Ashkelon, which was destroyed by the Mamluks in 1270 was eventually reoccupied in the late 15th century by local inhabitants under the Ottomans. The Arabs called it al-Majdal. In 1948, after Israel won the War of Independence, new areas were gained and some were lost. Historic Ashkelon was an area that was captured. The Jewish town was initially named Migdal Gaza, Migdal Gad and Migdal Ashkelon. As the city grew and joined with Afridar, the area became known simply as Migdal. The mosque is still in the center of historic Migdal and is currently a museum.
One of the main thoroughfares of Migdal is Herzl Street. Lined with trees that form a shaded canopy, you can see some of the original buildings.
