In Daliyat Al-Karmel, cultural history, remembrance, art and cuisine can be explored as distinct travel themes. These include the historical connection between Oliphant House and Naftali Herz Imber, a Druze memorial site, two art-focused places and culinary offerings. Each theme has a different emphasis: history is presented through biographical and social perspectives, while art takes concrete form through its creators and design.
Cultural History and Memorial Sites
Naftali Herz Imber, the author of “Hatikvah,” lived at Oliphant House. The museum at Oliphant House tells the story of the relations between the Druze people and Zionism. The two subjects lead in different directions: Imber represents the historical connection to an individual, while the museum focuses on the history of relations between a people and a political movement.
On the ground floor of the Druze Yad Labanim House is a library containing written material about the fallen. In the memorial hall, an iron memorial torch stands on a black pedestal. Photographs and the names of the fallen hang there; beside them stands a black memorial pillar bearing the inscription “Yizkor” and information about the memorial site. The library and the memorial hall offer different forms of remembrance: written material on the one hand, and photographs, names and memorial symbols on the other.
Art and Design
The Holocaust Memorial Gallery in Daliyat Al-Karmel was created by Druze artist Buthaina Halabi. At Beit HaTzva’im, Sam Halabi designed the walls of all four floors using his own method; the building continues the artist’s work. This gives the two places distinct artistic focuses: the gallery is dedicated to Holocaust remembrance, while Beit HaTzva’im emphasizes the design across all floors and the artist’s individual method. This can help you decide whether you are more interested in a clearly defined subject of remembrance or in a work that extends throughout an entire building.
Culinary Offerings
Daliyat Tourism offers culinary tours featuring samples of traditional regional dishes. Contact the provider to arrange a visit. Another offering is described by Alon Maklada: this culinary market experience combines food and stories and introduces the people behind the food market. At present, no tours for the general public are open for this offering.
Culture and Markets in Haifa
The wider destination of Haifa has its own cultural and market destinations. The National Maritime Museum presents 5,000 years of maritime history in the Mediterranean region. The Haifa City Museum is housed in two buildings dating from the Templar period in the German Colony. The Shrine of the Báb in Haifa is also among the Bahá’à Holy Places inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Bahá’à Holy Places in Haifa and Western Galilee are visited as part of the Bahá’à pilgrimage.
Haifa’s markets offer another point of interest. Wadi Nisnas has a lively year-round market with street food, spices and handmade sweets. The Turkish Market offers bars, street food, restaurants, art galleries and shops. Thus, maritime history, historic architecture, religious heritage and a range of market offerings in Haifa sit alongside Daliyat Al-Karmel’s cultural, artistic and culinary themes.
Discover more destinations: Kibuz Kinneret, Yahel, Kahal, Nahalal, Paran, Tur'an, Shefayim, Chorazin
For the wider travel overview: Israel.
