Inspiration

A Local’s Guide to Palestine

Artist Malak Mattar on the power of visiting Palestine.
The territory of Palestine beyond the West Bank and Gaza Strip
Getty

A proud Palestinian based in the Gaza Strip, artist Malak Mattar unleashes her tumultuous feelings and energy into her art, completing 300 original pieces—including the cover of GQ Middle East. She is known around the globe for Picasso-style portraits, and her work has been displayed in Turkey, the United States, Costa Rica, Spain, and elsewhere.

This interview is part of The World Made Local, a global collaboration between the seven international editions of Condé Nast Traveler in which 100 people in 100 countries tell us why their home turf should be your next destination.

How would you describe Palestine in your own words?

Palestine is a beautiful country that would cause any visitor to fall in love with it, despite the complexity and pain it suffers due to occupation, attacks, checkpoints, and siege. Palestine is a very diverse country with many landscapes, and in my city, Gaza, we have the beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea. By the shore, there’s a unique smell of sea plants and fish, along with many cafeterias and restaurants. A special sound that reminds me of Gaza is the sound of small businesses that sell corn, sweets, beverages, and also songs from cafés.

What advice would you offer people looking to visit Palestine?

I’d say to people to talk with locals as much as they can and to also enjoy the beauty of the shops, restaurants, and landscapes. Visiting Palestine will be memorable, but hearing the stories of Palestinians can be emotional but very inspiring.

Tell us about a location that challenges preconceptions of Palestine.

A surprising place in the Gaza Strip is a resort called Blue Beach, where there are swimming pools, gardens, and a sports park. The location is by the sea, which gives it a magical look at sunrise and in the sunshine.

Malak Mattar

Tell us about your connection to Gaza and Palestine. What hopes do you have for the future?

I have a deep connection to my city, which I call my home. I’m able to see the beauty of it by the beauty of its people. I recently survived my fourth attack, which is very damaging, but I have hope and faith that Gaza will be strong and beautiful again soon. I’m a painter, and I paint my reality, which is not always positive and colorful.

What is your all-time favorite spot in Gaza?

When I was living abroad, I wanted to go back to Abu-Sou’ud Kunafa, one of the most famous kunafa [a classic Middle Eastern dessert] spots in the Gaza Strip, where kunafa gets a twist with nuts, nutmeg, and cinnamon. I also wanted to see the beach and enjoy the time there with my family.

Tell us a secret about Palestine we might not know.

One of the places in Palestine that are truly beautiful is the Orthodox Church, which has beautiful paintings and lighting. It’s open to visitors during certain times of the week, and it was part of my school trip to visit and learn about the history of churches in Gaza.

Why should we travel to Palestine?

For many reasons: to enjoy the landscape, the unique food, beautiful culture, and to learn the reality on the ground of the difficulty Palestinians face in daily life.

Follow Malak Mattar on Instagram @malak_mattar_artist