Villa Harun al-Rashid - Talbiyya, Jerusalem
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In: Travel
After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the villa was taken over by the Israeli government and used as a guesthouse for visiting dignitaries. In the 1990s, Villa Harun al-Rashid—Talbiyya was designated as a historic landmark by the Israeli government and underwent a renovation to restore its original architectural features. Today, the villa functions as a cultural center, hosting events, exhibitions, and conferences that promote Palestinian and Middle Eastern arts and culture. The villa's name, Harun al-Rashid, references the Abbasid caliph who ruled during the Islamic Golden Age and is renowned for his patronage of the arts and sciences. The name reflects the villa's rich history and its connection to the cultural heritage of the region. Villa Harun al-Rashid—Talbiyya stands as a testament to the diverse history of Jerusalem and serves as a hub for the promotion of cultural exchange and understanding in the region.