Gaza
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.
Great Mosque
The mosque is built presumably on the spot of a Roman temple which was converted
into an Orthodox Church during the Byzantine period. The present mosque was
converted from a Norman church built during the Crusader period. The mosque
has been subject to a series of restorations.
Qassr AI Basha (Napoleon's Citadel)
Located in AI Daraj quarter in the old city of Gaza, Qassr AI Basha is a two
storey building that dates 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 it's facades which are decorated with
different patter~s such as the emblem of AI Thaher Babers (a sculpture of two
facing lions) in addition to geometrical patterns and unique archaeological
elements such as domes, fan and cross vaults.
Khan Younis
Khan Younis is considered to be the second city of the strip, 25 km south of
Gaza and about 4 km from the sea. It is a market town for the agricultural produce
of the surrounding villages and colourful Bedouin markets take place every Wednesday.
It is worth spending a couple of hours strolling about or just sitting and watching
the market.
The Greek Orthodox Church
The Church is located in AI Zaytoon 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 three 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.