Expérience druze – la maison d'al-Moukhtâr Atar

All the information about the Druze experience – House of Almukhatār, [Almukha'tar] בית אלמוכאתר The experience we offer is unique. The Druze hospitality, the rural atmosphere you can feel during a tour of the village of Daliyat al-Karmel, the visit to the village in its historical parts, the people, the voices, the sights, the landscapes, and the smells—all of these give the Druze experience the authenticity required, and for you the diverse, many-faceted experience. Learning about history, about the Druze community, about Mediterranean music, and of course the excellent food. Hospitality, all of it a Druze experience: We travel among the trees and the amazing scenery into the village of Daliyat al-Karmel, from where we set out on a walk-through tour of the ancient village on foot between the houses, the coffee roaster house and the scent of the coffee, the olive press and olive oil, until we reach within the ancient settlement. The visit includes: The Druze House of the People in the village—the house where all the people of the village gather in order to resolve social problems, and also in this house all funeral and mourning ceremonies take place. "Khulwah" — the Druze house of prayer: On our way we will see the great and new Druze house of prayer, and together we will also see the first house of prayer that was established in Daliyat al-Karmel, and on the door at the courtyard there is a Star of David—what is the reason? What is the connection? You'll ask when you're on the tour, and you'll receive the answers. The ancient Druze house: We will pass along the narrow paths between the ancient houses, and we will observe an ancient house and receive an explanation of its parts, its structure, and what each level is intended for. Why are the doors large? And why are they always open? What are the two only rooms in the house used for? "Almnazool" — upon our arrival at the first site of the Almukhatār of Daliyat al-Karmel, we will explain the guest house that was used by the mukhtār to receive his guests from outside, and that also served as a place for a small council meeting for discussions and resolving specific problems in the village. Almnazool is built of two rooms—can someone explain why? Hand to the Sons of Binyamin [Hand for the Sons of Binyamin] — House of Sir Lawrence Oliphant — Daliyat al-Karmel — the house of Sir Lawrence Oliphant, a British diplomat and a lover of Zionism, one of the Righteous Among the Nations, who arrived and lived in Daliyat al-Karmel and forged wonderful ties with the people of the community. Entry to Lawrence Oliphant's room, and entry to his former secretary's room—Naftali Hertz Imber—who composed "Hatikvah" from the famous balcony, with the view of the green Carmel and the beautiful sea. The Prophet Abu Abrahim: The sacred site for the Druze community and the residents of the village of Daliyat al-Karmel—the cave of the Prophet Abu Abrahim, one of the five most important prophets in the community. Abu Abrahim is believed to be the protector of the village—according to faith. Is there proof for this? We will find out on the tour..... The Mukhtār's House— the House of the Mukhtār of Daliyat al-Karmel, which has been restored to its former condition and opened especially for you as part of the Druze experience. The house is built with two large rooms with a "diwan" as in the old days. In the house, we will host you and provide an elegant meal. In addition, we will be able to see authentic photos and exhibits from the history of the Druze community. And to round it off: Lecture—during the tour we will receive a lecture about the Druze community that will address important topics such as the source of the religion and its complexity, the secrecy of the religion, the status of women, belief in reincarnation, the principle of "Al-taqiyah" [אלתק'יה], and the connection with the State of Israel and the Jewish people. The lectures are given by the best lecturers, such as Dr. Jaber Abu Rokan, Druze attorneys who live locally, Dr. Ramzi Chalabi, and various religious figures. Isn't that enough? Druze celebration— for those interested in music and dancing, the Druze experience offers an authentic Druze celebration, with a oud player and a darbuka player, with songs by Farid Alatresh and an authentic celebration with Druze dabke dances and the pleasant tunes of classical music— to be added.... The Druze experience also offers the following tour options: Short tour—one and a half hours to two hours, including a tour of the ancient village, entry to the Hand to the Sons of Binyamin, a lecture, and hospitality at the Mukhtār's House. Long tour—3 to 5 hours, including a viewpoint at Muhraka and a full tour, a lecture about the community, and a meal at the Mukhtār's House.