Al-Kuzkhana Cemetery

In the Jabalya neighborhood south of Jaffa lies the Al-Kuzkhana cemetery, one of the oldest and most important Islamic cemeteries in the city, holding profound religious, historical, and cultural significance. Containing over 4,000 graves, the cemetery stands as a testament to the city's history and Islamic identity.

the past

The Al-Kuzkhana cemetery served as the main burial site for the Muslim residents of Jaffa. It contains the graves of prominent figures, including martyrs of the 1948 Nakba, participants in the 1929 Buraq Uprising, and those who fought in the Great Arab Revolt of 1936.

Several mass graves were also discovered within it, reflecting the magnitude of the tragedy that the city went through during the Nakba, and confirming the importance of the cemetery as a historical and humanitarian site.

The cemetery dates back to the Ottoman era, when it was used for the burial of Muslims from Jaffa and the surrounding areas. Over time, its upkeep declined, and parts of it suffered neglect and encroachment by construction.

Parts of it were cut off for construction projects without regard for its sanctity or history, which raised widespread concern in religious and community circles.

present

In recent years, the Islamic Waqf in Jaffa has intensified its efforts to restore the cemetery's status by documenting its boundaries, organizing awareness campaigns, and preventing any new encroachments. Despite legal and municipal challenges, those in charge of the Islamic Waqf continue to defend the cemetery, emphasizing that it is not merely a piece of land, but a symbol of the Islamic presence in the city and a mirror reflecting a long history of resilience and belonging.