Enter and be welcome doorways in the old city of Bethlehem, Palestine

Abstract

The contribution of doorways to our understanding of the history and function of a building and its historical context cannot be overstated. For this study, the doorways of Bethlehem were examined. This city has played an important role in the history of Palestine and has the distinction of being the birthplace of Jesus. The identification and protection of its unique doorways is imperative to preserving its cultural identity and historical authenticity. Consequently, the main objective here was to study the Old City of Bethlehem; document and analyze the condition, form, types, and characteristics of its doorways; and assess their value as historic forms that might be considered within a process of safeguarding and adapted use