Mohammad Qwaider
This is by the grace of my Lord
The series of photographs and the book offer an in-depth exploration of the impact of interior design in Palestinian homes on the cultural and social identity of families. The project is based on the concept that the word "بيت" (house) in Arabic reflects both the material and spiritual aspects of the home, which include the individual and collective identity of its inhabitants. The project highlights the documentation of Palestinian homes in Jerusalem and other cities, focusing on traditional designs that are connected to the land and harmonize with nature.
The project showcases various details of the homes, indicating how families navigate economic challenges while maintaining the authenticity of their cultural identity. It examines the different rooms within a Palestinian home, such as the guest room dedicated to visitors, the living room for family gatherings, and the bedrooms, with an emphasis on the importance of small details like the arrangement of furniture, door and window placements, and their role in shaping the identity of each space.
The project also looks at the use of the roof of the Palestinian house as a place for gatherings and storage, reflecting the social and cultural nature of Palestinian family life. Through these details, the project presents a comprehensive vision of the Palestinian home as a symbol of cultural and social identity, highlighting how every element of the home’s design contributes to shaping this identity.
Photography: Rawan Julani