{{short description|Historical city center of Gaza, Palestine}} {{coord|31|30|12|N|34|27|48|E|region:BD-13|display=title}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Old City of Gaza | native_name = البلدة القديمة الغزة | settlement_type = Old city | image_skyline = Tolerance - panoramio.jpg | caption = [[Church of Saint Porphyrius]] and the [[Katib al-Wilaya Mosque]] | image_seal = | shield_size = | motto = | image_map = Old City of Gaza, 1931, Survey of Palestine.jpg | mapsize = | map_caption = 1931 [[Survey of Palestine]] map | mapframe = yes | mapframe-zoom = 14 | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = {{flag|Palestine}} | subdivision_type1 = City | subdivision_name1 = [[Gaza City]] | coordinates = | established_date = 3000 BCE | leader_title = Control | leader_name = {{flag|Hamas}} }}
The '''Old City of Gaza''' is the historical center of [[Gaza City]], in the [[Gaza Strip]]. It consists of a heavily built up urban area with many historical buildings on a 10 - 30 metre high low-lying [[Tell (archaeology)|tell]] covering an area of about {{convert|100|hectare|km2}}.<ref name=Sadeq>{{cite book|chapter=An Overview of Iron Age Gaza in Light of the Archaeological Evidence|title=Material Culture Matters|first=Moain|last=Sadeq|page=239-242}}</ref> It sits at a distance of 3.5 km from the coastline of the [[Mediterranean Sea]] between two [[wadi]]s: [[Wadi Gaza]] to the south, and [[Wadi el Hesi]] to the north.<ref name=Sadeq/><ref name=Clarke>{{citation |last1=Clarke |first1=Joanna |last2=Sadeq |first2=Moain |title=Gaza Research Project: 1998 Survey of the Old City of Gaza |year=2004 |journal=Levant |volume=36 |pages=31–36 |doi=10.1179/lev.2004.36.1.31}}</ref>
For much of recorded history it has been the southernmost coastal city in the [[Palestine (region)|region of Palestine]], occupying a strategic position on the ancient trade route the [[Via Maris]], between [[Egypt]] and the [[Levant]]. Throughout its history, Gaza has been ruled by various empires, including the [[Philistines]], [[Egyptians]], [[Assyrians]], [[Babylonians]], [[Roman Empire|Romans]], and [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]].{{sfn|Al-Qeeq|2011|pp=3-4}} Following Israeli bombardment during the ongoing [[Gaza–Israel conflict]], the Old City has been described in 2024 as "a vast field of ruins".<ref name="i699">{{cite web | last1=Mraffko | first1=Clothilde | last2=Forey | first2=Samuel | title=Israeli bombs are wiping out Gaza's heritage and history | website=Le Monde.fr | date=2024-02-14 | url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/02/14/israeli-bombs-are-wiping-out-gaza-s-heritage-and-history_6524666_4.html | access-date=2024-09-29|quote=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.}}</ref>
== History == {{main|History of Gaza}} [[File:Gaza in William Tipping 1840s sketches of Palestine and the surrounding region, from Traill’s Josephus 12.jpg|thumb|[[William Tipping]] 1840s sketch of Gaza City]] [[File:Francis Frith, Gaza (The Old Town).jpg|thumb|[[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. Like the wider region, it subsequently fell under the control of the Egyptian, Assyrian, and the Persian empires. Alexander the Great [[Siege of Gaza (332 BC)|captured the city in 332 BC following a siege]] which killed most of the inhabitants. The area changed hands regularly between two Greek successor-kingdoms, the Seleucids of Syria and the Ptolemies of Egypt, with a particularly notable [[Battle of Gaza (312 BC)|battle in 312 BC]], until it was besieged and taken by the Hasmoneans in 96 BC. The city was rebuilt by Roman General [[Pompey]], and maintained its prosperity throughout the Roman period, receiving grants from several different emperors. It grew as a center for the trade of spices and perfumes during this period.{{sfn|Al-Qeeq|2011|pp=3-4}}
The city's conversion to Christianity was spearheaded and completed under [[Saint Porphyrius]], who destroyed its eight pagan temples between 396 and 420 AD. Gaza was conquered by the Muslim general [[Amr ibn al-As]] in 637 AD and most Gazans adopted Islam during early Muslim rule. The Crusaders wrested control of Gaza from the Fatimids in 1100, but were driven out by [[Saladin]]'s forces in a [[Battle at Gaza (1239)|battle in 1239]]. The city was destroyed during the [[Mongol raids into Palestine]]; it was the Mongol's southernmost point of conquest. Gaza was in Mamluk hands by the late 13th century, and became a regional capital. Under the Ottomans the city continued as the regional capital of the [[Gaza Sanjak]], and witnessed a golden age under the [[Ridwan dynasty]] from c.1560-1690. Gaza was culturally dominated by neighboring Egypt from the early 19th century; [[Muhammad Ali of Egypt]] conquered it and most of Palestine in 1832.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ville-ge.ch/mah/expos/pdf/212/Gaza_timeline.pdf |title=Gaza at the crossroads of civilisations |access-date=2008-01-23 |author=Remondino |date=June 5, 2007 |work=Exhibition: Gaza at the crossroads of civilisations (April 27 to October 7, 2007)|publisher=Art and History Museum, Geneva, Switzerland}}</ref> When World War I erupted in 1917, British forces were defeated by the Ottomans in the [[First Battle of Gaza|first]] and [[second Battle of Gaza]]. General [[Edmund Allenby]], leading the [[Allies of World War I|Allied Forces]], finally conquered Gaza in a [[Third Battle of Gaza|third battle]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Middle East and Africa: International Dictionary of Historic Places |first1=Trudy |last1=Ring |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=1996 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2aOpeBnbxvsC&q=Great+Mosque+of+Gaza&pg=PA289 |isbn=1-884964-03-6}}</ref>
The city expanded outside of the area of the Old City during the twentieth century. In modern times, much of the Old City was destroyed by Israeli bombardment during the ongoing [[Gaza–Israel conflict]].<ref name="i699" /> In 2026 Palestine began the process of proposing the Old City of Gaza as a [[List of World Heritage Sites in Palestine|World Heritage Site]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mansour |first=Mohammad |title=Wary of Israeli appropriation, Palestine lists 14 sites with UNESCO |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/1/15/wary-of-israeli-appropriation-palestine-lists-14-sites-with-unesco |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>
== 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, Shuja'iyya, developed later, mostly outside its walls:<ref name=Sharon>{{harvnb|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.”</ref> * [[Daraj Quarter]] ("The Stairs Quarter"): Located in the northwest (generally west), this is the oldest part of the city, sometimes referred to as the old city of Gaza proper. It is known for its narrow streets and traditional homes. It sits on an hill about 20 meters above the surrounding plain and other parts of the city. The name likely comes from the stairs that led up to it or the sensation of climbing stairs when approaching the area.<ref name=Sharon/> * [[Zaytun Quarter]] ("The Olive Quarter"): Situated in the southwest (generally south), this quarter is named after its historical olive groves. It is the largest quarter within the old city walls. It contains the St. Porphyrius Church. The medieval Khan az-Zayt formed the historical border between the Zaytun Quarter and the Daraj Quarter; this was demolished under [[Djemal Pasha]] during the later years of Ottoman rule, and replaced with a road currently named [[Omar Mukhtar Street|Umar al-Mukhtär Street]] which now forms the boundary between the two quarters.<ref name=Sharon/> * [[Tuffah]] ("The Apple Quarter"): Located in the northeast (generally north), this quarter is known as the Apple Quarter. The southern part of this quarter, called ad-Dabbäghah, was historically the tanners' neighborhood, which was situated near the Ottoman-era slaughterhouse.<ref name=Sharon/> * [[Shuja'iyya]]: This southeastern quarter, which developed during the Middle Ages, mostly lies outside the ancient city walls. Its location outside the walls allowed it to expand significantly, eventually surpassing the Zaytun Quarter in size. The quarter is subdivided into two parts: al-Judaydah (also known as Saja'iyyat al-Akrād, or "The Saja'iyyah of the [[Kurds]]") in the northeast and at-Turkmän in the south.<ref name=Sharon/>
== 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 architecture|Byzantine]], [[Mamluk architecture|Mamluk]], and [[Ottoman architecture|Ottoman]] architectural styles. Despite modern development, the Old City retains many elements of its historical layout.{{sfn|Al-Qeeq|2011|pp=4-7}}
* '''[[Great Mosque of Gaza]] (Al-Omari Mosque)''' – Originally a Byzantine church, converted into a mosque during the Islamic period.{{sfn|Al-Qeeq|2011|pp=4-7}} * '''[[Church of Saint Porphyrius]]''' – A Byzantine-era church serving the local Greek Orthodox community.{{sfn|Al-Qeeq|2011|pp=4-7}} * '''[[Sayed al-Hashim Mosque]]''' – said to contain the tomb of [[Hashim ibn Abd al-Manaf]], Muhammad's great grandfather who died in Gaza.{{sfn|Al-Qeeq|2011|pp=4-7}} * '''[[Hamam al-Sammara]]''' – A traditional bathhouse from the Mamluk period.{{sfn|Al-Qeeq|2011|pp=4-7}} * '''[[Qasr al-Basha]] (Napoleon's Fort)''' – An Ottoman palace where [[Napoleon Bonaparte]] is said to have stayed.{{sfn|Al-Qeeq|2011|pp=4-7}} * '''[[Gold Market]] (Souk Al-Qaysariyya)''' – A historic market specializing in gold and jewelry.{{sfn|Al-Qeeq|2011|pp=4-7}} * '''Old City Walls''' – Remnants of the fortifications that once encircled the city.{{sfn|Al-Qeeq|2011|pp=4-7}} ==Archaeology== {{main|Palestinian archaeology}} The ancient tell upon which the Old City sits has never been thoroughly excavated, for a number of reasons, including biases towards sites more important to [[biblical archaeology]], fluctuating political conditions and upheavals, as well as the density of the existing built structures, many of which are also historically valuable.<ref name=Sadeq/> Its northwestern side is called Tel el-Kharrubi (or Tel el-Harubeh), so name for the cemetery there where an honoured [[wali]], Sheikh el-Kharrubi is buried.<ref name=Sadeq/>
==Maps and images== <gallery> File:Stadtvignette von Gaza.jpg|500s CE [[Madaba Map]] File:Umm ar-Rasas mosaic Gaza.png|700s CE [[Umm ar-Rasas mosaics]] File:Old City of Gaza (NYPL b14212718-1534508) (cropped).jpg|1799, ''[[Carte de l'Égypte (Description de l'Égypte)|Carte de l'Égypte]]'', showing the battles during the [[French invasion of Egypt and Syria]] File:David Roberts - Gaza - 1927.138 - Cleveland Museum of Art.jpg|1839 ''[[The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia]]'' File:1840–41 Royal Engineers map of Gaza.jpg|1840–41 [[1840–41 Royal Engineers maps of Palestine, Lebanon and Syria|Royal Engineers]] File:Gaza entry to the bazaar.jpg|1879 [[Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria]] File:Georg Gatt 1887-88 map of Gaza City 1-5,000.png|1887-88, [[Georg Gatt]] 1–5,000, File:Old City of Gaza, 1931, Survey of Palestine.jpg|1931, [[Survey of Palestine]] 1–10,000 File:Gaza Survey of Palestine 1-2,500, 1937.jpg|1937, [[Survey of Palestine]] 1–2,500 </gallery>
==See also== * [[Old City of Hebron]] * [[Old City of Jerusalem]] * [[List of archaeological sites in the Gaza Strip]]
== Bibliography == * {{cite journal | last=Al-Qeeq | first=Farid | title=A Comprehensive Approach to Incorporate Architectural Heritage of Gaza Old City into Contemporary Urban Fabric|journal=Lonaard Journal|page=109-| volume=1 | issue=2 | date=2011-03-01 | issn=2045-8150 | url=https://www.academia.edu/50519748 | access-date=2024-09-28}} * {{cite journal | last=Al-Qeeq | first=Farid S | title=A Sustainable Approach for Urban Integration of Hammam Sammrah in the Historic City of Gaza | journal=International Journal of Architectural Research: Archnet-IJAR | date=2009-01-01 | url=https://www.academia.edu/79704349 | access-date=2024-09-28}} * {{cite journal | last1=Clarke | first1=Joanne | last2=Steel | first2=Louise | last3=Sadeq | first3=Moain | title=Gaza Research Project: 1998 Survey of the Old City of Gaza | journal=Levant | publisher=Informa UK Limited | volume=36 | issue=1 | year=2004 | issn=0075-8914 | doi=10.1179/lev.2004.36.1.31 | pages=31–36|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233525349}} * {{cite journal | last=Gatt | first=Georg | authorlink=Georg Gatt|title=Legende zum Plane von Gaza | journal=Zeitschrift des Deutschen Palästina-Vereins | publisher=Deutscher Verein zur Erforschung Palästinas | volume=11 | year=1888 | issn=2192-3124 | jstor=27928513 | pages=149–159 | url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/27928513 | access-date=2024-09-22}} * {{cite book |title=Corpus Inscriptionum Arabicarum Palaestinae|chapter=Gaza |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P2LtyFVNJmcC |first1=Moshe |last1=Sharon |author-link=Moshe Sharon |year=2009 |volume=4 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-17085-8|pages=15–213}}
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Old cities in Palestine and Israel}} {{Gaza City}}
[[Category:Historic sites in Palestine]] [[Category:Buildings and structures in Gaza City]] [[Category:Mamluk architecture in Palestine]] [[Category:Arabic architecture]] [[Category:Architecture in Palestine]] [[Category:Old cities in Israel and Palestine]] [[Category:Archaeological sites in the Gaza Strip]] [[Category:Old City of Gaza| ]]