Old City of Gaza

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Old City of Gaza
البلدة القديمة الغزة
Old city
Tolerance - panoramio.jpg
Old City of Gaza, 1931, Survey of Palestine.jpg
Coordinates: 31°30′12″N34°27′48″E / 31.50333°N 34.46333°E / 31.50333; 34.46333
CountryFlag of Palestine.svg  Palestine
City Gaza City

The Old City of Gaza is the historical center of Gaza City, in the Gaza Strip. For much of recorded history it has been the southernmost coastal city in the region of Palestine, occupying a strategic position on ancient trade route of the Via Maris, between Egypt and the Levant. Throughout its history, Gaza has been ruled by various empires, including the Philistines, Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Romans, and Ottomans.

Contents

Following Israeli bombardment during the ongoing Gaza–Israel conflict, the Old City has been described in 2024 as "a vast field of ruins". [1]

History

Francis Frith's 1857 photograph of the Old City of Gaza Francis Frith, Gaza (The Old Town).jpg
Francis Frith's 1857 photograph of the Old City of Gaza

The city's origins trace back to around 3000 BCE, when it was first established by the Canaanites. Gaza rose to prominence due to its location on the Via Maris trade route that links Africa and Asia, serving as a hub for merchants and travelers. During the Roman and Byzantine periods, it grew as a center for the trade of spices and perfumes. It continued to play an important role under Islamic rule, was briefly conquered by the Crusaders, and later became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1516.

Much of the Old City has been destroyed by Israeli bombardment during the ongoing Gaza–Israel conflict.

Neighborhoods

The Old City of Gaza is divided into four main quarters, some of which have subdivisions. Three of these quarters — Tuffah, Daraj, and Zaytun — were located within the walls of the ancient city, while the southeastern quarter, as-Saja'iyyah, developed later, mostly outside these walls: [2]

Walled city

Outside the walls

Architecture and Landmarks

The Old City of Gaza is renowned for its architectural landmarks, many of which date back to the Mamluk and Ottoman periods. The dense urban fabric includes mosques, churches, bathhouses, and markets that showcase a blend of Byzantine, Mamluk, and Ottoman architectural styles. Despite modern development, the Old City retains many elements of its historical layout.

Maps and images

See also

Bibliography

Related Research Articles

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References

  1. Mraffko, Clothilde; Forey, Samuel (2024-02-14). "Israeli bombs are wiping out Gaza's heritage and history". Le Monde.fr. Retrieved 2024-09-29. Whether the Israelis act intentionally or not, "the result is effectively the erasure of a heritage and a history. Symbolically, this is important because this is one of the ways in which people are attached to their territory," warned Benoît Tadié, former cultural adviser to the French consulate general in Jerusalem between 2009 and 2013. He takes as an example the Old City of Gaza, which, like much of the north of the enclave, is now a vast field of ruins. "It wasn't just a site, it was also the heart of today's city. The hammam and the Pacha's Palace were extremely popular places. The museum also served as a place of education for schoolchildren," explained Tadié.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Sharon 2009 , pp. 28–30: “The old city of Gaza, where all the remnants of the ancient, medieval and early Ottoman city are found, is divided into four quarters, a few of which are subdivided. Three of these quarters (at-Tuffäh, ad-Daraj, and az-Zaytun) were within the walls of the ancient city. The southeastern quarter, as-Saja'iyyah, developed later than the others, mainly outside these walls… The four quarters of the city are as follows: in the northeast (generally, north): Hãrat (or Hayy) at-Tuffäh (the "Apple Quarter”)… The Southern part of this quarter is called ad-Dabbäghah (not as-Sabbäghah) the tanners' neighbourhood situated in the area of the slaughter house during the Ottoman period… In the northwest (generally, west): Hãrat (or Hayy) ad-Daraj ("the Stairs Quarter"). This is the oldest part of the city, or the city of Gaza proper, situated on an oblong hill, some 20m. higher than the surrounding plain and the other parts of the city. It probably received its name from stairs that led to it, or from the feeling of whoever went up to it that he was climbing stairs… In the southwest (generally: south): Hãrat (or Hayy) az-Zaytün (the "Olive Quarter") called thus because of its olive groves. It is the largest quarter of Gaza… The Daraj Quarter is separated from the Zaytün Quarter by a wide road built during WWI by Jamãl Pasha. He ordered the demolition of a great part of the medieval Khãn az-Zayt to make room for the road to which he gave his name. The city council however, decided to change its name to 'Umar al-Mukhtär Street… The last Quarter in the southeast (generally east): Hãrat (or Flayy) as-Sajaiyyah… As mentioned, this quarter developed in the Middle Ages mainly outside the city walls… being built outside the wall, it had extensive possibilities to develop and become the largest quarter of the city, surpassing the Zaytun Quarter. The Sajaiyyah is subdivided into two parts: al-Judaydah (coll. Judeideh/Jdeideh) or Saja'iyyat al-Akrād (the Saja'iyyah of the Kurds) in the northeast, and at-Turkmän in the south.”