Researchers document destruction of Gaza's cultural heritage

In February 2024, a group of French researchers, led by historian Fabrice Virgili, initiated a project to document the damage inflicted upon UNESCO-listed heritage sites in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict. The destruction of infrastructures, particularly the heritage sites, has posed a significant concern, especially as two-thirds of these buildings have been reported destroyed due to Israeli military actions. The researchers made use of open-source digital data to keep track of the state of these sites, including cinemas, libraries, and museums. This initiative became urgent as foreign media faces access restrictions in Gaza, making satellite images a crucial tool for monitoring. This project is driven by an emotional urge for the preservation of the rich historical and cultural identity of Gaza amidst the devastation. The team consists of a dozen dedicated researchers, each specializing in various fields such as history, archaeology, and sociology. They collaborated with other independent research groups to assemble a more comprehensive picture of the impacts of war on the region's heritage. Their goal extends beyond mere documentation; they aim to aid in future restoration efforts and maintain collective memory. They argue that recording the histories of affected places is essential for potential future reconstruction. As the war continues, communication remains challenging, but they strive to connect with local Gazan experts in heritage preservation to enrich their findings. The documentation covers significant locations, including the historic Al-Qissariya souk and the An-Nasr cinema, an emblem of Palestinian cultural life established in 1956. The researchers emphasize the importance of their work not just for the sake of heritage but as an act of resistance against the erasure of cultural identity. Despite the difficulties faced, including blackout communications and the danger presented by ongoing attacks, they remain resolute in their mission. Their initiative highlights the need for an academic response to the tragedies unfolding in war-torn areas and poses the question of whether it is possible to ensure the memory of cultural heritage continues even amid destruction. As the Israeli military actions have intensified over the months, leading to an alarming loss of life and cultural heritage, the task of preservation becomes increasingly critical. The researchers believe that understanding and recording the state of these endangered sites is a moral responsibility that will resonate even after the conflict ends. The emotions tied to this work extend beyond academic interests, reaching into the hearts of those who value the common history shared by humanity and the necessity to remember those spaces that encapsulate collective memory and identity.