are ascribed to archaeological sites, the archaeological remains are transformed into entities that reflect the context of the local communities. Through this process, archaeological sites are transformed from being merely material of the past into cultural heritage having relevance to local communities' contemporary contexts and cultures. Amman is the current capital of Jordan, and this paper investigates the process(es) involved in understanding archaeological sites in the citadel of Amman, in terms of cultural heritage. The focus is the process(es) through which differing meanings for sites in the citadel are developed in response to the local community, its contexts, experiences, memories, and stories. The accounts provided by the local community result from in-depth interviews with 19 male and female members of the local community. The interviews were undertaken by the author during fieldwork in the summer of 2004. The questions were asked in Arabic, which is the national language of Jordan, and the responses were then translated to English and used in this paper.

Thousands of archaeologists live and work in the Middle East, home to some of the most significan... more Thousands of archaeologists live and work in the Middle East, home to some of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Their work (like all anthropological research) is influenced by a myriad of factors including Western epistemologies, colonialism, ethnic conflict and the availability of funding. And, scholars everywhere are increasingly aware of the role of heritage in promoting social justice, political reflexivity, and the democratization of knowledge. The upcoming Seventh World Archaeological Congress (WAC-7) will take place in Jordan, a country with a rich cultural and historical landscape, including four sites on the World Heritage list and another fifteen nominations, and complex issues relating to archaeological practice. In this article, as an introduction to the academic program at WAC-7, the continuing influences of the West and colonialism on Jordanian archaeology and heritage management are discussed.

This chapter identifies the intangible as being memories and stories involved in the meaningmakin... more This chapter identifies the intangible as being memories and stories involved in the meaningmaking process of archaeological sites that are generally referred to as cultural heritage. These memories and stories are shaped and reshaped by local communities' perceptions of, and experiences in, archaeological sites. They are also governed by contemporary contexts and cultures rather than intrinsic values that scholars assign to cultural heritage. In this sense, memories and stories anchor archaeological sites to the present and thereby transform them into cultural heritage. Thus, it is the intangible that makes the tangible material of the past meaningful for people. This chapter weighs the anthropological approach to cultural heritage against conventional approaches. While conventional approaches are based on passive evaluation and 'scientific' intervention, the anthropological approach explores people's memories, stories, experiences and sense of place in order to define, evaluate and approach cultural heritage. Conventional approaches were recognised in the early ICOMOS conventions (ie Athens and Venice Charters) and were part of the colonial legacy in post-colonial contexts such as Jordan. While post-colonial contexts are embracing conventional approaches in their top-down management of cultural heritage, Western contexts are increasingly recognising the anthropological approach as a dynamic approach to the past and its material. This has been reflected in the latest ICOMOS charters concerned with cultural heritage (eg Burra Charter, Nara Document and Ename Charter). The role of the intangible -that is, people's memories and storiesin establishing meanings for archaeological sites in the capital of Jordan, Amman, and the World Heritage Site of Petra is being investigated. Therefore, the chapter challenges the conventional approach to cultural heritage in Jordan that is based on excluding people and marginalising the intangible for being considered irrelevant and unscientific.

Since Jordan's modern establishment as an independent political entity in 1921, the Roman Complex... more Since Jordan's modern establishment as an independent political entity in 1921, the Roman Complex in Amman, the capital city of Jordan, regained its function as "the root" of the city. The Roman Complex consists of the Theatre, the Odeon, and the space among them: the Forum. It has come to reflect the vibrant and diverse cultural, political, social and economic life of Jordan. The hustle and bustle of the "root" was interrupted during the summer of 2009 when an urban development project began that altered the urban spaces in and around the complex. The reactions of local residents to this project reflected anger, rejection and frustration. These reactions are examined in detail by conducting an ethnographic study of people's accounts of memories, feelings, knowledge, and activities related to the complex. These accounts, combined with historical photographs and written sources, reveal profound differences in meaning and identity between local citizens and the development community.

Identity representation in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) cities remains an arena of con... more Identity representation in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) cities remains an arena of contestation, influenced by two factors: the ancient and recent history of western colonialism, which fostered orientalism and demarcated the dialectical relations that exist between eastern and western cultures until recently, and the evolving waves of economic-driven neo-liberalism and globalization. Focusing on the downtown areas in Amman (old downtownthe Saha and new downtownthe Abdali), the study argues that urban practices in these downtowns are rooted in the power structure of orientalism. The authors introduce the concept of 'oriental urbanism' on the basis of notions of colonialism, modernism and globalization. Orientalism in Amman's downtowns acts on two level: orchestration and normalization. Orchestration occurred in colonial and postcolonial periods where the language of oriental urbanism was framed, shaped and institutionalized. Normalization is empowered by the growing power of globalization to normalize orientalism in the minds of local and regional actors and make it the sole language for regenerating the identity of old and new Amman downtowns. This leaves Amman with a paradoxical identity: one is classical and the second is global. The two identities are denying the society any internal capacity for development and assuring that introduction of these societies into alternative modernity becomes the right and obligation of international powers. Continuous oriental urbanism triggers an East-West paradox with its implications of contested urbanism, social disparities and cultural denigration. The research stresses that urbanism in MENA should be liberated to allow politics of identity to be an essential part of urban design, thus allowing sovereignty of local populations, self-determination and the building of autonomous identity, that is, allow Liberal Urbanism.

Des sites archéologiques au patrimoine culturel en Jordanie. Vers une approche durable., Dec 17, 2010

The UNESCO recognizes cultural landscapes in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of... more The UNESCO recognizes cultural landscapes in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention as cultural properties that represent the "combined works of nature and of man". In this sense cultural landscape demonstrates evolution of cultures under the influence of the different constraints and opportunities. The term 'cultural landscape' manifests the dynamic interaction between humankind and its natural environment (UNESCO, 2005).

Abstract: This thesis examines the meaning-making processes of cultural heritage in Jordan. Altho... more Abstract: This thesis examines the meaning-making processes of cultural heritage in Jordan. Although the termcultural heritage&amp;#x27;is used in the title because of its universal acceptance to indicate the physical material of the past, it is frequently questioned in this thesis, and the ...

Papers by shatha abu khafajah

Online publication date: 12 February 2010 To cite this Article Abu-Khafajah, Shatha(2010) 'Me... more Online publication date: 12 February 2010 To cite this Article Abu-Khafajah, Shatha(2010) 'Meaning-making and cultural heritage in Jordan: the local community, the contexts and the archaeological sites in Khreibt al-Suqterms-and-conditions-of-access.pdf This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling, loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this mater...

The Palgrave Handbook of Contemporary Heritage Research, 2015

Construction and Building Materials, 2014

Abstract The UNESCO recognizes cultural landscapes in the Operational Guidelines for the Impleme... more Abstract
The UNESCO recognizes cultural landscapes in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention as cultural properties that represent the "combined works of nature and of man". In this sense cultural landscape demonstrates evolution of cultures under the influence of the different constraints and opportunities. The term „cultural landscape‟ manifests the dynamic interaction between humankind and its natural environment (UNESCO, 2005). The aim of this study is to explore the Hijazi Railroad Line (HRL) as a cultural landscape rather than single stations scattered along the Line. As Hayden (1995, p. 9) states “Urban landscapes are storehouses for these social memories, because natural features ... as well as streets, buildings, and patterns of settlement, frame the lives of many people and often outlast many lifetimes”. Therefore, the study highlights the cultural values of the HLR which was initially built to connect people and places. It introduces it as an example for a cultural landscape that satisfies most of the UNESCO relevant criteria. This is important as there is a lack of sites recognized as such in Asia in general and the Arab region in specific. Besides, defining the HRL as cultural landscape liberates the concept of landscape from its conventional perception as being strongly associated with plantation, and the HRL from its association with singular monuments.

Keywords: the Hijazi Railroad Line, cultural landscape, conventional and ‘liberated’ perceptions of cultural landscape, Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention.

Studies tackling the Roman legacy of colonial cities and Arabian provinces are still grappling wi... more Studies tackling the Roman legacy of colonial cities and Arabian provinces are still grappling with these cities from an urban planning perspective and/or building typologies. They do not provide a ‘spatial’ analysis that allows reading the Roman cities through the features that structured its urban language; one of which is the colonnaded streets. The study adopts a holistic approach to confront the ambiguities about possible origins, uses and meanings of the Roman colonnaded streets when traced in the Roman East as well as other Western cities. Besides its utilitarian and cultural value, the colonnaded streets are analyzed according to two interrelated interpretations: astrological interpretation to represent an empire of astral divinity and performative interpretation to represent an empire of imperial power. The colonnaded streets is transformed from a ‘line on site’ into a ‘line of sight’ that testifies to the social norms of the Roman people but also to their ideologies, beliefs, and aspirations.

Keywords: colonnaded streets, Roman urbanism, spatial analysis, astrological interpretation, performative urbanism.

Abstract Identity representation in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) cities remains an are... more Abstract
Identity representation in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) cities remains an arena of contestation, influenced by two factors: the ancient and recent history of western colonialism, which fostered orientalism and demarcated the dialectical relations that exist between eastern and western cultures until recently, and the evolving waves of economic-driven neo-liberalism and globalization. Focusing on the downtown areas in Amman (old downtown – the Saha and new downtown – the Abdali), the study argues that urban practices in these downtowns are rooted in the power structure of orientalism. The authors introduce the concept of ‘oriental
urbanism’ on the basis of notions of colonialism, modernism and globalization. Orientalism in Amman’s downtowns
acts on two level: orchestration and normalization. Orchestration occurred in colonial and postcolonial periods
where the language of oriental urbanism was framed, shaped and institutionalized. Normalization is empowered by the growing power of globalization to normalize orientalism in the minds of local and regional actors and make it the sole language for regenerating the identity of old and new Amman downtowns. This leaves Amman with a paradoxical identity: one is classical and the second is global. The two identities are denying the society any internal capacity for development and assuring that introduction of these societies into alternative modernity becomes the right and obligation of international powers. Continuous oriental urbanism triggers an East–West
paradox with its implications of contested urbanism, social disparities and cultural denigration. The research stresses that urbanism in MENA should be liberated to allow politics of identity to be an essential part of urban design, thus allowing sovereignty of local populations, self-determination and the building of autonomous identity, that is, allow Liberal Urbanism.

Keywords: urban architecture; oriental urbanism; aestheticization; neo-orientalism; liberal urbanism; Amman

Decentralization is becoming a fashionable trend in many parts of the world as states are increas... more Decentralization is becoming a fashionable trend in many parts of the world as states are increasingly challenged by their ability to achieve an ideal state of development and of democracy. Debate on decentralization and good governance is twofold: administrative and political. Conditioned by international aid, decentralization discourses in Jordan emphasize an administrative reform to achieve economic development and social justice. In urban heritage governance, confining decentralization discourses to economic dimensions undermines the impact of the ‘political culture’ of governance. The study analyzes the political culture of decentralization as it evolved in Jordan in two phases: archeological governance and urban heritage governance. Based on both primary and secondary data, the study traces the totalitarian lineage that has marked the former centralized political culture of archeological governance during colonialism. Political cultural lineage is challenging the flux of democratic and decentralization discourses in contemporary urban heritage governance; leading alternatively to democracy crisis that features the re-introduction of colonialism in the form of internal colonialism’. The study recommends a political cultural reform that liberates decentralized urban governance among its multi-layered governmental system from the traditional ethos of external and internal colonialism.

Keywords: Archeological governance, Urban heritage , governance, Decentralization, Political culture, Internal colonialism, Jordan

Public Participation in Archaeology, May 2014

Des sites archéologiques au patrimoine culturel en Jordanie. Vers une approche durable., Dec 17, 2010

The Palgrave Handbook of Contemporary Heritage Research, 2015

Construction and Building Materials, 2014

Keywords: colonnaded streets, Roman urbanism, spatial analysis, astrological interpretation, performative urbanism.

Keywords: urban architecture; oriental urbanism; aestheticization; neo-orientalism; liberal urbanism; Amman

Keywords: Archeological governance, Urban heritage , governance, Decentralization, Political culture, Internal colonialism, Jordan

Since Jordan’s modern establishment as an independent political entity in 1921, the Roman Complex... more Since Jordan’s modern establishment as an independent political entity in 1921, the Roman Complex in Amman, the capital city of Jordan, regained its function as “the root” of the city. The Roman Complex consists of the Theatre, the Odeon, and the space among them: the Forum. It has come to reflect the vibrant and diverse cultural, political, social and economic life of Jordan. The hustle and bustle of the “root” was interrupted during the summer of 2009 when an urban development project began that altered the urban spaces in and around the complex. The reactions of local residents to this project reflected anger, rejection and frustration. These reactions are examined in detail by conducting an ethnographic study of people’s accounts of memories, feelings, knowledge, and activities related to the complex. These accounts, combined with historical photographs and written sources, reveal profound differences in meaning and identity between local citizens and the development community. Calls for incorporating local perspectives in development projects are increasing in urban studies, as well as in the fields of archaeology and heritage management. Community-based and public participation approaches are believed to make these
projects culturally and socially sustainable. The case of the Roman Complex in Amman represents a combination of a vibrant urban landscape and archaeological monuments that are constantly undergoing renovation projects. The recent development project approached the complex as if it were an abandoned archaeological site, ignoring its temporal and spatial depth in the recent history of Jordan. Neither the planners nor the archaeologists considered this depth or the local perspectives. Development planning was carried out as a top-down process that lacked interaction with the local users of the complex. Therefore, the contemporary context, along with the different histories and meanings the complex acquired in the recent past, were not taken into consideration in the new project. The researchers argue that failing to acknowledge the diverse histories and meanings of the complex, demonstrated by the local people’s accounts examined in this study, resulted in a project that reflected globalization in its design, material, and scale. The project lacks respect of the local context, and reflects an overly simplistic understanding of a complex landscape that prioritizes tourism at the expense of local use.

What happens when urban heritage spaces within developing countries, such as Jordan, are subject ... more What happens when urban heritage spaces within developing countries, such as Jordan, are subject to touristic development funded by international bodies, such as the World Bank? This question is explored theoretically and practically by considering a popular local plaza in the secondary Jordanian city of Jerash that has been subject to three tourism development projects funded by the World Bank. The study, which incorporates and critiques the discourse of neoliberalism
within urban heritage development studies, seeks to analyse the World Bank projects and, more specifically, how they have defined, approached and produced outcomes in the Jerash plaza and its context. In so doing, the study triangulates
the analysis with accounts by local respondents that identify major drawbacks in the World Bank approach, particularly its emphasis on conventional ‘readings’ of urban space that highlight universal values and histories, while neglecting and
marginalising local values and understandings. The triangulation offers attentive ‘readings’ of the plaza as a place understood and experienced by a people. The challenge is to break with the neoliberal paradigm that dominates urban heritage development programmes (and their associated West–East dualisms and top-down approaches) by presenting local sociocultural and economic contexts as assets to enrich development projects, rather than obstacles to be ‘fixed’ and
‘fitted’ for tourism.

Keywords: urban heritage development; neoliberalism; local context; secondary cities; Jordan

What happens when urban heritage spaces within developing countries, such as Jordan, are subject ... more What happens when urban heritage spaces within developing countries, such as Jordan, are subject to touristic development funded by international bodies, such as the World Bank? This question is explored theoretically and practically by considering a popular local plaza in the secondary Jordanian city of Jerash that has been subject to three tourism development projects funded by the World Bank. The study, which incorporates and critiques the discourse of neoliberalism within urban heritage development studies, seeks to analyse the World Bank projects and, more specifically, how they have defined, approached and produced outcomes in the Jerash plaza and its context. In so doing, the study triangulates the analysis with accounts by local respondents that identify major drawbacks in the World Bank approach, particularly its emphasis on conventional 'readings' of urban space that highlight universal values and histories, while neglecting and marginalising local values and understandings. The triangulation offers attentive 'readings' of the plaza as a place understood and experienced by a people. The challenge is to break with the neoliberal paradigm that dominates urban heritage development programmes (and their associated West-East dualisms and top-down approaches) by presenting local sociocultural and economic contexts as assets to enrich development projects, rather than obstacles to be 'fixed' and 'fitted' for tourism.

International Journal of Heritage Studies, 2010