GAZA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian couple from the Gaza Strip display more than 3,000 archaeological artifacts they collected in their newly established local museum.
The couple, Najla Abu Nahla, 26, and Mohammed Abu Lahiya, 29, from al-Qarara village in Khan Younis city, named the museum after their village.
"The purpose of setting up the museum is to preserve the Palestinian identity, making it to be commemorated in every Palestinian home," Abu Lahiya told Xinhua.
He added that he chose al-Qarara area as the location for his museum because it contains antiquities of all civilizations that have lived in Palestine, such as Byzantine, Roman and Islamic civilizations.
Al-Qarara is a border area close to Israel, where has few cultural centers and institutions.
Lahiya said that the Gaza Strip is rich in ancient antiquities and boasts of significant archaeological sites. Some of these ancient findings date back to bronze and byzantine eras; others go back to the Stone Age.
At least 184 archaeological sites have been discovered in the territory, but archaeologists believe that there were others underneath.
However, many of the artifacts found by people are sold outside Gaza. Lahiya bought more than one piece when the persons who found them refused to donate to the museum.
The couple's journey to search for artifacts began with a small old coin which was obtained from one of their friends.
Over time, the couple, who studied fine arts at one of the universities in Gaza, grew to collect and preserve heritage and archeological pieces in their home.
Gradually, the pieces were almost everywhere in their small house. They rented an old house that was used 50 years ago to store wheat and grain crops and made it a museum.
The museum is divided into three sections. The first includes artifacts, the second is for traditional Palestinian heritage pieces, while the third section is dedicated to cultural events and promoting the importance of archaeological monuments.
In the center of the small museum, marble columns dating back to the Byzantine period are placed. Traditional women's dresses and ancient kitchen tools were also displayed on the corners of the museum.
There are also antique coins in glass boxes, as well as copper statues of animals, such as elephants, horses and deer.
The couple obtained a license from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Gaza for the preservation and display of artifacts.
"The museum receives students from schools and universities and other visitors," the wife told Xinhua.
"Young volunteers guided visitors with some artifacts knowledge, in addition, they also help to hold artistic and cultural workshops," she added.
The couple dreams of creating a library within the museum to introduce the ancient eras as well as the significance of preserving the heritage, encouraging people to know more about their country and its heritage.
They also hope to expand the museum in the future, wishing that international institutions and government would provide them with financial support to collect and excavate more buried artifacts in the area.
