### A time trip: rediscovery of Gaza’s cultural treasures
The exhibition “Sauvés saved de Gaza” at the Institute of the Arab World (IMA) in Paris is not only an invitation to discover archaeological objects, but rather a dive into the complex history of a territory at the crossroads of civilizations, often reduced to the tragic news of conflicts. By highlighting a Byzantine mosaic and amphorae testifying to ancient craftsmanship, the IMA does not simply carry out an act of conservation of art; He also recalls the resilience of a secular culture.
#### Heritage on the verge of oblivion
The richness of the heritage of Gaza, which extends over more than 5,000 years, is highlighted in this exhibition with remarkable relevance. Not only do these objects tell the story of a region vibrant of economic exchanges under antiquity, but they also echo a modern tragedy. While Gazan culture persists through the centuries, the present is heavily marked by incessant conflicts and destruction.
Béatrice Blandin, curator at the Geneva Museum of Art and History, underlines striking irony: a territory plagued by incessant struggles was, in the past, a crossroads of joy, creativity and prosperity. For example, the amphorae exposed are not only containers; They talk about the export of wine, a precious commodity that fueled banquets and exchanges between civilizations. In comparison, the accounts of the city of Carthage, formerly flourishing, underline a similar dynamic of trade which was also destroyed by the war.
#### A story shared with other Mediterranean civilizations
It is essential to note that Gaza, like other Mediterranean regions, has undergone the influence of various empires: Persians, Greeks, Romans, and later, Byzantines. This coexistence of cultures has given birth to masterpieces of art and architecture that persist, despite the vagaries of history. In contrast, by examining archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, such as the ruins of Pompeii in Italy or Tyr in Lebanon, we observe that similar vestiges bear witness to cultural interactions. This raises a crucial question: how to protect our common heritage in the face of conflicts that reduce centuries of inheritance?
The current exhibition is part of an urgent and necessary effort to redefine Gaza, not only as a territory at war, but also as a region with a strong and lively cultural history. While many populations suffer from the disintegration of their cultural inheritances in times of conflict, the preservation of these objects recalls the need for intercultural dialogue and recognition of various contributions to our collective history.
#### Art as a tool for resilience and identity
The exhibition commissioner, Élodie Bouffard, evokes the notion of “cultural resistance”, a fascinating concept which deserves a more in -depth exploration. This term encapsulates the idea that art and culture can serve as defense mechanisms in the face of oppression and oblivion. In this sense, Gaza is not only a symbol of political struggle, but a center of artistic and cultural creation, as shown by the contrast with other regions having faced similar challenges.
Indeed, when we look through the prism of history, several artistic movements have flourished in crisis contexts, such as surrealism in post-second world war or art engaged in movements for civil rights in the United States. These historical comparisons highlight the way in which art defines collective identity and forges links despite adversity.
#### Statistics and future perspectives
To better understand the impact of the exhibition, recent figures point out that more than 70 % of historic objects in Palestine are threatened by conflicts and negligence. This alarming observation presents a critical opportunity for nations and cultural institutions to collaborate for the rescue and preservation of an inheritance which, in the end, belongs to humanity.
This exhibition to the IMA invites us to reflect on the collective responsibility of preserving our history, whatever the challenges we face. Beyond the museum walls, it is a call for action for the whole world: it is not enough to visualize these treasures, it is also necessary to defend and protect the stories they tell. Visitors leaving the IMA with a better understanding of the situation in Gaza will carry with them an essential piece of human heritage, essential for the quest for lasting peace.
In short, the exhibition “treasures saved from Gaza” cannot be summarized to a simple showcase of old objects, but must be understood as a quest for memory, dignity and cultural identity in the face of storms of the past and the present. In this dynamic, the role of art and culture becomes a lighthouse of hope and a promise of a peaceful and inclusive future.