Gaza Food

For decades, the Palestinian people were known for their uniqueness and creativity in preparing certain varieties of food that were inspired in time of special intensity during the siege and scarcity of food. The difficult conditions experienced by the Palestinian people encouraged Palestinian housewives in preparing distinguished dishes that meet with what was available in their household. These dishes despite its simplicity have become very famous in Palestine and around the world. Here are some of these famous dishes:

Al-Musakhan: Al-Musakhan is considered one of the most famous Palestinian heritage dishes which were made by Palestinian peasants in rural areas. The component of this Palestinian dish consists of layers of bread made locally by the Palestinians called Saaj Bread in the Arabic language which is baked on a tabon, domestic onions, Palestinian olive oil that soaks the dish, tannin that grows excessively in the wilderness, Chicken and pine; pine trees grow a lot in Palestine. Palestinians are used to serving this dish at weddings and feasts. Al-Musakhan dish has become common in most cities in the Levant and spread to the world.

Sumaghiyyeh: Sumaghiyyeh is considered one of the Palestinian foods passed down from generations of Palestinians. It is an old dish famous particularly the city of Gaza; Read More

GAZA PORT

The Port of Gaza is a small port near the Rimal district of Gaza City. It was the principal port on the Mediterranean serving the Incense Road. Strabo and Ptolemy referred to it as Gazaion limen. The port was distinct from the city, which was located opposite it. Under Constantine the Great, the settled area around the port was granted city status and named Konstaneia. Under the emperor Julian, it was downgraded and the name was changed to Maioumas ("harbor place"). It became associated at this time with a pagan festival.

The Port of Gaza was at the end of the Nabataean spice road where trade was conducted in herbs, spices incense, drapery, glass and food. Goods arrived in the port on the backs of camels from Southern Arabia (the Kingdom of Sheba) through Petra, the Arava Valley and crossing Negev Desert via Avdat. At the port of Gaza, these goods were dispatched to the European markets. Alexander Jannaeus' conquest of Gaza (99 BCE) that denied the Nabateans access to the port and trade with Rome led to Obodas launching a military campaign against the Hasmonean King.
Read More