Skip to main content

Gold industry in Gaza booms amid coronavirus outbreak

The gold industry in Gaza has thrived amid the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in terms of increased production locally and enhanced quality and availability of a variety of gold products and jewelry.
A Palestinian vendor displays a necklace in a window case at a gold market in Gaza City's historic old quarter, Gaza Strip, March 30, 2016.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Al-Qaysariyya gold market is regarded as one of the oldest historical monuments in Gaza City, and is a hub for gold trading that was established during the Mamluk period by Sheikh Shams al-Din Zanki al-Himsi, a Gazan judge, who ordered its construction in 1476.

The market first served as a hub for merchants who flocked in on their horses, which were tied up to stables that later became gold shops.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.