Actually, the tradition to situate Joseph`s tomb here is quite recent; it had been a Muslim maqam (shrine) commemorating a Muslim saint since a long time. The Wikipedia entry "Joseph`s tomb" actually shows an old photograph of it as a Muslim shrine. The real tomb of Joseph is said to be in Hebron.
Joseph`s tomb is on the outskirts of Nablus, next to Balata refugee camp and village smack in the middle of occupied Palestine. The Israeli army had a fort here and Jewish colonists were building a yeshiva. The inhabitants of the village of Balata told me they feared that the Jewish settlers would create another colony here, a fear certainly grounded in reality.
When the second Intifada broke out the tomb became a focus for the rebellion. 17 Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army here and when the Israelis withdrew the site was badly damaged. The PA is committed to its repair and maintenance. Remember, before the belligerent Israeli occupation the maqam never saw any strife! |
|
