Gaza

Gaza Strip is one of the most overpopulated areas in the world compared to its limited area (365sq.km.) and its huge number of population (about 1.30 million).

Two thirds of Gaza population is refugees who were forced out of their villages and towns in 1948, the year of Catastrophe (Nakba).

Gaza, which was occupied in 1967 by Israeli Military Forces, is sieged and surrounded by electronic wire from the east, the north and the south where Egypt borders are to the south. The Mediterranean is to the west.

Despite economic hardships, poverty and other aspects inherited from more than 33 years of Israeli occupation, in addition to the 19 Israeli settlements on over than 40% of its land, Gaza is still considered one of the  oldest cities  in the world which made her one of the richest regarding archaeology and antiquity.

It has several sites and many historical places as Gaza's position on the crossroads between Asia and Africa has ensured it a history as troubled as it is long. Since the Canaanite period, it has been fought over, invaded and occupied by nearly all the powers that have marched across the Middle East.  Aside from all of this, Gaza has one of the most beautiful beaches and extremely friendly locals.  Investigating the place can leave a searing impact on the visitor.

Among the old spots Gaza has, the Great Mosque which is built presumably on the spot of a Roman temple which was converted into a Greek Church during the Byzantine period.  The preset mosque was converted from a Norman church built during the Crusader period.  The mosque was subject to a series of restorations.

There is also Qassr Al Basha (Napoleon's Citadel) which is located in al Daraj quarter in the old city of Gaza, Qassr Al Basha is a two storey building that goes back to the Mamluk period.  It was the headquarter of the Deputy of Gaza during the Mamluk and the Ottoman periods and was used as a police station during the British mandate.  Napoleon spent three nights there during his campaign against Egypt and Syria in 1799.  This is why it is sometimes called "Napoleon's citadel".  The Fort is characterized by the accuracy, strength and beauty of its facades which are decorated with different patterns such as the emblem of Al Thaher Babers (a sculpture of two facing lions) in addition to geometrical patterns and unique archaeological elements such as domes, fan and cross vaults.  The building has now been converted into a girls' school but can still be visited.

We have also, The Greek Orthodox Church (Porphyrius church) which is located in Al Zeitun quarter in the old city of Gaza.  The original construction of the church is from the beginning of the 5th century, while the existing structures date back to the 12th century.  The church is rectangular shape ending with a half-domed roofed temple.  The roof of the church has two crossing vaults with a pointed arch between them.  There are three entrances for the church: the western one has a portico with tree marble columns supporting two pointed arches.  The church is characterized by its colossal walls supported by horizontal marble and granite columns and pilasters.  The tomb of Saint Porphyrius, who died in 420, is in the north eastern corner.   The church was renovated in 1856.