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Volunteers preserve remains of historic Gaza Mosque’s
(MENAFN) Volunteers in central Gaza are carefully recovering stones, marble columns and other surviving elements from the ruins of the Abu Salim Mosque, hoping the preserved pieces can contribute to rebuilding the historic site in the future.
Located in Deir al-Balah, the mosque suffered severe damage after being struck on Aug. 24. The attack affected its courtyard as well as sections of the main building.
Several days after the strike, members of the Guardians of Heritage volunteer group began removing debris from the mosque and nearby areas. They have been collecting displaced stones, historic marble columns and damaged books, transferring the surviving materials to secure locations for protection.
The recovery effort was launched by the Mayasir Association for Culture and Arts in partnership with the heritage volunteers. Organizers said the salvaged architectural pieces are being carefully preserved so they may potentially be incorporated into restoration efforts if the mosque is rebuilt.
## Preserving the Mosque’s Legacy
The Abu Salim Mosque was constructed in 1951 at the expense of Hajj Mohammed Abu Salim and features an Ottoman-inspired architectural design, according to local officials.
Mayor Khalil Abu Samra stressed the importance of protecting the historic landmark after years of preservation efforts.
“We preserved this mosque for many years,” Abu Samra said, expressing hope that the site could eventually be restored “by the hands of the Guardians of Heritage and the Guardians of the Homeland” and regain its original appearance.
Shaimaa al-Natour, who coordinates the Guardians of Heritage campaign, said volunteers arrived at the mosque soon after the strike to begin what she called “preventive conservation measures.”
She explained that the initial work is centered on locating and recovering the scattered stones and historic marble columns before placing them in protected storage. Future efforts, she said, could shift toward the restoration of the damaged mosque itself.
The initiative is part of wider volunteer efforts aimed at safeguarding Gaza’s archaeological and cultural heritage amid the extensive destruction suffered by historic and cultural sites during the Israeli war.
Located in Deir al-Balah, the mosque suffered severe damage after being struck on Aug. 24. The attack affected its courtyard as well as sections of the main building.
Several days after the strike, members of the Guardians of Heritage volunteer group began removing debris from the mosque and nearby areas. They have been collecting displaced stones, historic marble columns and damaged books, transferring the surviving materials to secure locations for protection.
The recovery effort was launched by the Mayasir Association for Culture and Arts in partnership with the heritage volunteers. Organizers said the salvaged architectural pieces are being carefully preserved so they may potentially be incorporated into restoration efforts if the mosque is rebuilt.
## Preserving the Mosque’s Legacy
The Abu Salim Mosque was constructed in 1951 at the expense of Hajj Mohammed Abu Salim and features an Ottoman-inspired architectural design, according to local officials.
Mayor Khalil Abu Samra stressed the importance of protecting the historic landmark after years of preservation efforts.
“We preserved this mosque for many years,” Abu Samra said, expressing hope that the site could eventually be restored “by the hands of the Guardians of Heritage and the Guardians of the Homeland” and regain its original appearance.
Shaimaa al-Natour, who coordinates the Guardians of Heritage campaign, said volunteers arrived at the mosque soon after the strike to begin what she called “preventive conservation measures.”
She explained that the initial work is centered on locating and recovering the scattered stones and historic marble columns before placing them in protected storage. Future efforts, she said, could shift toward the restoration of the damaged mosque itself.
The initiative is part of wider volunteer efforts aimed at safeguarding Gaza’s archaeological and cultural heritage amid the extensive destruction suffered by historic and cultural sites during the Israeli war.
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