Salim Abdullah al-Wazeer, a 74-year-old man deeply intertwined with the Hamam al-Samara bathhouse in Gaza, has dedicated a significant portion of his life to its preservation and operation. Since 1970, he has served as both a co-owner and the manager, developing a profound connection to the ancient structure. Al-Wazeer considers the bathhouse an intrinsic part of his identity, an extension of himself, a testament to his commitment to preserving a vital piece of Gazan heritage. This connection is not merely professional, but deeply personal, echoing the bathhouse’s role as a cultural and historical touchstone for the community.
Hamam al-Samara, a testament to over a millennium of Islamic tradition, initially served as a public space for bathing and cleansing. However, with the advent of readily available running water in homes, traditional bathhouses saw a decline in popularity. Al-Wazeer, recognizing the potential for a multifaceted approach, transformed Hamam al-Samara into a vibrant hub encompassing tourism, history, culture, and health. He cultivated an atmosphere of reverence within the bathhouse, emphasizing its grandeur and historical significance. He viewed the bathhouse as a symbol of Muslim civilization, embodying the customs and traditions of the people it served. This transformation not only preserved the physical structure but also breathed new life into its cultural relevance, making it a vital part of Gaza’s identity.
The recent bombing and destruction of Hamam al-Samara has devastated Al-Wazeer, leaving him with a profound sense of loss. He equates the destruction of the bathhouse to the destruction of his own life, mirroring the intertwined nature of his existence with the ancient structure. The loss extends beyond the personal, representing the loss of a shared dream for Gaza and its cultural heritage. The bathhouse, once a symbol of resilience and tradition, now lies in ruins, a stark reflection of the ongoing conflict’s devastating impact on the cultural landscape of Gaza.
Over the years, Al-Wazeer has invested considerable effort and personal resources into renovating and maintaining Hamam al-Samara. He understood the symbiotic relationship between his investment and the bathhouse’s longevity, viewing each renovation as an act of preservation and an affirmation of its enduring value. His dedication transformed the bathhouse into a masterpiece, a testament to his tireless efforts and his unwavering belief in its cultural significance. The Hamam boasted various sections catering to diverse needs, including areas for warm and hot baths, massage therapy, and relaxation, making it a holistic center for well-being.
Al-Wazeer speaks of the bathhouse with a palpable sense of pride, emphasizing its inherent beauty and value. He believes the building’s ancient stones speak for themselves, conveying a sense of history and significance without the need for explanation. The bathhouse’s thousand-year history served as a source of pride for Al-Wazeer and the community, representing a continuous thread connecting generations. Its destruction represents a significant loss for the people of Gaza, depriving them of a place of recreation, historical connection, and cultural celebration. The absence of this cherished landmark leaves a void in the cultural fabric of the city, underscoring the far-reaching impact of conflict on the community’s sense of identity and heritage.
Despite the devastation, Al-Wazeer remains hopeful for the future and envisions a time when the bathhouse can be restored to its former glory. He firmly believes that once peace is restored, he will rebuild Hamam al-Samara, not only replicating its original beauty but enhancing it even further. This vision embodies his unwavering resilience and his commitment to preserving the cultural legacy of Gaza. The act of rebuilding represents not only a physical reconstruction but also a symbolic act of defiance against the forces of destruction, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Gazan people and their determination to preserve their cultural identity in the face of adversity. The restoration of Hamam al-Samara will serve as a beacon of hope for the future, symbolizing the community’s resilience and its unwavering commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage for generations to come.
