One of the most interesting parts about traveling in Israel is the incredible mix of cultures in this small country. During your visit here, you can get to get a glimpse into the lives of Jewish and Muslim people, experience different sub-cultures like Ethiopian or Moroccan Jewish communities, and also interact with and learn about the lives of Bedouins in Israel. In addition, another fascinating culture to experience in Northern Israel is the culture of the Druze in Israel, which plays an integral role in the Israeli society and has a unique background, lifestyle, and story.
Get to know the Druze in Israel
There are about 2 million Druze in the world, most of whom live in Syria, with the rest scattered in the surrounding countries of Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel, where about 30,000 Druze live, in different villages on Mount Carmel, the Golan Heights, and the Galilee.
The Druze religion
The Druze religion is known as a secret religion, and most of the main beliefs of the Druze are still unknown to the outside world to this day. However, through the years, some of the religion’s principles have been discovered by researchers. Those include, among others:
- Monotheism and prohibition of paganism
- Belief in reincarnation
- Acceptance of the Ten Commandments, first of all, “Thou shalt not murder” and “Thou shalt not commit adultery”
- Respecting all the first prophets who appeared in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and believing in the five Druze prophets, led by Jethro (Prophet Shuaib)
- Part of the Druze law requires them to be loyal to the country in which they live. In Israel, most of the Druze population takes an active part in the society and even does full military service.
In addition, the seven commandments of the Druze are:
- Keeping your tongue – (May your tongue be a true tongue, in Arabic: صِدْق اللسان) Honesty, loyalty to a promise, avoiding gossip, and keeping a secret.
- Helping other Druze in need
- Avoiding worshiping idols and photographs.
- renouncing the devil and avoiding evil deeds.
- The singularity of God at all times.
- Acceptance of God’s works.
- Complete compliance with the hidden and revealed decrees of God
Most unique Druze villages to visit
Julis
The village of Julis, which is a spiritual and religious center for the Druze, is located not far from Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. It extends over several moderate and green hills. The visit to it can begin at “El Mona”, blooming gardens that are located uphill to the village on the left. From there you can visit In several fascinating sites, like the Druze Heritage House and the house of the late Druze leader Sheikh Amin Tarif, which became a museum.
Buq’ata
Buq’ata is the second largest Druze village in the Golan Heights, it is located in a pastoral valley in front of the beautiful Odem forest, surrounded by magnificent orchards and agricultural areas.
In the central village square stands a large statue of Sultan Basha al-Atrash, a Druze leader who led the struggle against French rule in Syria in 1925 and became a symbol of freedom. In another square, there is a stone tablet with the names of the martyrs from that rebellion.
Around Buq’ata, you will see impressive volcanic ridges stand out in the topography, which are part of the volcanic ridge line of the Golan Heights, and make for great viewpoints of the region. Mount Varda is the highest of all and overlooks the surroundings from a height of 1228 meters/4,000 feet. The top of the mountain is a wonderful spot to end the day before sunset and enjoy the great view of the magnificent Golan Heights.
Beit Jan
Beit Jan is the highest village in Israel and one of the largest Druze villages in the country. The village stretches over seven hills and is in the heart of the stunning Mount Meron Nature Reserve, so it is also a great base for hiking trails in the area. The village, which was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of a Roman village, has about 12,000 inhabitants, all members of the Druze community, and is famous for its excellent education system.
Yanuh-Jat
On the top of the mountain in the Western Upper Galilee at an altitude of 650 m/2,130 feet above sea level with an amazing view, lies the Druze settlement of Yanuh-Jat. In the center of the village is the tomb of the Druze saint, Sidi Abu Arus, located next to a common oak tree, which is considered a sacred tree.
In the charming village, which is the oldest Druze village in Israel, you can visit the impressive ancient streets, the cloth house, the agricultural farm, and many heritage sites and ancient houses. From here, you can finish with a spectacular view of the sunset and the Mediterranean Sea. and enjoy the wide variety of culinary options in the village.
Visiting Circassian villages in Israel
In addition to the great Druze villages to visit in the Galilee and Golan Heights, if you’re interested in exploring other fascinating cultures, you can also find two unique Circassian villages in the region, which are a great visit on their own.
Kfar Kama
A pastoral Circassian settlement in the Lower Galilee located at the foot of Mount Tabor, in one of the most beautiful locations in the country in all seasons. Kfar Kama is home to about 3,500 Circassian residents who live there, who are unique people with a long-standing and fascinating culture and tradition.
The settlement was established in 1878 by Circassian immigrants who survived the Caucasian War and migrated to the countries of the Middle East. The Circassian heritage center located in the village is an authentic building from 1903, and during your visit here, you will be exposed to the Circassian heritage and the spectacular collection of Circassian culture and local art.
Rehaniya
Rehaniya is a wonderful Circassian village, with a well-kept appearance that is reminiscent of charming European villages. During your visit here, in addition to walking around the peaceful town, you should visit the Museum of the Circassian Experience, a visit that includes a lecture and presentation on the ancient Circassian heritage.
