Circassian Heritage Center

Exploring the Galilee

The Circassian Heritage Center is a museum and official Visitors Center in Kfar Kama that preserves the origins of the Circassians. The Circassians lived in the mountains of the northwestern Caucasus, where they lived for thousands of years.



So let me tell you about the Circassian Heritage Center: During the Russian occupation of the Caucasus in the 19th century, more than one million Circassians were killed, and many were transported from their homeland. The Neighboring Ottoman Empire absorbed the Circassian refugees and encouraged them to settle in parts of its territory, including the Land of Israel.

In the second half of the 19th century, the Circassians established three settlements in the Land of Israel, two of which still exist in Galilee: Kfar Kama, with a population of approximately 3,000 people, and Rihanya, with around 1,000 people.


Galilee Ultimate Guide
Jesus-of-Nazareth-Sea-of-Galilee
In This Photo: The View From Mt. Arbel Nature Reserve

The Circassian Museum

Based in a historic 130-year-old building in Kfar Kama, the Circassian Heritage Center features a presentation revealing an ancient and special culture, a display of ancient artifacts of Circassian culture, some of which are very rare and have their origin in the Caucasus mountains, and costumes of Circassian warriors and work tools used by the first settlers. 

Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the museum combined with a tour of the village’s old nucleus in horse driven carriage. They can also take a walking tour of the village’s narrow alleys accompanied by stories about the settlement and Circassian heritage and watch a local dance group performing stirring folklore dances. Here is a link to their website!


arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Bible Lands Museum

RELATED POSTS

Museum of Italian Jewish Art

The Museum of Italian Jewish Art is dedicated to telling the story of Jewish life in Italy from the Renaissance to the present.

Dormition Abbey

The Dormition Abbey Jerusalem also known as Abbey of the Dormition is a wonderful site to visit when touring Jerusalem. Click here for more!

Pater Noster Church

The Pater Noster Church is located on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem. stands right next to the ruins of the Byzantine Church of Eleona

Ramat Gan Safari

The Ramat Gan Safari – also known as Tel Aviv’s Zoo is a real entertainment site for the entire family! It is located just outside ...

Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art

The Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art is a must-see destination for art enthusiasts visiting Israel. The museum is a vibrant cultural hub!

Wadi Murabba’at Nature Reserve

The Wadi Murabba’at Nature Reserve, known as the Nahal Darga Nature Reserve is one of the best hikes that runs through the Judaean Desert.

Tomb of Maimonides

The Tomb of Maimonides is a burial site in Tiberias where Maimonides, his father, his grandson, and other Jewish sages are buried.

Mount Carmel National Park

Mount Carmel National Park in Israel is the largest national park in the country! Rich with Flora and Fauna, a marvelous time is guaranteed!

IDF Museums Tour

On this IDF Museums tour, we would explore the different museums the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) has to offer. And they're quite a few!

Ashkelon National Park

Ashkelon National Park is home to many historic sites and some spectacular natural scenery. Just southwest of the city of Ashkelon!

Need help?

Skip to content