Heritage

In the aftermath of significant cultural destruction, a non-conventional approach is vital for reinstating Gaza’s heritage, emphasizing healing and memorialization driven by its citizens. This strategy encourages Gazans, civil society, and cultural actors to redefine heritage by merging the spirit of the place with collective memory, reconnecting historical remnants to inform recovery and reconstruction plans. 

Gaza, located at the crossroads of history and culture has long been a vibrant centre of human activity. With a history spanning millennia, Gaza’s cultural and natural heritage represents the intertwined legacies of its diverse populations, its rich geographical setting, and its continuous role as a hub of commerce and civilization. Before the recent war, Gaza’s heritage was defined by a mix of ancient landmarks, historical sites, and natural landscapes that spoke to its long history, rooted in the traditions of its people and the various civilizations that have called it home.

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Resources and References:

• Ahmad, Nadiah. Gaza: A Case Study of Urban Destruction Through Military Involvement, The Temple University (2011)
• Al-Houdalieh, Salah. Archaeological Heritage and Related Institutions in the Palestinian National Territories 16 Years After Signing the Oslo Accords. (2010)
• Al-Qeeq, Farid. A Comprehensive Approach to Incorporate Architectural Heritage of Gaza Old City Into Contemporary Urban Fabric. Lonaard Magazine 2nd Edition, London Art and Architecture Research & Design Group, London. (2011)
• Aldohdar, Hammouda. The Role of Heritage Tourism in Preserving Historical Buildings in Palestine (Case Study of the Pasha’s Palace, Gaza). Architecture and Engineering. (2020)
• ANSCH, Report on the Impact of the Recent War in 2023 on the Cultural Heritage in Gaza Strip - Palestine (2023)
• Champion, Michael. “Explaining the Cosmos: Creation and Cultural Interaction in Late-Antique Gaza by Michael W. Champion.” Journal of Early Christian Studies (2015)
• Downey Glanville 1908-1991. Gaza in the early sixth century. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press (1963)
• Filiu, Jean-Pierre and John (Translator), King. Gaza: A History. Oxford University Press (2014)
• Glucker, Carol A. M. The City of Gaza in the Roman and Byzantine Periods. (1987)
• Haarer, F.K. Amato E. Ed. Rose di Gaza. Gli scritti retorico-sofistici e le Epistole di Procopio di Gaza. The Journal of Hellenic Studies. (2013)
• Helles, Ahed. Metaphor and Simile As a Design Tool To Invoke Intangible Heritage in Contemporary Architecture An Approach To Maintain Identity And Cultural Authenticity- Case of Gaza City. Journal of Engineering Education (2019)
• Jalala, Mohammed Said. Culture Oriented Planning Approach for Sustainable Urban Development of Gaza City. Thesis (M.S.), Eastern Mediterranean University, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Dept. of Architecture, Famagusta: North Cyprus (2017)
• Joe Sacco, Gaza 1956. Notes on the Margins of History. Mondadori (2025)
• Ling, Roger. Food for the Gods: new light on the ancient incense trade. Oxford: Oxbow Books, The Antiquaries Journal. 88. (2008)
• Marino Ficco. Heritage under Siege: The Case of Gaza and a Mysterious Apollo, Public Archaeology (2023)
• Meyer, Martin A.. History of the City of Gaza: From the Earliest Times to the Present Day. Piscataway, NJ, USA: Gorgias Press (2008)
• Michael W. Champion. Dorotheus of Gaza and Ascetic Education. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press (2022)
• Nicolaïdis, Dimitri. “Mediterranean Frontiers. Borders, Conflict and Memory in a Transnational World by Dimitar Bechev & Kalypso Nicolaidis (Eds).” Nations and Nationalism (2010)
• Padri, Orientali. Doroteo di Gaza - Comunione con Dio e con gli uomini-Qiqajon (2014)
• Roy, Sara. “The Gaza Strip: Critical Effects of the Occupation.” Arab Studies Quarterly 10, no. 1 (1988)
• Sadek, Mohamed-Moain. Die mamlukische Architektur der Stadt Gaza. Schwarz. (1991)Sadeq, Moain. Urban History of South-Western Palestine during the Bronze Age, International Journal of Business, Humanities and Technology (2012)
• Samson, Elizabeth. “A Brief Political and Territorial History of Gaza.” Is Gaza Occupied?: Redefining the Legal Status of Gaza. Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (2010)
• Sebastian Gertz, John Dillon, Donald Russell. “Review of Aeneas of Gaza, Theophrastus, with Zacharias of Mytilene, Ammonius. Ancient Commentators on Aristotle , IJPT (2017)
• Shafir, Gershon. A Half Century of Occupation: Israel, Palestine, and the World’s Most Intractable Conflict. 1st ed. University of California Press (2017)

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