Villa Harun ar-Rashid, Historical villa in Talbiyya neighborhood, Jerusalem, Israel
Villa Harun ar-Rashid is a residential building from the 1920s in Talbiyya with a blend of local and international architectural styles. The structure displays characteristic details of that era and was later subdivided into multiple residential units.
The building was constructed in 1926 by Hanna Bisharat, marking a moment before major upheaval in the region. After 1948, the villa changed hands and later served as a residence for Israeli government officials.
The villa takes its name from Caliph Harun al-Rashid, reflecting Jerusalem's layered history of coexistence. This naming choice speaks to a period when different communities shaped the city together.
The villa is located at 20 David Marcus Street in West Jerusalem and is typically accessible through organized architectural tours. Advance registration or checking availability is recommended since the building now functions as private residences.
The original name was removed from the facade after 1948, yet traces of the inscription remain visible. These subtle marks tell the story of the layers of history that overlap within this building.
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