Exhibition of Gaza antiques in Switzerland

One of the antiques exhibited: a camel-shaped ceramic thermos

A new exhibition showcasing the rich artifacts of the Gaza strip has just opened in Geneva Switzerland. The exhibition called " Gaza between the confluence of civilizations " shows over 500 exhibits dating back at least 5000 years ago.

The manager of the Geneva Museum of Art and History, the organizer of the exhibition, said the modern problems of Gaza covered a very beautiful past that people today do not seem to know.

Mr. Marc Andre Haldimann explained: "Gaza was built by many civilizations. Beginning in Egypt, then Mesopotamia, then Greece and Rome, Persian Arab, all overlapping and combine together " .

Exhibits in Geneva originated from private collections and were also provided by the Palestinian authority in charge of antiques. Many never exhibited artifacts, including flower-shaped gypsum vases, a very beautiful and unmatched statue of Aphrodite, and a mosaic of Byzantine stone from the sixth century.

The exhibition shows that Gaza has been able to overcome and prosper through civilizations. Around the fifth century, the area became a major trading center, wine from Gaza was exported throughout Europe, including Geneva.

The 48cm tall stone statue of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, is also on display (Photo: BBC)