Gaza's Fishermen and the Sea: A Short Guide
Most news about Gaza leaves out one simple fact: it is a beach city. Around 25 miles of Mediterranean shoreline run along the Gaza Strip, and the sea has shaped its economy, its food and its daily life for thousands of years.
Anthedon, Gaza's first port
The ruins of Anthedon, the ancient port of Gaza, sit just north of Gaza City. It was in use from roughly the 8th century BC until Byzantine times, and it linked Gaza to trade routes across the eastern Mediterranean.
A trade handed down
Fishing families in Gaza often trace the work back several generations. Before the current war, thousands of fishermen went out from Gaza City's harbor and from beaches along the coast, some in small wooden boats, others in motor trawlers. For years they could only fish within limits that were set from outside and changed frequently.
The sardine run
In spring, sardines move along the coast in large schools, and this was the high season. Crews fished through the night with strong lamps, then brought the catch to the harbor market at dawn.
What Gaza cooks from the sea
Zibdiyit gambari is shrimp baked in a clay dish with tomato, garlic, hot pepper and dill. Sayyadiyeh pairs fish with rice cooked with caramelized onions and cumin, which turns it a deep brown. On the side there is almost always daqqa, a spicy salad of mashed tomato, dill, chili and lemon.
Evenings by the water
For families in Gaza, the beach was the place to go on a Friday or a hot night, with corn sellers, kids in the waves and tea on the sand. Many Palestinian Americans with roots in Gaza remember it that way.
Our Palestine Map design shows the map of Palestine in sunset colors, with the word Palestine underneath, a small reminder of that coastline.
FAQ
+Does Gaza have a beach?
Yes. The Gaza Strip has about 25 miles of Mediterranean coastline, and the beach has long been a favorite place for families.
+What fish is caught off Gaza?
Sardines are the main seasonal catch, especially in spring, along with other Mediterranean fish and shrimp.
+What is a traditional Gaza seafood dish?
Zibdiyit gambari, shrimp baked in a clay pot with tomato, garlic, chili and dill, is one of the best known.
+What is daqqa?
Daqqa is a spicy Gaza salad of crushed tomatoes, dill, green chili and lemon, often served with fish.
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