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Many IUG graduates have completed their postgraduate studies , such as MA, MSc, and PhD degrees , at American and European universities as well as at other universities. Most of these graduates work at IUG and other institutes in Gaza strip and West Bank. IUG is a member of many associations of universities including: International Association Of Universities, Community Of Mediterranean Universities, Association Of Arab Universities and Association Of Islamic Universities . IUG has developed several academic links and signed several agreements of cooperation with American, European and Arab Universities . It has also conducted several projects in collaboration with local and international organizations and institutions situated in Palestine and abroad .
The main mission of IUG is to
provide higher education to Palestinian students, particularly those who
are living
in Gaza strip (more then a million); to encourage academic and scientific
research which participate in dealing with various challenges facing the
Palestinian people; to offer courses and degree and non-degree programs
that meet the arising needs of the local community in the Gaza Strip .
City
is the main city of the Gaza Strip
in Palestine with 200,000 inhabitants, situated on the Mediterranean Sea.
Local sources of income are small industries, crafts, and food processing,
as well as fishing.
HISTORY:
Places To Visit in Gaza :
1- Qassr Al Basha : Location: Al Daraj quarter in the old city of Gaza.
A two storey building that goes back to the Mamluk period. It was the headquarter of the Deputy of Gaza during the Mamluk and the Ottoman periods. There are links to the Redhwan family, who owned the premises at the beginning of the Ottoman period, and it was used as a police station during the British mandate.
Napoleon spent three nights there during his campaign against Egypt and Syria in 1799. This is why it is sometimes called “Napoleon’s Citadel”. The Castle is characterized by the accuracy, strength and beauty of it’s facades which are decorated with different patterns such as the emblem of Al Thaher Babers (a sculpture of two facing lions) in addition to geometrical patterns and unique archaeological elements such as domes, fan and cross vaults.
The castle was provided with means of defense such as arrow slits; narrow openings from the outside expanding inside for flexible use of cannons.
2-El Sayyed Hashem Mosque : Location: Al Daraj quarter in the old city of Gaza .
Located in al-Daraj Quarter, the mosque is one of the largest and most beautiful ancient mosques in Gaza. The tomb of Hashem Ben Abdulmanaf, Prophet Mohammed's grandfather who died in Gaza during a trading voyage, is believed to be under the dome of the mosque.
3-Al-Balakhiya : Location: North west of Gaza .
There is the old Port of Gaza dating back to the Greek and Roman periods. In addition there is a Byzantine cemetery, where one of its tombs is decorated with plants and a cross with two pine trees on the sides, and walls made of bricks.
4-The Greek Orthodox Church : Location: Al Zaytoon quarter in the old city of Gaza .
The original construction of the church from the beginning of the 5th century, while the existing structures date back to the 12th century. The church is a rectangular shape ending with a half-domed roofed temple. The roof of the church has two crossing vaults with a pointed arch between them. There are three entrances for the church: the western one has a portico with three marble columns supporting two pointed arches. The church is characterized by its colossal walls supported by horizontal marble and granite columns and pilasters. The tomb of Saint Porphyrius, who died in 420, is in the north eastern corner. The church was renovated in 1856. There are two other churches in the old city of Gaza:
Palestine is not only a Holy Place for the three monotheistic religions, but also a country in which to find culture, history and relaxation. It is a country of culture where tourists can experience Palestinian folklore and heritage by visiting many museums and folk centers. They can also stay with families to experience the life style of the Palestinians and enjoy their well known hospitality. Palestine’s long and interesting history comes alive when you visit the many archaeological sites. For example, there is ancient Jericho the oldest town in the whole world. There is Jerusalem, Hebron, Nablus and Gaza with their significant archaeological sites which tell of a history that goes back thousands of years, not forgetting Bethlehem and its biblical significance as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Finally, it is a country in which to relax. Visitors enjoy the lovely weather throughout the spring and summer seasons in most of the cities in the West Bank and Gaza and the warmth of Jericho in winter. Besides, there are comfortable hotels and many tourist facilities such as shops, festivals, pubs, restaurants and cafes.
MONEY Currencies used in Palestine include the Jordanian dinar and the U.S. dollars but most popular is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). The Shekel is divided into 100 agorot. There are 200, 100, 50 and 20 NIS notes; 10, 5, and 1 NIS coins; and 50, 10 and 5 agorot coins. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency one can take in or out of the country, nor is one compelled to change any set amount on arrival. Visitors are advised to take dollars, but any other major European currency can also be freely changed at banks and with money changers.
Major credit cards - Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are all accepted. Nearly every establishment takes credit cards. Many bank foyers are equipped with cash dispensing ATMs accepting all of the major international credit cards. Travelers cheques are also accepted and visitors will have no trouble getting them cashed. Bearers of Eurocheques can even exchange them at branches of the post office or go to one of the non commission currency exchange bureaus. At the end of a visit Shekels can be exchanged at the airport or at the port in Haifa. Visitors are allowed to freely convert up to US$500 worth of Shekels but for anything over that a bank receipt must be produced as a proof of the original exchange.
HEALTH Palestine presents no major health hazards for visitors and no vaccinations are legally required. However, probably the biggest health worries one can expect are over exposure to the sun and possibly an upset stomach caused by the change in diet. To avoid the worst worries of the latter, it is advisable to wash fruits and vegetables and to bring anti diarrhea medication for when these precautions fail. A good barrier suntan lotion is essential for protection against sunburn. Drinking plenty of fluids, keeping up salt intake to avoid dehydration and wearing a hat against the sun are advisable. Mosquitoes can sometimes be a problem during the summer. To avoid getting bitten, take a mosquito repellent with you especially if you intend to sleep or camp near the beach.
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. One should always be able to get the locally produced mineral water. It is inadvisable to drink from wells or streams unless they are clearly marked as safe to drink.
Designed and Directed by: Mahmoud H. Taneera IUG 2002-2003 |
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