ثقافة المدن، مرآتها سكانها : دراسة مقارنة بين الخليل و بيت لحم

Abstract EN

The current research aims to identify the social and political history which the cities of Bethlehem and Hebron both have experienced and which has contributed to the formation of different social and cultural structures in these two cities.

Historical, demographic, educational and economic data was collected to analyze the role of the city in creating a civilized reference for the rural areas surrounding each.

In order to accomplish this task, the ongoing role of the leadership in both cities was examined, particularly in the political sphere, as well as the typical religious characteristics of each city, such as tolerance or conservatism.

The research shows that there is a continuity of leaderships from notable families that has had great influence since the 19th century as is the case in Hebron.

The results also indicate an impact of family structure on community and administrative institutions.

The findings show that the restrictions on women’s freedom in the public sphere were greater in Hebron.

In contrast, Bethlehem, with its civic center and enlightened elite, has helped to spread city life values more than Hebron.

This finding can be supported by certain demographic, educational and economic characteristics, derived from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.