Gaza’s Ancient Library: Volunteers Race to Rescue Cultural Heritage After War Damage

Rescuing Gaza’s Literary Heritage: Volunteers Race to Salvage Ancient Texts from Devastated Library

Gaza City – Amidst the rubble and devastation left in the wake of the ongoing conflict, a dedicated group of volunteers in Gaza is undertaking the painstaking task of rescuing what remains of a vital piece of Palestinian cultural heritage. The library of the Great Omari Mosque, once the largest and oldest in the Gaza Strip, suffered immense damage during the war that began in October 2023, leaving its collection of ancient books and manuscripts vulnerable to further loss. The efforts to salvage these texts represent a powerful act of resilience and a commitment to preserving history in the face of unimaginable destruction.

The Great Omari Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Omar, holds a significant place in the history of Gaza, with roots stretching back to the 7th century. Its library, considered the third largest in Palestine after those at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and the Ahmed Pasha al Jazar Mosque in Acre, housed an estimated 20,000 books before the recent conflict. Now, volunteers estimate that fewer than 3,000 to 4,000 volumes remain, many of them severely damaged by fire, debris and the elements. The ongoing work is a race against time to recover and restore as much of this invaluable collection as possible.

A History Etched in Stone and Paper

The site of the Great Omari Mosque has a history that predates Islam, believed to have once been a Philistine temple and later a Byzantine church in the 5th century. Following the Muslim conquest in the 7th century, the structure was transformed into a mosque. Throughout its long history, the mosque has endured numerous challenges, including earthquakes and periods of destruction and reconstruction. According to historical accounts, the minaret was destroyed by an earthquake in 1033. During the Crusades in 1149, a cathedral dedicated to John the Baptist was built on the site, only to be largely destroyed by the Ayyubids in 1187. The mosque was rebuilt by the Mamluks in the 13th century, but suffered further damage from both Mongol invasions in 1260 and subsequent earthquakes.

The library within the mosque held a diverse collection of manuscripts and books covering a wide range of subjects, including Islamic jurisprudence, medicine, Islamic law, literature, and other scholarly fields. Haneen Al Amsi, head of the Volunteers Eyes on Heritage Foundation, described her shock at the extent of the devastation, stating, “I was shocked and stunned when I saw the destruction of the library.” This devastation spurred her to help launch the restoration initiative. Amsi explained that the western part of the library was particularly affected by fire when the mosque was attacked, leaving many texts charred and fragile.

The Scale of the Damage and the UNESCO Report

The conflict in Gaza has taken a heavy toll on the region’s cultural heritage. As of January 2026, UNESCO had verified damage to 150 sites since the start of the war, which began with the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas militants in Israel. UNESCO reports that these damages include 14 religious sites and 115 buildings of historical or artistic interest. The Great Omari Mosque and its library stand as a stark example of this widespread destruction.

Volunteers, wearing masks and gloves, are meticulously sifting through the debris, examining fragments of carbonized manuscripts and yellowed paper. The condition of the remaining books is described as “deplorable,” having been exposed to the elements for over 700-800 days and bearing the residue of gunpowder. The painstaking process of restoration involves carefully cleaning, preserving, and documenting each salvaged item.

International Concerns and Accusations

A United Nations independent commission concluded in June 2025 that Israeli attacks on schools, religious sites, and cultural sites in Gaza constitute war crimes. The commission’s report stated that “Israel has eliminated Gaza’s education system and destroyed more than half of the religious and cultural sites in the Gaza Strip.”

Israel has strongly rejected the commission’s findings, dismissing it as a “inherently biased and politicized mechanism of the Human Rights Council” and asserting that the report is “another attempt to promote its false narrative about the war in Gaza.” These conflicting accounts highlight the complex and politically charged context surrounding the preservation of cultural heritage in the region.

Despite the challenges and controversies, the volunteers remain committed to their mission. Amsi emphasizes the importance of restoring the books to preserve historical and cultural records, stating, “These books represent the history of the city and are witnesses to historical events.” Their work is a testament to the enduring power of culture and the determination of the Gazan people to safeguard their heritage for future generations.

Looking Ahead: Continued Restoration Efforts

The restoration of the Great Omari Mosque library is an ongoing process that will require significant resources and expertise. The immediate priorities include stabilizing the remaining structure, protecting the salvaged books from further damage, and documenting the extent of the losses. Long-term plans involve securing funding for comprehensive restoration work and developing a sustainable plan for the library’s future.

The situation in Gaza remains volatile, and the future of its cultural heritage remains uncertain. However, the dedication of volunteers like Haneen Al Amsi and the Eyes on Heritage Foundation offers a glimmer of hope. Their efforts serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural memory and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The next update on the restoration efforts is expected from the Eyes on Heritage Foundation in late April 2026, when they plan to release a detailed assessment of the salvaged materials and outline their long-term restoration strategy. We encourage readers to share this story and support organizations working to preserve cultural heritage in conflict zones.