Farkha – Our Collective Duty was established in 2022 as a pilot project aimed at redefining the practice of historic preservation in Palestine, drawing inspiration from Farkha’s rich tradition of community volunteering. Led by local residents and professionals, this initiative seeks to empower the community, enabling them to take an active role in shaping the future of their historic center. Through a participatory design approach, we develop the concept of the historic core as a vibrant hub for culture, education, and economic development, fostering a sustainable and inclusive future.

Our journey began modestly, with questionnaires, workshops, and community events. Once the foundational framework was established, we were able to expand our efforts into the physical landscape of Farkha. We cleaned the village, improved street accessibility, and have gradually begun developing the public spaces within. These initiatives have already begun to attract villagers back, with one family returning to renovate their ancestral home.

Currently, we are renovating the Dar Moukhtar into a youth center and have plans to transform the eastern edge of the village into a vibrant playscape for children.