Have you been to Kfar Kama to see Circassian life?

Slowly returning to normal means venturing off the Jerusalem streets.

People are beginning to get around again, and we joined a group tour going to the Galilee.

Leaving Jerusalem we saw the scorched remains from the summer forest fires,

which were way too close to the new construction in Mevaseret.

Going past Mount Tabor to Kfar Kama, to the home of the Circassian community, Adyghe Израилым ис Адыгэхэр; and in Hebrew, הצ’רקסים, descended from two groups who were settled in Galilee in the 1870s during the Ottoman Empire.

Circassia: country, the historical region was along the northeast shore of the Black Sea, was destroyed and devastated after the Russian-Circassian War which lasted 100 years from 1763–1864.

90% of the Circassian people were either massacred or exiled, today there are 2- 3 million in Turkey and the Middle East, and half a million in Jordan.

In Israel, the 4,000-5,000 Circassians live mostly in Kfar Kama.

The Circassian Heritage Center is not always open to the public. We had driven through the narrow village streets once before, but then the center was closed.

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Even the shutter blue windows and doors tell part of the story. This blue color is used throughout the village for good luck.

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Our guide gave a historical background to his people and history.

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In Kfar Kama, some of the old stone structures and arches are preserved.

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The mosque and minaret rise above the Muslim community.

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Contrasts of old and new are found along the meticulously clean streets.

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The signs are in 3 languages: Hebrew, Arabic, and Adyghe, written in Cyrillic script.

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In the museum, there are artifacts from the past,

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examples of traditional costumes,

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and items from early settlement, including a Singer sewing machine.

A visit to Kfar Kama Heritage Center needs a video of their distinctive dancers.

The male dancer in the black hat was at Beit Hanasi almost 10 years ago with President Shimon Peres for a Sukkot Open House Performance.

Too bad I couldn’t find those photos now. Does anyone else remember their performance?

This seemed a good time to share a bit and a look at the blending of old and new, little-known cultures and religions in the land of Israel.

More from the many things happening on Jerusalem streets next time.

11 thoughts on “Have you been to Kfar Kama to see Circassian life?

  • November 14, 2021 at 12:19 pm
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    I think Mo’s brother and family were at Kibbutz Lavi this Shabbat for his granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah

    Reply
    • November 14, 2021 at 12:23 pm
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      Mazel tov. We were there before the clocks changed, but only had time to post this week. The hotels are packed with people finally able to go in groups again.

      Reply
  • November 14, 2021 at 7:37 pm
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    That dance and costume is indistinguishable from Georgian, no surprise I suppose.

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    • November 14, 2021 at 8:13 pm
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      Does make sense they have worked hard to keep old traditions.

      Reply
  • November 14, 2021 at 10:31 pm
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    Fascinating. Graceful dancing.

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    • November 15, 2021 at 4:14 am
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      Thank you

      Reply
  • November 17, 2021 at 2:31 am
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    Very interesting about a group of people and surroundings I have never heard of before.

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    • November 18, 2021 at 5:12 am
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      Thanks, I was hoping people would be interested in how this small Muslim minority population lives in Israel.

      Reply
  • November 19, 2021 at 7:52 pm
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    They make a wonderful cheese, smooth and delicious. My granddaughter’s babysitter lives here

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    • November 20, 2021 at 2:47 pm
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      Thank you, I was not aware of the industries there, we were basically in the Old City.

      Reply
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