History of Sheikh Murad Cemetery in Jaffa

It carries within it a lot of religious and national symbolism, and reflects a reality of neglect and resistance to preserve the Islamic and Arab identity of the city.

Some of the graves there are believed to be more than 160 years old, such as the grave of Mrs. Wadad Ayad, which does not have a specific date of death, but is well preserved.

• After 1948, the eastern part of the cemetery was violated, and the gravestones were stolen and destroyed, in an attempt to obliterate its Islamic features.
• Nevertheless, some evidence remains to bear witness to its history, although it is threatened with extinction.

Restoration and protection efforts:

• In 2022, the Islamic Waqf in Jaffa succeeded in liberating the cemetery completely, and it was surrounded by an iron fence to protect it from encroachments.

The symbolism of the cemetery:

• The cemetery is considered a symbol of resilience and preservation of identity, especially in light of attempts to obliterate Islamic landmarks in Jaffa.
• Its location in the heart of the city is a reminder of its Arab and Islamic history, despite demographic and political changes.