The City of Charm and Beauty.
Have you ever visited Gaza before this war?
Gaza, with its stunning Mediterranean coastline, has long been celebrated for its unique location. Nestled between Egypt and the Levant, and straddling the continents of Asia and Africa, it stands as a key Palestinian city. Positioned as Palestine’s western gateway, Gaza serves as the final link between the Levant and the Mediterranean. Its strategic spot, at the crossroads of the Sinai Peninsula, the Negev Desert, and the sea, makes it an important and vibrant part of Palestine.
In Gaza, nestled along the Mediterranean coast, fish has always been a central part of the local diet, making fishing a crucial livelihood. However, fishing there is far from ordinary.
Gaza’s fishermen face unique challenges; their profession is fraught with danger, not because of the fish, but due to the constant threats they encounter at sea. Yet, their love for fishing remains unwavering. The fishnet, deeply embedded in the Palestinian Kufiyeh, reflects their enduring passion and resilience, embodying both their struggle and identity.
Along the coast, numerous restaurants offered a delightful seafood experience, but Bab El-Bahr Restaurant stood out as a popular favourite among Gazans. It was renowned for its exceptional seafood and was a beloved destination for those seeking to savor the freshest catches from the Mediterranean.
Historical Places:
Gaza, a city rich in Islamic heritage, is renowned for its deep historical significance. It is believed to be the burial site of Hāshim ibn ʿAbd Manāf, the great-grandfather of the Prophet Muḥammad (PBUH). Additionally, it is celebrated as the birthplace of al-Shāfiʿī (767–820), the esteemed founder of the Shāfiʿī school of Islamic jurisprudence.
(Omari Mosque):
The Great Mosque of Gaza, also known as the Great Omari Mosque, was once the largest and oldest mosque in Gaza City. Built on the site of an ancient Philistine temple, it had been transformed into a church by the Byzantines in the 5th century. Following the Rashidun conquest in the 7th century, it became a mosque. The mosque was rebuilt by the Mamluks in the early 13th century, restoring its place as a significant religious landmark.
Saint Porphyrius Church, the third oldest church in the world, is a living testament to ancient Gaza's rich history. Though the Gaza Strip covers just 360 square kilometers, it has long been a crossroads of civilisation, witnessing countless eras, battles, and campaigns. This storied past has left the region abundant with both Islamic and Christian historical treasures.
After exploring the rich historical sites of Gaza, Gazans never leave the Old City without enjoying a traditional Palestinian breakfast. One of the most popular spots is Abu Zuhair Restaurant, located near the Omari Mosque. It’s a beloved destination where people gather to savor authentic Palestinian pastries and tea, preserving a cherished culinary tradition.
Universities in Gaza:
The Islamic University of Gaza achieved a notable rank in the Webometrics Ranking (July 2021 edition), which lists the world’s top universities. It retained its position as the leading university in the Gaza Strip. The Webometrics ranking includes some of the world’s most prestigious universities, such as Harvard, Oxford, Boston, Manchester, and Toronto.
Additionally, the university features laboratories, a large conference hall, several specialized technical and vocational institutes, as well as centers for psychology and journalism. It also hosts the Community College of Sciences, which later became called the University College of Science and Technology. These facilities enabled the university to host numerous scientific and academic events throughout Gaza and Palestine.
Al-Azhar University - Gaza was established as a higher education institution to meet the aspirations of the Palestinian people and to symbolise their ability to contribute and give. The decision by the late Palestine President Yasser Arafat to create this university aimed to embed Palestinian youth in their homeland and strengthen their roots there. The university has grown rapidly, earning widespread admiration and respect.
In their free time, many university students in Gaza used to find themselves drawn to local gyms for a break from their studies. Among the most popular spots was Oxygen Gym, a favourite for students looking to stay fit and healthy. It became more than just a gym—it was a place where students could unwind, recharge, and build a community around their shared commitment to well-being.
Can you imagine that all of these once-vibrant places have now been completely destroyed?
Stay tuned for our next newsletter, coming next weekend, where we’ll share updated images of these locations after the ongoing war on Gaza.
"Holy Land Dates has been dedicated to donating a minimum of 50% of our net profits to support the vulnerable since 2016. Through your generosity in sales, fundraising campaigns, and tours to Palestine, we have contributed to the construction of 3 schools, an orphanage, and 3 pediatric intensive care units at Al Makassed Hospital in East Jerusalem, providing life-saving care to babies in Gaza and the West Bank. Recently, providing meals for Gaza and distributing cash vouchers have become our priority. Our commitment extends beyond dates; it's about creating lasting change and spreading hope."