It’s hard to pin point Israel’s culture to an exact trait, especially when its history is a story woven with a multitude of colourful influences. And with a population drawn from more than 100 countries across the globe, Israel is a melting pot of different cultures. So here’s a low down of Israel and why you should make it your next destination.
western wall, also known as the wailing wall, an important religious site
the origins
Israel’s origins dates back to the Copper Age (yep, way before the Iron and Bronze ages) and it has since played an important historical place amongst the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities.
Israel’s long turbulent history is indicative of the fact that it is a place that evokes passion which is exactly why we think it is definitely worth visiting.
the ancient roman ruins of caesarea
Isreal has fallen under the hands of the Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Sassanian, and Byzantine rule, leaving you with plenty of ruins and treasures to explore, like the Roman Caesarea Maritima on the Mediterranean coast and the recently discovered Byzantine wine press.
mixing it up in israel
a sign in israel in hebrew, arabic, english and russian
The Israel we know today was only established in 1948 when it was declared ‘The State of Israel’. But the culture we see is a mixture of what the people have brought back from all over the globe. The flux of people returning back to Israel has lead to 33 languages and dialects spoken throughout. Whilst the main languages used are Hebrew, Arabic and English, surprisingly, Russian is by far the most widely spoken non-official language of Israel and when visiting Israel you’ll be exposed to the range of cultures and traditions of various ethnic groups.
the ethnicity of israel
druze men in traditional dress
A number of ethnic groups found throughout Israel have strong culture characteristics. The Druze people, who are of Arabic descent, live in 22 villages in northern Israel, the largest being the Daliat-El Carmel. Their religion is not accessible to outsiders, but this can’t be said of their hospitality and kindness. The doors to any Druze home will always be open, and before you know it, you’ll be sitting down with the family tucking into some delicious delicacies such as home made hummus and fruit from their own orchards. Be sure to make a stop at the Daliat-El Carmel Market place where you can pick up your very own Druze handicrafts from hand woven rugs to intricately crafted bags.
a bedouin man in a traditional tent
The Negev Bedouin are a nomadic Arabic tribe who live by rearing livestock in the southern desert of Israel. Whilst most Bedouin people have now settled permanently, why not hole up in a traditional Bedouin tent in the desert where you’ll be well fed and watered with copious amounts of fresh, cardamom-spiced coffee. And your arrival will certainly call for a celebration, so don’t be surprised when they throw on a show with music, poetry and traditional dance.
a circassian dance
The Circassians arrived in Israel under the service of the Ottoman Empire as they were and still are renowned for their great strength and fighting skills. They came from the Northern Causcaus Mountains near Russia and a few tribes now reside in the Golan area in Israel. The Circassians take great pride in their beauty and symmetry and this is forever highlighted in their elaborate traditional dress that are beautifully made and adorned with intricate jewels. And alongside their dress, is their traditional dance which symbolizes much of their folklore. See it for yourself at the Circassian festival in August, the best time to witness their passion and join in the fun.
israel today
tel aviv, birds eye view of the metropolis and beach
Today Israel has emerged as a modern country balancing its dynamic modernity with its historical significance within the world. Jerusalem is now not only a significant religious site, but also a hub of culture, finance and media with streets exuding European-style shopping.
Tel Aviv is a metropolis, Israel’s largest city with modern buildings piercing the sky, miles of boardwalk beaches, vibrant nightlife and up-scale shopping. The Bauhaus style of this city’s architecture, characterized by buildings with flat roofs, smooth facades and cubic shapes, has given this city much of a cool vintage Miami feel.
the israeli philharmonic orchestra
And Israel is becoming better known for its world-class wine and rich olive oil from Gailee and northern Israel. It supplies to the world the finest diamonds has the world’s largest diamond trading floor within its ‘Diamond District’ in Tel Aviv. And with its rich culture, Israel’s music and art scene is lead by the world-renowned Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra and the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company which all perform in Israel throughout the year. So what are you waiting for – go experience Israel now.
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