Jisr az-Zarqa
The bridge over the blue river. The only Arab town in Israel on the Mediterranean coastal plain.
The town is named after the Ottoman northern bridge over the Zarqa river (Crocodile river). Flour mills built next to the bridge were in use until after the establishment of the State of Israel. People called the place Jisr az-Zarqa, "the bridge over the blue river", for the clear blue water of the river.
Jisr az-Zarqa became a local council in 1963. It sits on a sandstone ridge along the Mediterranean coast, 25 m above sea level, beside the lower section of the Nahal Taninim Nature Reserve. Caesarea lies to the south, kibbutz Ma'agan Michael to the north and Highway 2 to the east.
Natural and historical assets
Umar ibn Al-Khattab Mosque
The main mosque in the village is named after the second Muslim caliph. The original one-story building was built in 1968. In 2001, with the assistance of the El-Nahda Association, the mosque was rebuilt as a 1,200 m² structure over three stories, including an entrance hall, prayer halls for men and a prayer hall for women. Five daily prayer services, Friday sermons and funeral services are held at the mosque.
Address: 67 Umar ben Al-Khattab Street
Beach
To the west of the town, on the coastline, there is a bathing beach with lifeguard services, a lifeguard hut, shaded areas and parking. The beach is used by the local population as well as tourists and visitors, and entrance is free.
Fishermen's Village
Founded in 1922, the Fishermen's Village is the only remaining fishing village along the coast of Israel that is still active. It once served as the main source of income for the families of Jisr az-Zarqa and today continues to support about thirty families who own fishing boats. The activity still takes place in the original buildings, and the village has accommodation and is open to visitors.
Nahal Taninim Nature Reserve
The reserve marks the northern limit of the town and brings together nature-rich surroundings and ancient technology. The Taninim stream keeps a wide channel until it spills into the Mediterranean and sustains rich vegetation and wildlife. On the south bank there is a 1.5 km hiking trail. In the center of the reserve is an ancient Roman dam with a unique regulation facility, alongside the remains of flour mills from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Towards the mouth of the river there is a stone bridge, built at the end of the Ottoman period in honor of the visit of Kaiser Wilhelm II (1898).
Assets slated for rehabilitation
The Roman aqueduct crosses the kurkar (sandstone) ridge of Jisr az-Zarqa in a 442 m quarried tunnel with 15 shafts, connecting the aqueduct in Beit Hanania and Caesarea. Tel Tanninim, south of the mouth of Nahal Taninim, reveals the ancient city of Crocodilopolis: remains of a Crusader tower and pool, a Byzantine mosaic floor and aqueduct, and Hellenistic and Roman relics. Gan Hashalom (Peace Park), in the north of the town, became a public park in 1996 and is a meeting place for walks and picnics.
Tourist attractions
The Israel National Trail
Jisr az-Zarqa is a special section of the Israel National Trail. Through the Bishvilenu project of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the youth of Jisr, together with the local association "Basmalah", host groups of hikers and share the history of the town.
Juha's Guesthouse
In the center of town, along the National Trail and a short walk from the beach. A social initiative promoting tourism based on local resources: tours, cooking workshops, local meals, "The Open Gallery" cultural center and the "Young Leaders" program that trains local youth as guides.
- Website
- www.zarqabay.com
- Phone
- 052-6146265 | 052-8622088
- officejuha@gmail.com
Bridge to Arabic
Arabic language studies and Arab culture in an Arabic-speaking setting, set up by local teachers in 2012: meetings, educational tours, workshops and meals. Weekly classes, weekend stays or a full week living in the community.
- Website
- jisr2arabic.org
The Blue Bridge Experience
A local tourism initiative from 2016 built on home hospitality: a tour, a meal, a workshop and conversation with residents. Flexible duration, for individuals and groups.
- Address
- 7 Almouares St., Jisr az-Zarqa
This website was built with the participation of the European Union.