The village of arts and crafts run by the Municipality of Gaza located next to the Al-Katiba Park in the center of Gaza City was not merely a destination for artists but also the largest incubator of the Palestinian heritage which the Israeli occupation is actively seeking to destroy to eliminate Palestinian culture and identity as it believes.
Heritage and history
“The village of arts and crafts is an incubator of the original Arab Palestinian heritage as it is built of mud and local materials” Imad Siam the director general of cultural affairs and centers in the municipality of Gaza told the PIC reporter.
The village dates back to the 1980s – according to Siam. It was renovated before being destroyed by the Israeli F16 warplanes on Saturday (14/7/2018) he added.
Siam points out that the destruction was huge in the village in an attempt to destroy the Palestinian heritage by targeting its symbol indicating that losses were estimated at about 350000 USD.
Talent incubator
The arts and crafts village pays attention to organizing art exhibitions and programs at schools in addition to various art courses and crafts workshops.
It includes four main houses (sections): Bustat House Nahas House Embroidery House and Wood House. These houses include historical artifacts that served as a tourist attraction for local and foreign tourists.
The village is 2250 square meters in size and its design was inspired from traditional Islamic art. It was built to serve as a traditional house with its various elements including arches domes high ceilings and inner courtyards which are in the center of the house.
The cultural hall is spread over 150 square meters and is equipped with furniture suitable for the village. This hall was used to organize many activities events artistic workshops seminars and cultural programs and could be used by institutions in return for a symbolic fee.
