Gaza is home to the magnificent Great Mosque of Gaza (Al-Omari Mosque), originally built as a Byzantine church and converted during the Islamic conquest in the 7th century. The city holds deep Islamic significance as it was conquered by the Muslim armies under Amr ibn al-As and later became an important center during various Islamic dynasties. Gaza's predominantly Muslim population maintains rich Islamic traditions, with numerous historic mosques and Islamic institutions that continue to serve the community's spiritual and educational needs.