Orient House, Palestinian political center in East Jerusalem, Israel
Orient House is a three-story stone building with architectural features typical of late 19th-century Jerusalem construction. The structure shows characteristic building methods of that era with thick stone walls and traditional window arrangements.
The building was constructed in 1897 by Ismail Musa Al-Husseini and hosted visits from international leaders including German Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1898 and Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie in 1936. These visits reflect its importance as a significant meeting place in the region.
The building housed the Arab Studies Society, which became one of the largest research institutions in the Palestinian territories. Scholars and researchers there focused on documenting Palestinian history and social issues.
The building has been closed to the public since 2001 and can only be viewed from the outside. Visitors can photograph and explore the exterior architecture and its location in the neighborhood.
Between 1948 and 1950, the building served as headquarters for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. This brief period made it an important international coordination center during a critical time.
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