Since the horrific massacre of 7 October 2023, "Gaza" has become synonymous for many people with Islamist terrorism and war. Dr. Röwekamp challenged this one-dimensional perception by offering a nuanced historical perspective. For centuries, Gaza and its surrounding region had been a culturally diverse landscape in which Christianity left a profound and lasting legacy. At various times, the region was an important centre of monasticism, theology, and Christian scholarship.

Drawing on a wide range of historical sources from different periods of Church history, Dr. Röwekamp traced the history of Christianity in Gaza from Late Antiquity to the present day. Particularly moving was his account of the archaeological remains that were still visible before 7 October 2023—churches, monastic ruins, and cultural landscapes bearing witness to nearly two thousand years of Christian presence. He concluded by expressing the hope that not only the Christians of Gaza, who continue to endure extremely difficult humanitarian conditions, but also the material remains of their rich historical heritage, might survive the ongoing conflict.

The lecture attracted considerable interest. The Holzer Hall was filled to capacity, while many additional participants joined the event online via Zoom. The lively discussion that followed explored both historical questions and the current political and humanitarian situation in the region. Conversations continued well into the subsequent reception, reflecting the audience's strong engagement with the topic.

The lecture focused on the remarkably long and eventful history of Christianity in Iraq. Dr. Kopp traced the historical development of Christian communities from their biblical origins to the present day, demonstrating that Mesopotamia ranks among the world's oldest regions shaped by Christianity. As early as the first centuries of the Christian era, Mesopotamia developed into a major centre of Christian theology, liturgy, and scholarship, exerting an influence that extended far beyond the Middle East.

Particular attention was devoted to the profound challenges facing Christians in Iraq today. Decades of political instability, three Gulf Wars, religious tensions, and, above all, the reign of terror imposed by the so-called "Islamic State" have left a lasting impact on Christian life in the region. Numerous historic churches, monasteries, and cultural monuments have been destroyed or severely damaged. At the same time, the continuing emigration of Christian communities has placed nearly two thousand years of religious and cultural tradition at increasing risk. Dr. Kopp emphasized that with every family leaving the country, a part of Iraq's cultural memory is in danger of disappearing as well.

Alongside this analysis of the current situation, the lecture also highlighted efforts toward reconciliation and the preservation of Iraq's Christian heritage. Dr. Kopp discussed the diplomatic and humanitarian engagement of the Holy See, paying particular tribute to the historic Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to Iraq in 2021. He stressed that this visit represented a powerful sign of hope extending far beyond the Catholic Church and brought international attention to the plight of Iraq's Christian communities. At the same time, he underscored the importance of interreligious dialogue as an indispensable foundation for peaceful coexistence among the country's diverse religious communities.

Throughout the lecture, Dr. Kopp combined scholarly analysis with personal observations and insights gained through his long-standing engagement with the Middle East. In doing so, he succeeded in presenting historical developments, ecclesiastical contexts, and contemporary challenges in a manner that was both accessible and compelling. The discussion following the lecture reflected the audience's strong interest in the complex political, religious, and cultural developments of a region whose Christian heritage is of outstanding significance for the history of global Christianity.