Al-Daraj
Encyclopedia
Al-Daraj or Haraat al-Daraj is the densely populated northern quarter of Gaza
's old city. Its name translates as "Quarter of the Steps." Situated on an oblong hill about 20 metres (65.6 ft) above sea level and higher than any other area in the city, al-Daraj likely received its name either from stairs that once led to it or from the feeling of climbing steps when attempting to reach the neighborhood. It is also referred to as the "Muslim Quarter" and contains several mosques and other Muslim edifices. Among them are the city's largest mosque, the Great Omari Mosque
, as well as the al-Sayed Hashem Mosque, the Sheikh Zakariya Mosque, the Sheikh Faraj Mosque and Madrasa al-Zahrah. Al-Daraj is separated from the southern Zaytun Quarter by Omar Mukhtar Street
.
It is the oldest populated area of the city, being built over the site of ancient Gaza. The remnants of the city's ancient past are visible in many of the neighborhood's stone houses where marble columns and slabs have been reused as building materials. According to Ottoman
tax records, al-Daraj was a relatively large neighborhood in 1525, with 141 households. Containing Qasr al-Basha
, it was the seat of power during Ottoman rule over the city by at least the 17th century.
Gaza
Gaza , also referred to as Gaza City, is a Palestinian city in the Gaza Strip, with a population of about 450,000, making it the largest city in the Palestinian territories.Inhabited since at least the 15th century BC,...
's old city. Its name translates as "Quarter of the Steps." Situated on an oblong hill about 20 metres (65.6 ft) above sea level and higher than any other area in the city, al-Daraj likely received its name either from stairs that once led to it or from the feeling of climbing steps when attempting to reach the neighborhood. It is also referred to as the "Muslim Quarter" and contains several mosques and other Muslim edifices. Among them are the city's largest mosque, the Great Omari Mosque
Great Mosque of Gaza
The Great Mosque of Gaza also known as the Great Omari Mosque is the largest and oldest mosque in the Gaza Strip, located in Gaza's old city....
, as well as the al-Sayed Hashem Mosque, the Sheikh Zakariya Mosque, the Sheikh Faraj Mosque and Madrasa al-Zahrah. Al-Daraj is separated from the southern Zaytun Quarter by Omar Mukhtar Street
Omar Mukhtar Street
Omar Mukhtar Street is Gaza City's main street, running from Palestine Square to the Port of Gaza in the Rimal district, separating the Old City's al-Daraj and Zaytoun quarters. Gaza's hotel strip is a part of Omar Mukhtar Street and most of Gaza's most important buildings are located along the...
.
It is the oldest populated area of the city, being built over the site of ancient Gaza. The remnants of the city's ancient past are visible in many of the neighborhood's stone houses where marble columns and slabs have been reused as building materials. According to Ottoman
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
tax records, al-Daraj was a relatively large neighborhood in 1525, with 141 households. Containing Qasr al-Basha
Qasr al-Basha
Qasr al-Basha was formerly a large palace, and now a two-floored girl's school and museum, situated in the Old City of Gaza...
, it was the seat of power during Ottoman rule over the city by at least the 17th century.