Gaza is the largest city in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian territories. The city, which has a population of approximately 410,000 in the inner city and 1.4 million people in the metropolitan area, has been inhabited since 3000BC. The city is frequently termed “Gaza City” in order to distinguish it from the larger Gaza Strip.
The history of Gaza, one of the oldest cities in the world, has been shaped by its strategic location. The city is located on the Mediterranean coastal route, between North Africa and the greener lands of the Levant.
There are four major universities in Gaza City, including: Islamic University of Gaza; Al-Aqsa University; Al-Azhar University; Al-Quds Open University.
Landmarks in Gaza include the Great Mosque of Gaza (Great Omari Mosque, the Mosque of Al Sayed Hashem, the Mosque of Ibn Othman, the Mosque of Ibn Marwan, The Sheikh Abul Azm sanctuary, the Sheikh Ajlin sanctuary, Tell al Mintar, Napoleon’s fort (Al Radwan Castle), and the Church of St. Porphyries.