Gaza Heritage Exhibition Highlights Cultural Treasures in Geneva

In a significant cultural event, archaeological treasures from the Gaza Strip are being showcased in Geneva, Switzerland. This exhibition, titled "Patrimony in Peril," aims to protect and highlight the rich heritage of a region that has faced immense challenges due to ongoing conflict. The display features 44 remarkable objects, including amphoras, statuettes, vases, oil lamps, and figurines, all of which have been unearthed from Gaza.

Beatrice Blandin, the curator of the exhibition, emphasized the importance of these artefacts, stating, "It’s a part of Gaza’s soul. Its identity, even." She further explained that these items represent the history of the land and its people, making their preservation crucial. The artefacts are part of a larger collection of over 530 items that have been stored in a secure warehouse in Geneva since 2007, unable to return to their homeland.

The exhibition runs until February 9 and also includes artefacts from other conflict-affected regions such as Sudan, Syria, and Libya. It commemorates the 70th anniversary of the 1954 Hague Convention, which aims to protect cultural property during armed conflicts. This event serves as a reminder of the responsibility that museums have in safeguarding cultural heritage from destruction and looting.

Geneva city councillor Alfonso Gomez highlighted the ongoing threat to cultural property, referencing the destruction witnessed in Mosul, Iraq, by the Islamic State group. He stated, "The forces of obscurantism understand that cultural property is what is at stake for civilization." This sentiment was echoed by Marc-Olivier Wahler, the director of the Museum of Art and History, who noted that aggressors often target cultural heritage to erase the identity and history of a people.

Since the escalation of conflict in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, the United Nations has reported significant damage to cultural sites in the region. UNESCO has confirmed that 69 sites have been affected, including religious sites, historical buildings, and archaeological locations. The ongoing destruction of Palestinian cultural heritage has made the artefacts held in Geneva even more valuable.

Some of the displayed objects were originally owned by the Palestinian Authority, while others belonged to Palestinian entrepreneur Jawdat Khoudary, who transferred ownership to the PA in 2018. These artefacts, which date back to the Bronze Age and extend to the Ottoman era, were initially intended for an archaeological museum in Gaza. However, due to the political situation, they have remained in Geneva for 17 years.

Blandin explained that the circumstances surrounding the artefacts' departure from Gaza coincided with Hamas taking control of the region, which ultimately preserved them from destruction. Tragically, the rest of Khoudary’s private collection in Gaza has been completely destroyed since the recent conflict began.

In light of a new cooperation agreement signed last September between the Palestinian Authority and Geneva, the Swiss city has pledged to care for these artefacts for as long as necessary. The Museum of Art and History has a history of providing refuge for cultural treasures, having previously safeguarded works from the Museo del Prado in Madrid during the Spanish Civil War and hosting an exhibition of Ukrainian art last year.

This exhibition not only serves as a platform for showcasing the resilience of Gaza's cultural heritage but also raises awareness about the importance of protecting cultural property in times of conflict. As we reflect on the ongoing struggles faced by regions like Gaza, it becomes increasingly clear that preserving cultural heritage is vital for maintaining the identity and history of affected communities. The artefacts on display in Geneva stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of the people of Gaza and the universal value of cultural heritage.