City of Haifa
Subtitle: A historic and distinctive Palestinian city known as the Bride of Mount Carmel.
Overview
A Palestinian city located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most important ports in Palestine and lies on the southern edge of the Bay of Acre. A large part of the city is built on Mount Carmel. Historically and economically, it is considered one of the most significant coastal cities, and it is the third-largest Palestinian city after Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Traditional Dress of Haifa
- The Haifa dress is part of Palestinian heritage and is characterized by:
- A dominant navy blue or black base color.
- Patterns that include curves, geometric shapes, stars, wheat ears, and plant motifs.
- Embroidery concentrated on the chest, sleeves, or lower part of the dress, usually in dark red or crimson.
- Made from cotton or velvet.
Historical Landmarks of Haifa
- Cave of Prophet Elijah: an important religious and historical site believed to be where Prophet Elijah lived
- Bahá’í Gardens in Haifa: one of the city’s most famous landmarks, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Stella Maris Monastery: a Catholic monastery on Mount Carmel built in the 19th century on an ancient site.
- German Colony in Haifa: a historic neighborhood built by German settlers in the 19th century, known for its European-style architecture.
Cultural Heritage in Haifa
Haifa is known for its diverse culture due to its coastal location. Cultural expressions include traditional dabke dance, coastal folk songs, and crafts such as embroidery, soap-making, and wooden mold carving. It was also a major center of Palestinian cultural activity before 1948.
Famous Foods of Haifa
- 1Musakhan: a famous Palestinian dish made of taboon bread, chicken, onions, olive oil, and sumac.
- 2Mansaf: served on special occasions.
- 3Qidra Khaliliya: rice and meat cooked in a copper pot in the oven.
Famous Crafts of Haifa
- 1Handmade glass production.
- 2Pottery and ceramics.
- 3Leather tanning and shoe making.