Discover The Saraya House & Gardens

The historic photo on the left, taken in 1917, captures the 'Saraya House & Gardens' located in Be’er Sheva; today known as a vibrant student city in Israel’s Negev region, it looked very different in 1917.

Then it was a strategic desert town, established by the Ottomans as part of their efforts to strengthen control over the Negev & southern Palestine. It was a key administrative & military centre, especially during World War I, when the Ottoman Empire, allied with Germany, fought against British & ANZAC forces.

The Saraya House (from the Arabic saraya, meaning "government house") was the central administrative building for the region, housing Ottoman officials, tax collectors & military commanders. The population of Be’er Sheva at this time was a mix of Bedouin, Jews & Ottoman officials.

In front of the Saraya was a carefully planned public garden, designed to show the Ottoman government’s efforts to bring urban planning & elegance to the desert. The photo captures the stark contrast to the open desert beyond.

On 31 October 1917, the Battle of Be’er Sheva took place, when Australian & New Zealand mounted troops (ANZACs) launched a daring charge to capture the town from the Ottomans. This the last great cavalry charge in history opened the way for British forces to advance north towards Jerusalem, shifting the balance of power in the region.

Be’er Sheva has grown into a modern city - photo on the right - but you can still find echoes of its past, such as the Old Turkish Quarter which preserves some Ottoman-era buildings & ANZAC Memorial Centre, which tells the story of the historic battle & the transformation of the city.

Historically, Beer Sheva symbolised the southern boundary of the Land of Israel, & is deeply connected to the Jewish biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, who lived & worked there. 

The name comes from the story in the Book of Genesis where Abraham makes a peace covenant with King Abimelech after digging a well. The word "shavua" (oath) in Hebrew, and "sheva" (seven), also relates to the seven ewes Abraham presented to Abimelech to seal the deal. 

The city & its associated archaeological site, Tel Beer Sheva, are recognised by UNESCO & continue to be an important destination for visitors who want to understand Jewish history & heritage.  

 

 

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At 'Imagine Israel Tours', we love showing visitors the defining elements of Israel's multi-cultural population. We’re also passionate about bringing history to life, so that you experience not only the famous landmarks, but also the powerful stories that shaped them, helping you to discover more than just the well-known tourist sites.

I’m a licensed tour guide with experience driving & guiding all over Israel in a comfortable 7-seater vehicle & I’m an accredited tour guide for Israel’s National Parks.

I’ve also been certified as the Amazon Tour Guide for online virtual tours in the North of Israel - as well as being a guide for cruise ship passengers coming into Haifa & Ashdod.

My price includes collection from & return to your location; snacks, water & a unique souvenir of your tour.

My TripAdvisor reviews https://shorturl.at/aIR47

Please don't hesitate to be in touch imagineisrael8@gmail.com, or by phone/WhatsApp +972 54 2390412 if I can help plan your visit.