Rural Settlement Patterns in Eretz-Israel

The pattern of settlement in Eretz-Israel (Palestine) is the result of two separate cultural systems, which have developed side-by-side in a small territory. One of the two systems is of modern origin, while the other was the result of long and continuous development. Paradoxically, the Jewish pattern is rigid and, contrary to prevailing trends, strongly nucleated. The 'traditional' Arab patterns, on the other hand, are more varied and dynamic. This paper presents and explains these patterns, and reviews available information on historical, cultural, ideological, and economic factors which account for their relative importance and spatial distribution. The description of the patterns is followed by a discussion of their relative strength. The findings indicate that the patterns represent diverging processes which were specific to certain historical situations. The Jewish and Arab patterns differ even where they took place in areas having similar resources. However, the Arab patterns are more sensitive to land use and tenure. Since marginal lands were settled late, there is a clear correlation between resource quality and pattern in the Arab rural sector. Technological development has also exerted a strong impact on this sector. The Jewish patterns, on the other hand bear mainly the impact of culture and ideology, but their institutional variety also reflects various economic and agrotechnical functions. Jewish communal coherence was stimulated by security needs, inexperience, and other factors. The present urbanization may lead to some convergence of patterns. The emerging system is, however, urban, not rural. Existing policies continue to favor nucleation and discourage dispersal in the surviving farm settlements.