High on the Carmel ridge, above Haifa and surrounded by Mediterranean forest, sit two Druze villages that have been part of this mountain for centuries. Daliyat el-Karmel and Isfiya (Usafiya) are home to approximately 25,000 Druze and offer visitors an encounter with a culture, cuisine, and hospitality that is unlike anything else in Israel.
The Druze of the Carmel
The Druze are a distinct religious and ethnic community whose faith originated in 11th-century Egypt. They speak Arabic, maintain a secretive religious tradition, and have a strong code of loyalty to the country in which they live. In Israel, Druze men serve in the IDF, and the community has produced generals, politicians, and diplomats. The Carmel Druze are among the most established and integrated Druze communities in the country.
The Market at Daliyat el-Karmel
The main street of Daliyat el-Karmel is one of the best markets in northern Israel. Stalls sell Druze pita (large, thin flatbread baked on a convex iron dome), local olive oil, za’atar, labneh, honey, and handmade crafts. The pita, baked fresh in front of you, filled with labneh and za’atar, is one of the best things you will eat in Israel. This is not an exaggeration.
Isfiya
Isfiya, the smaller and quieter of the two villages, has a more residential character. It offers views of the Carmel forest and the coast below, and several family-run restaurants serve traditional Druze cuisine in settings that range from simple to elegant.
Visit with Hoshen Tours
The Druze villages are a highlight of any Carmel itinerary. Hoshen Tours includes a market visit, a meal, and an introduction to Druze culture that goes beyond the surface.