During two years of war and destruction in Gaza, Israel wasn’t satisfied with destroying homes and killing civilians — it launched a systematic campaign against Palestinian heritage. The Pasha Palace, one of Gaza’s most prominent historical landmarks, was looted at first by Israel, with around 20,000 rare artefacts stolen, before most of it was then destroyed. Gaza archaeology is another victim of the genocide.

Amid the rubble, technicians and heritage workers are working to recover the scattered pieces. They are engaging in restoration attempts to try and save what remains. It is an uphill battle to try and preserve the historical identity of the city.

Gaza archaeology—widespread destruction and a rich history

Hamouda Dahdar, a cultural heritage expert at the Heritage Preservation Centre in Bethlehem, told Turkey’s Anadolu Agency that the palace is one of Gaza’s most prominent historical landmarks, dating back to the Mamluk era, 1250-1517. He added that more than 70% of the palace has been destroyed. I used to house important archaeological artefacts dating back to the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras,

Al-Dahdar said that the palace was extensively damaged during previous Israeli operations before its withdrawal in 1994 from Gaza City. The government in Gaza later restored it and converted into a museum.

Systematic destruction and looting

Ismail al-Thawabta, director of the government media office in Gaza, confirmed that the Israeli army has implemented a systematic policy of destroying archaeological sites — with the aim of erasing Palestinian identity. He explained that more than 316 archaeological sites and buildings have been completely or partially destroyed, most of them from the Mamluk and Ottoman periods — some even dating back to the Byzantine era and the first period of migration.

He noted that thousands of artefacts disappeared during the invasion of the palace, stressing that the loss of these artefacts constitutes a serious cultural crime that affects national identity and human heritage.

The philosophy of Islamic architecture

The palace is located in the Daraj neighbourhood, east of the Old City, and is a prominent example of Mamluk architecture. It consists of two separate buildings with a large garden in between, and its main entrance is decorated with a carved double lion emblem, the symbol of the Mamluk state and the Muslim victory over the Mongol and Crusader invasions.

The palace features geometric decorations carved in stone — such as star-shaped plates, as well as pointed and semi-circular arches and horseshoes — reflecting the development and richness of Islamic architecture in Palestine.

Historical stages and multiple names

The palace has been known by many names throughout its history:

1. Mamluk era: ‘Dar al-Sa’ada’ (House of Happiness).
2. Ottoman era (1556-1690): ‘Qasr al-Radwan’ (Radwan Palace), named after the ruling family.
3. 1799: During Napoleon’s campaign, part of it was used as ‘Napoleon’s Fortress’ — a temporary headquarters for French forces.
4. British era (1918): Police station named ‘Al-Debouya’.
5. Egyptian administration (1959-1967): Administration of the ‘Princess Feryal’ school, before it was converted after the 23 July 1952 revolution into the ‘Al-Zahra’ secondary school for girls.

The palace previously underwent three phases of restoration by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, funded by the United Nations Development Programme in 2005, 2010 and 2014, in preparation for its conversion into a government museum.

Gaza archaeology—urgent rescue project

Archeologists are working in coordination with local institutions and the Heritage Preservation Centre in Bethlehem on an “urgent rescue” project. It includes salvaging the remaining artefacts, conducting preliminary treatments, and preserving parts of the building that can be restored in the future.

The Pasha Palace is not just a historic building, but represents the cultural memory of an entire people. The destruction and looting of the palace is evidence of a systematic policy aimed at erasing Gaza’s historical identity. Palestinian archaeology experts are making strenuous efforts to save what remains of the eight-century-old legacy, as a cornerstone in preserving Palestine’s history and culture.

Featured image supplied via author