Architecture and Conservation in Old Akko

Dr. Shelley-Anne Peleg

The Urban space of Akko developed on a peninsula in layers. The first layer being the fortified Crusader city from the 13th century. This city was conquered in 1291 by the Mammluks and methodically destroyed, deserted and left in ruins for hundreds of years. Remains from this Crusader city have been found in methodologic excavations that took place in Old Akko over the last decades. Underneath the living city of today, are remnants of typical medieval castles, tunnels, vaulted halls and fortifications. 

During the Ottoman period (18th century), under the government of Dahar el- Omar and his successor el-Jazar, Akko returned to its international glory. Rebuilt over the Crusader ruins, the Ottomans re-constructed a new city that included traditional monuments such as mosques, bathhouses, caravan series, administrative buildings, covered markets and many other buildings. These structures comprise the historic urban landscape in which modern life of today exists. This blend has created a unique, traditional oriental city that combines cultural heritage from the past with present life. 

Conservation of this built heritage in Akko can be traced back to the Ottoman period. Protective measures were then needed to preserve structures or properties that either belonged to the Wakf or that income from them was used for holy purposes. Since then, ideals, ideas and approaches to the conservation of the built heritage in Akko have greatly changed. It can be generally said that the State of Israel adopted conservation and development measures established by the British Mandate. Old Akko was then and is still regarded as a tourist city with unique values and monuments. In order to ensure that the modern development preserves these values, the current master plan established building legislations, restrictions and guidelines addressing the developing needs of this unique blend. These address the Crusader monuments which have been excavated, conserved and developed into impressive tourist sites. Many of the Ottoman monuments, such as the Bathhouse, the walls and the caravan-serais underwent strict supervised alterations in order to adapt them for new current usages. All of the Ottoman period houses have been included in these strategies and some already preserved according to the special standards especially prepared and approved for Old Akko. Building additions and materials are approved to safeguard the unique and authentic architectural values of the city. Conserving the remnants of these ancient cultures in Old Akko and enabling adaptations for current modern needs are an ongoing never-ending challenge.