Tales from the Old City – Let Nablus Speak

Tales from the Old City – Let Nablus Speak
A Cultural Initiative Reviving Heritage through Storytelling

 

In a vibrant effort to preserve and celebrate Palestinian cultural identity, the initiative “Tales from the Old City – Let Nablus Speak” was launched in the heart of Nablus’ Old City. Organized in collaboration with the Yalla Project and Y-Peer volunteers, the initiative unfolded over two days at the iconic Clock Tower Square, a historic site that itself holds countless untold stories.

At the center of the initiative was a live storytelling evening titled “A Journey Through Time with Tales of Old Nablus”. The event aimed to revive the collective memory of the Old City, bridging generations through the oral tradition of storytelling—a cornerstone of Palestinian cultural expression. By sharing tales passed down over decades, the event created a space where heritage was not only remembered but relived, especially by the younger generation.

The initiative is part of a broader movement to use creative and cultural tools to preserve Palestinian identity, particularly in areas rich in history like Nablus. In reviving traditional storytelling, the project helped counter the erosion of intangible heritage caused by urbanization, displacement, and modernization.

The event drew a diverse and intergenerational audience, including children, youth, and families, demonstrating the unifying power of shared stories. 

By embedding storytelling within the cultural fabric of the Old City, this initiative not only entertained—it reconnected people with their roots, honored the voices of the past, and inspired a renewed sense of identity and belonging in the present.