Capturing the essence of the Levant – a lively market scene and a historic building in Jerusalem.
In the heart of the Levant, where rich histories and vibrant cultures intersect, Hana Sham Scent is making waves through transformative training and consultancy in cultural heritage and tourism. Led by the expertise and vision of Ghadeer Najjar, our programs empower institutions, small businesses, and communities to unlock their full potential, creating enduring impacts and fostering economic resilience.
Our Unique Approach: Empowerment Through Heritage
A training session with Ghadeer Najjar, guiding participants through hands-on documentation as part of preservation efforts.
At Hana Sham Scent, we believe that cultural heritage is a powerful tool for both community enrichment and sustainable business growth. Our consultancy services provide clients with actionable strategies to preserve, showcase, and profit from their unique cultural assets. By combining deep-rooted heritage knowledge with a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, we empower our clients to:
Preserve Their Heritage: We provide practical training in Heritage Documentation to ensure that cultural assets are documented and safeguarded for future generations. From digital archives to hands-on techniques, our documentation processes preserve traditions while making them accessible for contemporary audiences.
A small group of participants learning documentation techniques.
Implement Sustainable Tourism Practices: We equip clients with the knowledge to develop tourism practices that enhance visitor experiences without compromising local culture or the environment. Our goal is to create tourism models that respect heritage while attracting and retaining visitors, building a strong foundation for long-term success.
A guided tour for students, showcasing Jerusalem's architectural styles and landmarks, while highlighting responsible tourism practices.
Harness Cultural Entrepreneurship: Through tailored consultancy, we help small businesses and artisans turn their heritage into authentic products and services. This not only enriches visitor experiences but also creates a competitive edge in the market, ensuring that our clients can grow while staying true to their cultural roots.
Students on a site visit to Al-Awkaf Takieh, learning about its rich history and ongoing community support through a documentation session.
Collaboration: The Key to Transformative Success
A collaborative workshop with diverse participants, including local artisans, business owners, and cultural institutions, working together.
Our work is built on partnerships with local and international institutions, businesses, and organizations. We understand that each client has unique goals, challenges, and audiences, so our approach is highly collaborative and customized to their needs. With our collaborative approach, we focus on:
Capacity Building: We equip participants with skills that drive innovation and resilience, from advanced documentation techniques to cultural storytelling. This means our clients leave our programs with more than just knowledge—they have practical, actionable skills that directly apply to their work.
Participants in a hands-on workshop in Jerusalem, learning documentation and storytelling techniques.
Community Engagement: We design our training to foster active community involvement, empowering locals to be ambassadors of their culture and identity. Whether it’s through participatory heritage projects or community-led tourism experiences, we ensure that local voices are at the heart of every initiative.
Community members engaged in a group discussion, leading a heritage storytelling session to promote awareness of community-based tourism in West Bank villages.
Economic Empowerment: Our consultancy extends beyond preservation to include strategic business development, helping artisans, entrepreneurs, and institutions create profitable, sustainable models. From artisanal products to heritage-inspired hospitality services, our clients learn to turn heritage into thriving businesses that contribute to local economies.
Small business owners discussing branding or showcasing heritage-inspired hospitality services.
Why Choose Hana Sham Scent?
Ghadeer Najjar guiding a group of students through Jerusalem, addressing key research questions related to their master’s theses.
At Hana Sham Scent, our dedication to heritage and sustainable tourism is more than a business—it’s our mission. Our programs are uniquely positioned to transform cultural heritage into a vibrant, living resource that benefits communities and enriches the visitor experience.
By working with us, clients not only receive top-tier training but also join a network of like-minded professionals and institutions committed to preserving and celebrating the Levant’s heritage. Our approach is grounded in deep cultural understanding, practical expertise, and a commitment to creating lasting impacts.
Ready to Transform Your Heritage Potential?
Participants in the closing session, celebrating the successful completion of the training program.
If you're a cultural institution, heritage-based business, or community organization ready to elevate your offerings and enrich your community, Hana Sham Scent is here to help. Our training and consultancy services are designed to bring out the full potential of your heritage, fostering a future where cultural richness and economic growth go hand in hand.
Contact us today to learn more and take the first step toward sustainable heritage development and tourism success.
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Ghadeer Najjar is an architect, anthropologist, and Jerusalem-based urban researcher specializing in the rich cultural heritage of the Levant. With deep expertise in documenting and preserving both tangible and intangible heritage, she has spent years exploring the narratives embedded within the architectural and cultural landscapes of cities across the region, especially Jerusalem. Her research delves into the interconnectedness of people, place, and tradition, weaving these elements into meaningful insights that bridge past and present.
In her work, Ghadeer has conducted extensive field studies and community-engagement initiatives to foster a more nuanced understanding of the Levant’s unique history, including Palestinian heritage and its resilience amidst contemporary challenges. This commitment is brought to life through Hana Sham Scent, a platform she founded to celebrate Levantine heritage through art, stories, and traditional practices. Hana Sham Scent seeks to elevate local narratives by connecting people with the sensory experiences of the region’s rich cultural identity, from visual storytelling to the everyday scents, sounds, and flavors that define the Levant’s essence. Through her work, Ghadeer aspires to empower communities to reclaim their stories, fostering a living archive of heritage that celebrates the beauty, resilience, and diversity of the Levant.
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