The Al-Ghussein House in Gaza

CULTURAL HERITAGE IN GAZA

There are a large number of historic buildings in the Gaza Strip: the construction of some dates back to the Mamluk and Ottoman periods. Most are located in Gaza City's historic neighborhoods. Despite the economic, social and political crises in the region, the buildings convey a sense of identity and continuity. However, they are often in danger of decay. The reasons are complex: Gaza is one of the most densely populated and fastest growing areas in the world; demand for housing is constantly increasing. In addition, the population often lacks awareness of the importance of architectural heritage. To ensure the preservation and rehabilitation of architectural heritage, urban planning measures and funding are needed, as well as trained professionals.

THE AL-GHUSSEIN HOUSE - A RUIN AS A SILENT HISTORY BOOK

During a trip to the Gaza Strip in 2018, we visited the Old City of Gaza City with our partner from Iwan, Nashwa Alramlawi. Our attention was drawn to a stately remarkably beautiful yet destroyed house: the former house of the Al-Ghussein family. The house, which was built around 1800, is known today mainly because of its last inhabitants. "During the time of the British Mandate in Palestine, the British consul and his family lived in this house," Nashwa Alramlawi reports. While the roof of the house was no longer complete and the upper floor was pierced, the various layers of construction and the traditional craftsmanship were revealed. It represents a remarkable example of traditional masonry typically built in Gaza around 1800. This outstanding view caught our attention.

In 2019, a project application was submitted for the restoration and renovation of the Al-Ghussein House and thus for the preservation of its cultural heritage. In 2020, the Goethe-Institut in the Palestinian Territories, together with its partners Riwaq and Iwan, started the work thanks to the funding of the project through the Cultural Preservation Program of the German Foreign Office. The aim of the project was to preserve the valuable cultural heritage of Al-Ghussein House and its architectural distinctiveness, and to establish a place for culture within the restored and renovated Al-Ghussein House.

THE AL-GHUSSEIN HOUSE AS A CULTURAL CENTER

We can proudly say that we have already come very close to achieving this goal: the run-down house is once again resplendent in its historic beauty and is home to a cultural center. Various cultural events have already taken place here, such as film screenings, poetry evenings, exhibitions and music workshops.  
The house's program is tailored to the needs of civil society and the cultural scene in Gaza.

However, in order to be able to expand the program and make the Al-Ghussein Cultural House an independent, sustainable institution, there was a lack of sufficient furnishings and technical equipment: exhibition walls, equipment for live streaming, furniture for residencies, redesign of the garden, suitable screening equipment, construction of a stage for theater performances, a lighting system and much more.
In the longer term, these purchases reduce the rental costs for furnishings and equipment and provide various actors with a suitable platform for their cultural initiatives.
In order to support the Al-Ghussein House and thus the cultural scene in Gaza, the Goethe-Institut launched a crowdfunding campaign. The goal was to raise 15,000 US dollars by mid-August 2022.
Crowdfunding campaign for Al-Ghussein House

The Al-Ghussein House after the completion of the restoration
    
The Al-Ghussein House before and during the renovation