Storyscapes

The great crossroads of the ancient world between the ‘Way of the Patriarchs’ and ‘Via Maris’ which passed through the Megiddo region, gave rise to a space of history and heritage of international importance. This area contains many stories of communities – from the tales of Armageddon and the rise of Christianity, through early settlements alongside a perennial stream that developed into a Palestinian village, the UNESCO archaeological site of Tel Megiddo, to a contemporary kibbutz. However, today many elements of those stories that express the historical presence in the area are hidden from view. Many culturally significant remnants are inaccessible to visitors, and cultural landscapes are threatened by pressures of development. As a result, the connection of some communities to the area has weakened, its identity has blurred, and it is “forgotten” by many visitors.

The project “Storyscapes” seeks to unveil the layered and complex identity of the Megiddo Heritage Area and to address the diversity of competing narratives within it. The goal is to create a complete and diverse space of stories, communities and visitors in the open landscape.

Integrating the plan of Megiddo interchange threatens the important view of the Jezreel Valley from Tel Megiddo, and the government resolution to relocate Megiddo prison in which the world’s first Christian prayer house in the world was revealed, make possible a new plan for the route of  the interchange, one that preserves the view of the valley and creates a cohesive space. Restoring and blending the archaeological remains into the landscape, Qini Stream and historic agricultural plants enable the communities to return to the space, and create a view of the open scenery, which resonates historical presence, with focal points of community, historical and landscape importance. These focal points connect via a “super trail” that joins all stories, and from which visitors can choose to embark on other trails, through which they can become acquainted with the stories and the landscape.