Huge restored mosaic goes on display in Jericho

4 years ago

Works continue for the displaying of the giant mosaic painting called ‘Tree of Life’ on the floor of the palace built by the Umayyad Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, in Jericho, West Bank on 26 October 2021 [Issam Rimawi/Anadolu Agency]

A view of the giant mosaic painting called ‘Tree of Life’ on the floor of the palace built by the Umayyad Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, in Jericho, West Bank on 26 October 2021 [Issam Rimawi/Anadolu Agency]

One of the largest mosaic panels in the world has been unveiled after a $12 million multi-year restoration project at Hisham’s Palace in Jericho in the occupied West Bank, Reuters reports.

The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Sunday unveiled the Umayyad-era mosaic, a total of 38 carpet-like mosaic panels covering 827 square metres.

Elevated platforms were built to assure that the visitors can enjoy the site of the mosaic without treading on it.

Hisham’s Palace/ Khirbet Al-Mafjar is one of the most significant early Islamic sites in Palestine. It was built between 724 and 743 AD during the Umayyad period, the first Islamic dynasty. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which says of the site: “Hisham’s Palace/ Khirbet al- Mafjar, is one of the most significant symbols of Outstanding Universal Value in early Islamic cultural heritage in Palestine and worldwide with an exceptionally well-preserved palace comprised of spectacular secular architecture and decorative arts, including mosaic floors, stucco, sculpture, frescos, and carved stone.”

President Mahmoud Abbas and Minister of Tourism inaugurated the mosaic covering project in Hisham’s Palace in Jericho, 23 October 2021 [Palestinian Ministry of Tourism an Antiquities/Facebook ]

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