RAFIF ESLEEM

Gaza- While women are successful in all spheres of life, they are especially creative in art. 27-year-old Palestinian architect Walaa Shublaq is one of the women being successful in art. She studied architecture and she is a visual artist and graphic designer. She draws ancient buildings as part of her “Masar” project that specializes in the old city of Gaza because the city has many archaeological sites and historical buildings.

Story of how she decided to launch such a project

Growing up in an old house having a big yard, where her family members gathered on special days, Walaa Shublaq said, “I have been interested in old buildings and archaeological sites since my childhood. I feel safe while wandering through the old streets of the city. I do not feel safe in luxury streets and buildings made with modern architecture. I feel like old buildings protecting me from threats… For this reason, I decided to launch my ‘Masar’ project to draw old buildings and archaeological sites in the Gaza Strip because many old buildings and archaeological sites have already been destroyed due to the Israeli attacks.”

 She applies what she learned at the university

Walaa Shublaq told us what she has done as part of her “Masar” project as follows: “I visited old streets. I have drawn many archaeological sites until now. I have created an album on my mobile phone to collect photos of old buildings and archaeological sites. I have already drawn the Great Omari Mosque, old baths, palaces, churches and everything related to the different periods that left a trace in the Gaza Strip. I feel responsible for my city. I received a grant to launch my project.”

‘My aim is to make each of old buildings in the city known’

Noting that she has drawn about 30 buildings until now, Walaa Shublaq said, “My aim is to make each of the old buildings in the city known by everyone. In the coming days, we will organize a trip with a youth group that will include university students and graduates. I plan to create a social media page in order to announce trips, make old buildings and their stories in the city known by everyone. I want to raise awareness and pass the city’s architectural heritage down to the next generation that can protect their architectural heritage with love and strength.”

         

        

Stating that she faces difficulties in obtaining materials for her project, Walaa Shublaq said that she had to use poor quality materials.

 ‘Women have an important role in protecting their historical heritage’

‘Women should take part in projects protecting historical heritage,” Walaa Shublaq said, “Because women have an important role in protecting their historical heritage. The abandoned old buildings must be turned into spaces where women can come together, instead of closing them.”