“The town of Gaza, located four kilometers from the seashore, is an ancient district at the southernmost edge of the Ottoman Empire’s Syrian frontier. It is one of five ancient cities inhabited by a people older than the Hebrews, collectively known as Palestine, and the only one to have endured through the centuries. Its historical significance matches its ancient legacy. This city, which has witnessed many wars and hardships, still retains some of its ancient character—much like Hebron.”
(Majid Shevket Bey, Governor of Jerusalem, 1913)
One of the most ancient cities in human history, Gaza today—as the first quarter of the 21st century comes to a close—faces genocide at the hands of the Israeli military, in full view of the modern world. Home to over two million people, it now faces the imminent threat of annihilation.
Where exactly is Gaza? What is its historical and social fabric? What role did it play under Ottoman rule?
This book seeks to revive Gaza’s rich history and enduring identity by tracing its journey from past to present. It brings to light the story of a city and a people marked for destruction—offering a detailed and poignant portrait of resilience against all odds.
