Food in Gaza: 'Appetite for Gaza' by Anders Holst Markussen
In the isolated Gaza Strip the food culture is spicy and its population find great pleasure in kebab with chilli and liver.
Forget about the riots, it can be peacefull in downtown Gaza City. Follow Culinary Traveller Anders Holst Markussen as he visit Gaza. Summer the 2011.
Text by Anders Holst Markussen:
Blog: nordickitchen.wordpress.com
About the trip to Gaza: June 2011 for three days: I was excited to see the area that everyone had warned me about going into - kidnapping, assault. But after crossing Erez checkpoint I met only friendly people. An acquaintances was funny enough at home and visit his family in Gaza simultaneously, so here I found my guide and fixer.
The Gaza Strip has its outset 70 kilometres south of Tel Aviv close to the Sinai Peninsula and the Suez. It's 1.6 million people live enclosed on 360 square kilometres, a size smaller than the Isle of Wight. The siege has been ongoing for years.
How does food culture and indulgence thrive in an area of deprivation such as Gaza? Called the world's largest prison.
Today, about half of the Gaza Strip area is used for agriculture, hardly enough to feed the population. Once a fertile environment, today it lacks water. The first new fields I see are 25 kilometres south of the City. Here a little outside Khan Younis, the second largest city of the Gaza Strip, a million olive trees grow alongside numerous date palm trees. The representatives from the ministry tells me that these were planted only two years ago on pieces of land on which 7-8000 Israeli settlers lived since 1967. The last settlers left Gaza in 2005 and left behind large pieces of land equalling around 30% of the Gaza Strip with fruit trees, apples and mango. At their departure the settlers annihilated all of their factories and houses. The Palestinians quickly reserved these areas for food production but were badly scared because the new land or as it is called Al Muharat the free country was without water. As one of the representatives from the ministry tells me The groundwater was led out of Gaza and into Israel as drinking water causing the natural level to drop. That is why draught today is an unsolvable problem.
Compost
They believe in their agricultural projects: An example is the compost made from plant, sewer and animal disposal. I notice a fair amount of plastic in the piles of compost but am told this will be filtered out before it is packed and sold for 10 shekel pr. piece to a farmer in need. The mould is dry with sharp edges but in fairness it was made in only three months. The normal aging time for a biodynamic mould is three years.
When you work under the pressure of time, as in Gaza, you must make thing grow as the surroundings allow. The Israeli tradition for ecology is passed on, the greenhouses are filled with aubergine and chilli pepper. As the last stop we see a fish farm.
Street food
I find my way to the largest food market. Containers carry the smell of spices and vinegar from pickled beetroots and chilli. There is a racket from chickens and rabbits rummaging in their cages. Onions and nectarines are loaded on flatbeds. I doubt the many young boys in the market spend much time in school, instead they help their parents make a living.
Placed on the grill lies four half pitas, arayes, spread with chopped green chilli, onion and some minced beef. A kafta. The other half of the pita is put on top.
Watermelons are sold from large stalls along the main road. Everyone can afford a melon. Melon with bread or cheese equals a separate meal. Most eateries serve hummus, chickpeas mashed with vinegar and olive oil, can be eaten alone or spread in the kebab. Folfol, the characteristic chilli, can be found in read, green and the light green and very strong variation pickled, called kotis. The people generally make the most of what they have, which is next to nothing. It is a stimulating, sensory trinity between the strength of the chilli, the crispy melon and the creamy hummus. But besides the chickpeas, nutritional value is low, watery melon with chilli lowers your ability to feel full.
Souk
Food is at display in the bazaar. Facing the street Souk el shijaia seated at a counter you can sit and watch meat being prepared on a stick, shishkebab. Meat of lamb and cow represents an unheard-of luxury. Here all meat comes from the intestines of a chicken. A pita with grilled liver, chilli and cubes of lime tastes divine, the flavours far surpassing a factory-made shawarma. The street kitchens of Gaza tastes like chilli.
When evening falls the central square of Al Jundi el Majhol is filled with children playing, families, friends and lovers. I get a cake from a bakery. The speciality of Gaza, kanafi arabije is made from cashew, walnut and pistachio nut hold together by a deliciously sticky cinnamon syrup. (translation from Danish by S.R. Bernstorff)
Trip to Palestine
Syed Mahmood
رام الله جنين فلسطين الضفة الغربية
Special thanks to
Ihsan AbuAlrob
and
Mohammad Fakhri Masharqa
Walking Holiday in Palestine
Whatever you choose to call it -- Palestine; the Palestinian Territories; the Holy Land; the West Bank -- this ancient land remains one of the most fascinating - and controversial - places on the planet. On this 9-day trip - and in contrast to many other trips in the region - our aim is to travel (predominantly on foot) with neither a political nor a religious agenda, but instead with the aim of gaining an insight into the everyday lives and rich culture of the Palestinian people and experiencing a rarely seen side of the Middle East. My name is Marc Leaderman, I run the Group Tours department at Wild Frontiers, and in this video I am going to explain a little more about our 'Wild Walk In Palestine'.
After transferring from Tel Aviv airport, the tour starts in the old city of Nablus with its medieval souk and then travels slowly south as we walk from village to village, staying mainly with local families. From the fertile valleys of ancient Samaria we then skirt along the edge of the Rift valley and head down below sea-level to the shores of the Dead Sea before finally making our way through the Judean desert and on to Bethlehem and finally Jerusalem.
For anyone that enjoys really getting below the surface of a country, this must rank as one of the very best tours that we offer. Not only do we get to walk and talk with a whole range of Palestinians eager to share their stories, but by actually staying in some of their homes we also get the chance to experience a little of their daily life and their wonderful food -- this is not a trip for those looking to lose weight! In addition, for a trip which actually covers only a relatively small distance, the variety of the scenery and the sights is quite astounding. On one day we might find ourselves wandering through olive groves & deserted Roman hilltop towns and then having lunch with some refugees; on another we might pass Byzantine era churches in a desert wadi before having dinner with some Bedouin in their camp.
This is not a major trekking trip, but on most days there'll be at least 3-4 hrs of walking. And in fact many of the paths we take form part of the so-called Abraham Trail which National Geographic in 2014 voted as one of the world's best new walks. But, as with all our wild walks, there is a lot more to this trip just walking, and whether it's eating knafeh (a baked cheese dessert, drenched in syrup) from a street seller in Nablus souk, sampling a beer from Palestine's only micro-brewery in Taybeh or walking the millennia-old streets of Jerusalem's old city, this trip is guaranteed to leave you with many lifelong memories.
Despite having led trips all over the world, this trip remains one of my all-time favourites and I would unreservedly recommend the Wild Walk in Palestine to anyone looking for something which offers a glimpse into this rarely visited...and rarely understood, yet utterly welcoming and eternally fascinating part of the world.
The wall between the Gaza Strip and Israel ... You have to see it (Taken from the Israeli side)
Zahi Shaked A tour guide in Israel and his camera zahigo25@walla.com +972-54-6905522 tel סיור עם מורה הדרך ומדריך הטיולים צחי שקד 0546905522
My name is Zahi Shaked
In 2000 I became a registered liscenced tourist guide.
My dedication in life is to pass on the ancient history of the Holy Land.
Following upon many years of travel around the world, which was highlighted by a very exciting emotional and soul-searching meeting with the Dalai Lama, I realized that I had a mission. To pass on the the history of the Holy Land, its religions, and in particular, the birth and development of Christianity.
In order to fulfill this calling in the best way possible, I studied in depth, visited, and personally experienced each and every important site of the ancient Christians. I studied for and received my first bachelors degree in the ancient history of the Holy Land, and am presently completing my studies for my second degree.(Masters)
Parralel to my studies, and in order to earn a living, I was employed for many years in advertising. What I learned there was how to attract the publics attention, generate and, increase interest, and assimilate information. All this I use as tools to describe, explain and deepen the interest in the sites that we visit. From my experience, I have learned that in this way, the Holy Land becomes more than just history, and that the large stones that we see scattered about in dissaray, join together one by one until they become - a Byzantine Church. This also happens when I lead a group of Pilgrims in the Steps of Jesus. We climb to the peak of Mount Precipice, glide over the land to the Sea of Galilee, land on the water and see the miracle which enfolds before us. This is a many faceted experience. Not only history which you will remember and cherish, but an experience which I hope will be inplanted in your hearts and minds, and will accompany you all the days of your life.
Travel Palestine !
Travel Palestine - Rediscover Your Senses
Palestine - A Unique Tourism Destination
This video segment showcases Palestine as a tourism destination that offers selective programs with a wide range of tourism facilities to cater to the needs of all sort of travelers.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation of materials are those of the author and do not represent those of the United Nations or UNDP.
Nate and Shea go to Israel !! // How to cross Israel Jordan Border
Israel Jordan border crossing can be tricky. Here is how to cross the border at the King Hussein bridge. Nate & Shea cross from Jordan into Israel and the West Bank. Watch Dad get detained, border closed, but finally make it across the King Hussein Allenby Bridge to Nablus to meet their friend from school. How to go from Jordan into Israel. Bus, passport control, taxi to the West Bank city of Nablus.
The Top Ten Amazing Abandoned Airports Around the World
The Top Ten Amazing Abandoned Airports Around the World
10-Pearls Airport, Grenville, Grenada
09-Ellinikon International Airport,Athens,Greece
08-Kai Tak International Airport,Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong
07-Floyd Bennett Field, New York City, United States
06-Gaza International Airport,Gaza Strip,Palestinian territories
05-Croydon Airport,Croydon,London,United Kingdom
04-Gila River Memorial Airport,Arizona,United States
03-Castellón–Costa Azahar Airport,Benlloch,Spain
02-Berlin Tempelhof,Berlin,Germany
01-Nicosia International Airport, West of Nicosia, Cyprus
music source:
Infinity Epic Cinematic Music/No Copyright Free Music
NCM Epic Music Ender Guney
image source:
video thumbnails:
cover:
10.
09.
08.
07.
06.
05.
04.
03.
02.
01.
VISITED PALESTINE & ISRAEL
Finally got the chance to visit one of the holiest sites, JERUSALEM. The place is so beautiful I urge every single one of you watching/reading this to step your foot there if you may. My personal favourite place is hands down, THE AQSA SANCTUARY in Jerusalem, where the mosques and Islamic historical sites stand. The morning walks to Aqsa Mosque in the shivering winter weather (its winter there in Jan) was one of the things I miss the most! We also went to the West Bank (Jericho and Hebron) to visit the maqams of our late Prophets. In Israel, we went to the Dead Sea and the city of Tel Aviv. Definitely coming back if I'm given the opportunity and of course, money! Haha.
Enjoy the video! :)
Blog:
--- TECHNICAL DETAILS ---
Footages were captured on
INFORMATION ON THE GAZA STRIP
This is more or less like going Around The World in 80 Days From A to Z.
SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR DAILY VIDEOS:
#travel #worldtravel #aroundtheworldin80days
Subscribe to my channel: T
Travel the world's many wonders that has little known places of interest to visit and enjoy:
YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO OBTAIN THESE POPULAR WORLD TRAVEL GUIDES:
The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World Lonely Planet) by Lonely Planet:
Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places by National Geographic:
Journeys of a Lifetime, Second Edition: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips by National Geographic:
World's Best Travel Experiences: 400 Extraordinary Places by National Geographic:
Beaches by Harry N. Abrams :
Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids 2019 (The Unofficial Guides) by Unofficial Guides:
Gaza Strip
The Gaza Strip, a territory presently under the govern of Palestine, is a region with a controversial and tumultuous history. A small strip of land bordered by the Mediterranean sea, this unassuming landscape is infamous for being the focus of one of the longest lasting and hotly debated conflicts in the Middle East.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
Approximately 1,6 million people currently live in the Gaza Strip, and almost one million of these people are recognized by the United Nations as refugees. Despite this, most of these refugees were born in the Gaza Strip, having descended directly from Palestinian refugees who themselves fled to the Gaza Strip during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
2
It is important to know that the Gaza Strip is not considered a country unto itself. Rather, it is governed as a territory under the control of Palestine by a political group called Hamas. It is a hotly contested area; it was previously governed by Egypt, and was occupied by Israel until 2007. Israel still retains control of the airspace above the Gaza Strip, as well as its ocean access. Its land borders are controlled by both Israel and Egypt, leading to strongly restricted trade.
3
The Gaza Strip is comprised of five regions: North Gaza, Gaza, Deir al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Rafah. 99% of its inhabitants are of the Islamic faith, and the main languages are Arabic, Hebrew, and English.
4
The average citizen in the Gaza Strip survives on less than two U.S. dollars a day, and over 80% of Gazan citizens are dependent on foreign aid. The average wage has decreased by 20% since 2007, and unemployment has risen to almost 40%.
5
Despite its many economic hardships, the Gaza Strip presently boasts the 7th fastest population growth rate globally. Over 50% of the population of the Gaza Strip is currently under the age of 18, with an average of 4,7 children per female citizen.
More countries starting with G
The Country dialling code of Gaza Strip is , and the TLD (Top-level domain) of Gaza Strip is
Map of Gaza Strip
Population
1,482,405
Languages spoken in Gaza Strip
Animals native to Gaza Strip / which animals live in Gaza Strip?
Click here for all Animals in Gaza Strip
Coordinates (in Latitude & Longitude) of Gaza Strip
31 25 N, 34 20 E
Kilometers of coastline
40 kilometers
Square kilometers of land
360 square kilometers
Square kilometers of water
0 square kilometers
Birth rate
38.9 / 1000 population
Death rate
3.74 / 1000 population
Irrigated land
150 sq km
Information about Gaza Strip is brought to you by List of countries of the world, your first stop in discovering all countries of the world.
Besides demographic information, geological information about Gaza Strip, also the flag of Gaza Strip and a map is displayed. View also countries of the world ordered by:
List of TLD's
Country dialling codes
Population
Kilometers of coastline
Square kilometers of land
Square kilometers of water
Birth rate
Death rate
Irrigated land