Suchergebnisse

The aim of this study is to provide information on the most significant archaeological site in the Nablus area, demonstrating the presence of Samaritan archaeology in the landscape surrounding the city during the Byzantine and Early Islamic periods. The study of the site had previously been based on three different sources of information, those being descriptions of archaeological ruins and findings at the site, references in literature and inscriptions engraved in stone at the site. The Samaritan synagogue is not the only one in the region, there being others in various sites in the Nablus area. In documenting the site it was necessary to bear in mind that the site had formerly been looted for antiquities, and the fact that there has been a lack of interest in the site on the part of Israel, as it does not form part of their historic tradition. In addition, the site is located in zone C according to the Oslo Agreement of 1993 between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization in which Palestinian lands were divided into zones A, B and C. The fact that Khirbet Dayr Sharaf is in zone C, means it comes under Israeli military control, preventing Palestinians from undertaking archaeological excavation without agreement from Israel; restoration and management of the site as well as any research or investigation of the archaeological remains also come under this ruling. Due to this, the site is currently in a state of abandonment and susceptible to further deterioration ; Este estudio tiene como objetivo arrojar luz sobre el más importante de los sitios arqueológicos de la zona de Nablus (Palestina), que indica la presencia de los samaritanos en la campiña de Nablus durante las épocas bizantina y omeya. Para realizar este estudio hemos recopilado toda la información y documentación acerca de las ruinas del monasterio de Dayr Sharaf a través de las siguientes fuentes: 1) Descripción arquitectónica de los restos y evidencias arqueológicas que se encuentran sobre la superficie del terreno en el sitio arqueológico. 2) Estudio de las fuentes literarias. 3) Estudio y análisis de los grabados e inscripciones escritas descubiertos en el sitio. La sinagoga samaritana no es la única de la región, sino que hay varias más, dispersas en diferentes zonas de la campiña de Nablus. Para llevar a cabo la documentación del sitio arqueológico estudiado, el investigador tendrá en cuenta que el mismo ya había sido robado anteriormente por ladrones de antigüedades. A esto se suma la falta de interés de Israel hacia el lugar porque no forma parte de su historia antigua. Este sitio se encuentra en la zona C, ya que el Acuerdo de Oslo (1993) entre Israel y la Organización para la Liberación de Palestina establece la división del suelo palestino en tres zonas (A, B, C). El monasterio de Dayr Sharaf queda en la zona C, bajo control militar israelí, lo que impide a los palestinos realizar excavaciones arqueológicas sin la conformidad de Israel, además de la imposibilidad de restaurar y administrar el sitio, así como estudiar los restos arqueológicos e investigar el lugar sin conformidad de la parte israelí. Por tanto, el sitio está en estos momentos abandonado y expuestas muchas de sus partes a la destrucción por las razones mencionadas

Objective The aim of the study is to assess trends in public perceptions of health systems in 27 European Union (EU) member states following the financial crisis (2009–2013), in order to discuss observed changes in the context of the financial crisis. Design Repeated cross-sectional studies. Setting 27 EU countries. Participants EU citizens aged 15 years and older. Methods The study mainly uses the Eurobarometer Social Climate Survey, conducted annually between 2009 and 2013, thereby analysing 116 706 observations. A multilevel logistic regression was carried out to analyse trends over time and the factors associated with citizens' perceptions of their healthcare systems. Results Europeans generally exhibit positive perceptions of their national healthcare systems, 64.0% (95% CI 63.6% to 64.4%). However, we observed a significant drop in positive perceptions in the years following the crisis, especially within countries most affected by the crisis. Concerning fiscal characteristics, wealthier countries and those dedicating higher proportion of their national income to health were more likely to maintain positive perceptions. At the individual level, perceptions of healthcare systems were significantly associated with respondents' self-perceptions of their social status, financial capacity and overall satisfaction in life. Conclusions Our finding confirms previous observations that citizens' perceptions of their healthcare systems may reflect their overall prospects within the broader socioeconomic systems they live in; which have in turn been affected by the financial crisis and the policy measures instituted in response.

This article presents a comprehensive and critical historical, architectural and cultural review of a Muslim Shrine in Palestine, known as Joseph's Shrine, located near the ancient Palestinian city of Shikmu (Shechem, Tell Balata ), northeast of Nablus, Palestine. A key heritage site in Palestine, the current structure is constructed within the tradition of Islamic shrines in Palestine. The shrine consists of a cenotaph tomb, housed in a domed building, with an adjoining courtyard. The shrine has also been subject to architectural changes and restoration projects over the centuries, as evidenced in the writings of pilgrims, travellers and geographers visiting the region from the fourth to nineteenth centuries. The article argues that, while the remains of Joseph are not found at the site, the shrine itself is important within the religious and cultural heritage of Palestine, representing Ottoman-Islamic architectural aspects of this heritage.

This study examines the role of Almunakkab in the political life of Al-Andalus between the years 755 and 1489. It was considered one of the major administrative and military centers of the Zirid Kingdom in addition to being the closest port to Granada and its only route to the sea. Almoravides were keen on keeping a hold of it and the significance of its role became clear as both Marinids and the Kingdom of Granada tried to maintain control over the vital Southern areas. Its port played a role against the Spanish forces. It had a presence in the internal conflict among the kings of the Granada - Kingdom; its castle and port served as a safe passage for those seeking an escape as well as for deportation, incarceration, getting rid of rivals and the keeping of them away from Andalusia. It continued to play a political role until the Spanish conquest in December 1489.

Objective: The aim of the study is to assess trends in public perceptions of health systems in 27 European Union (EU) member states following the financial crisis (2009–2013), in order to discuss observed changes in the context of the financial crisis. Design: Repeated cross-sectional studies. Setting: 27 EU countries. Participants: EU citizens aged 15 years and older. Methods: The study mainly uses the Eurobarometer Social Climate Survey, conducted annually between 2009 and 2013, thereby analysing 116 706 observations. A multilevel logistic regression was carried out to analyse trends over time and the factors associated with citizens' perceptions of their healthcare systems. Results: Europeans generally exhibit positive perceptions of their national healthcare systems, 64.0% (95% CI 63.6% to 64.4%). However, we observed a significant drop in positive perceptions in the years following the crisis, especially within countries most affected by the crisis. Concerning fiscal characteristics, wealthier countries and those dedicating higher proportion of their national income to health were more likely to maintain positive perceptions. At the individual level, perceptions of healthcare systems were significantly associated with respondents' self-perceptions of their social status, financial capacity and overall satisfaction in life. Conclusions: Our finding confirms previous observations that citizens' perceptions of their healthcare systems may reflect their overall prospects within the broader socioeconomic systems they live in; which have in turn been affected by the financial crisis and the policy measures instituted in response.

Sacred stone veneration is a global mythical phenomenon historically practiced by many groups, including ancient Semitic-speaking peoples. In their physical capacity, sacred stones themselves are not the object of worship or veneration. Their sanctity comes from the divine spirit believed to dwell within them. The common denominator among the mythological traditions of sacred stones veneration is the belief that they possess enormous spiritual powers that enable them to act as mediators between the worshipper and the gods. Stones were employed as tools in the rituals of veneration in many types of sanctuaries, such as stone circles. This study highlights this type of religious folklore in Palestine, representing one of the bridges linking the Palestinian present to its distant Canaanite past. It traces the various patterns of sacred stones in the central region of Palestine, the rituals that were practised using them, and the remnants of these practices found in oral folklore traditions. To these ends, the researchers relied on religious and historical primary and secondary sources, including oral interviews where available and possible.