2024 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"
18th Edition
Ramallah: Souk Al Harajeh
Launched in 2010, Souk Al Harajeh has played a transformative role in Ramallah's urban development and cultural preservation efforts. This initiative, marked by meticulous planning and collaboration between the creative industry and the private sector, revitalized the city's cultural landscape. By promoting and preserving Ramallah's cultural heritage, particularly in crafts, the Souk do not only create job opportunities but also support local artisans and entrepreneurs, addressing the constraints faced by Palestine's creative industries.
The market's success lies in its inclusive approach, expanding partnerships beyond Ramallah to involve artisans from various cities and backgrounds. Through initiatives like open calls and jury selections, it ensures merit-based participation, emphasizing quality, innovation, and equal opportunities, with a focus on empowering youth, women, and disabled individuals.
Souk Al Harajeh's communication strategy, utilizing electronic registration, social media platforms, and promotional materials, ensures broad outreach and visibility among diverse audiences, including tourists. Its commitment to eco-friendly practices, accessibility.
It serves as a platform for artisans to empower them, showcase their work, connect with the community, and contribute to the local economy .Since its inception in 2010, the market has witnessed remarkable growth, with the number of participants increasing from 120 to 2280 in 2023. Notably, 75.8% of participants in 2023 were women. attracting nearly 20,000 visitors weekly including Palestinians from 1948. Crafts showcased range from handmade products to local food. Representatives of artisans actively participate in the market's design, evaluation, and development processes, ensuring its relevance and impact on the artisan community.
Al Harajeh market fosters community engagement and enriches the city's cultural life, exemplified by initiatives like transforming public spaces into pedestrian-friendly areas.
Overall, Souk Al Harajeh epitomizes Ramallah's resilience, creativity, and commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and economic empowerment, embodying the vibrant spirit of the city.
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