23.11.2025 19:16
The Ottoman artifacts retrieved from the rubble in the Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by Israel, have drawn attention. Rare manuscripts and special collections are waiting to be rescued.
A large number of rare manuscripts, books, and written works from the Ottoman period and afterwards in the Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by Israel, have been largely destroyed due to intense bombardment.
MANY DOCUMENTS AND WORKS LOST UNDER THE RUBBLE
Although a group of experts has started efforts to rescue the works in the region whenever possible, the Israeli army continues its bombardment. With the complete destruction of the Ghaffari Tower, which housed the rich archive of the "Ayyun Ala el-Turath" group, manuscripts and valuable documents belonging to the collection have been lost under the rubble.
SEARCHING FOR THE LOST WORKS
Group members continue their efforts to find the lost works after the rubble removal efforts and to protect the few written heritage pieces that have survived despite heavy damage.
NOTABLE MANUSCRIPTS
In February, experts trying to rescue manuscripts from the 1400-year-old Great Omar Mosque rubble are now conducting research among the ruins of the Ghaffari Tower. Among the works, very valuable and original manuscripts stand out.
Here are some of the works that have been salvaged with limited resources: