“Palestinian village in the central highlands appears from a distance as a cluster of boulders emerging out of a hilly landscape. It lies in harmony with its surroundings until it becomes an element of nature itself.” — Suad Amiry

Nisf Jubeil, a small village with 500 people, defies all assumptions and exceeds the norms of Palestinians as they know it. It has witnessed murder, invasion, siege, earthquakes, torrents, disappearance, abandonment and so much more. A village with mysterious past, hidden from history and concealed through its geography. It is interlocked by mountains from its north, south and west. However, it carries the 6 basic components forming the Palestinian habitat: the courtyard (al-hoash); the water spring (al-‘ein); the agricultural fields; the public plaza (sahet al-balad); the meeting hall; and the places of worship – in the case of Nisf Jubeil the mosque, and the three churches.

Its origins are unclear. However, evidence points to its existence since Neolithic period and Early Bronze Age, with speculation of population growth during the Early Bronze Age. It is believed that the area reached its peak population in the Roman-Byzantine time, and declined thereafter, fluctuating until the increase in the 19th century.