2025 - Guide to the Preservation of the Old City of Gaza, by RIWAQ

This project addresses the essential need to guide the planning and reconstruction of the cultural heritage in Gaza following the 2023 war and genocide by producing a manual of guidelines. In collaboration with the Municiplaity of Gaza the manual will document the cultural heritage of the city of Gaza, highlight its chronology and significance, and set guidelines and approaches towards the urban development and reconstruction. Preparing this guide represents a strategic step and a scientific reference for preserving the historic urban fabric and revitalising the Old City in Gaza City, in a way that enhances its cultural, economic and social identity and documents it historic value.

The guide will include a historic and architectural analysis of the Old City, while establishing specific foundations and standards for dealing with archaeological buildings and areas. It also aims to integrate international and local standards in the fields of urban planning and restoration, and to provide practical solutions for rehabilitating buildings and preserving the urban fabric in a manner consistent with the aspirations of the local community and its development needs. The project comes as a continuation of current and ongoing works to document and map the historic city of Gaza. RIWAQ documented over 420 historic buildings in the City of Gaza as part of its Registry. 

Riwaq Centre for Architectural Conservation is a center for the preservation of architectural heritage of rural Palestine.