What is the origin of the word Gaza? What does Gaza mean? What is its history?

Weather of Arabia - Gaza witnessed many nations who resided there from the East to the West, and its name changed with the change of the nations that struggled in it and over it.

Meaning of the name Gaza

The word “Gaza” in the Arabic language carries various meanings. For example, when we say “he singled out, he singled out so-and-so,” we mean the distinction and uniqueness of so-and-so with this particularity. When we say, “He invaded so-and-so with so-and-so,” it means that he singled out so-and-so for a certain thing, making him distinctive among his companions.

Also, the term “invasion” refers to waging war against a specific enemy or people, and carries in its meaning the idea of force, as any military action cannot be described as a “invasion” unless it is supported by force, and there is no invasion without force.

Gaza also means “strength,” “treasures,” or “stores,” and all of these terms include the idea of strength. Treasures represent material power through their financial value, and stores carry within them power that can accommodate and store valuable items or things of great price.

Names of the city of Gaza

Gaza has been called many names throughout history

• Hazani, and this is a Canaanite name for it.
• Gaza is Hashim, and Hashim are the people of Hashim bin Abd Manaf, the grandfather of the Messenger - may God bless him and grant him peace - and we all know what strength his people, may God bless him and grant him peace, represented among the tribes.
• The Hebrews called it: (Gaza)
• The ancient Egyptians called it Ghazatu and Gadtu.
• The Assyrians smelled it: (My condolences)
• The Persians named it Hazanut, meaning treasure.
• It has been called through different ages by names such as: Ionic, Menoda, and Constantia.

Why was Gaza Hashem given this name?

Gaza City is one of the oldest and most ancient Arab cities, and it has witnessed conflicting information among historians about its name. Opinions differed among them about the correct and accurate naming, as is always the case in most ancient cities. Some indicated that the name may be due to the power and invincibility that the city possesses, while others linked the name to the wealth and wealth that Gaza enjoys. Others saw that it expresses distinction and specialization from other cities. However, until now, no precise information has been found to explain this name. Gaza was brought to light for the first time in history through a manuscript dating back to the period before Christ, specifically in the fifteenth century BC, which is believed to belong to Pharaoh Thutmose III.

The Arabs called the Palestinian city known as Gaza “Hashem’s Gaza,” and this name is due to the presence of the grave of the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, Hashim bin Abd Manaf, in this city. The city is the birthplace of Imam Al-Shafi’i

Founding of Gaza City

Gaza City was founded by the Canaanites in the 15th century BC, and has always been vulnerable to colonialism and various colonizers. Its history did not witness absolute autonomy, as several civilizations and empires succeeded it, including the Greeks, Romans, Pharaohs, Byzantines, Ottomans, British, and Israeli occupation.

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