Khan el-Tujjar (Merchants' Khan)
Explore the 15th-century Mamluk Merchants' Khan, a historical road station and market with mosque ruins and a protective citadel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, less dense vegetation
Khan el-Tujjar (Merchants' Khan)
Best Time
Pleasant weather, less dense vegetation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 15th-century Mamluk Merchants' Khan, a historical road station and market with mosque ruins and a protective citadel.
"A fascinating glimpse into Israel's historical past, offering tangible evidence of ancient trade and defense."
๐ Crossing Route 65
Crossing Route 65 to reach the khan is dangerous. Drive with extreme caution and be aware of traffic.
๐ฟ Dense Vegetation
The site is not well-preserved and can be found among dense vegetation. Wear appropriate footwear.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 ยท 7 reviews
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mamluk Khan
Central Courtyard
Discover the remains of a 15th-century fortified road station and market, once a bustling hub.
Mosque Ruins
Within the Khan
See the remnants of a magnificent mosque, complete with the base of its three minarets.
Khan's Citadel
Hill opposite Tigrim store
Explore the fortress that once protected the isolated khan from attacks.
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Planning Your Visit
Navigating Khan el-Tujjar
Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
๐ Crossing Route 65
Crossing Route 65 to reach the khan is dangerous. Drive with extreme caution and be aware of traffic.
๐ฟ Dense Vegetation
The site is not well-preserved and can be found among dense vegetation. Wear appropriate footwear.
๐ ฟ๏ธ Parking
Parking is not regulated at the site. Park near the junction to Kibbutz Beit Keshet.
๐ถโโ๏ธ Accessibility
The site is not accessible. Be prepared for uneven terrain.
Tips
from all over the internet
๐ Crossing Route 65
Crossing Route 65 to reach the khan is dangerous. Drive with extreme caution and be aware of traffic.
๐ฟ Dense Vegetation
The site is not well-preserved and can be found among dense vegetation. Wear appropriate footwear.
๐ ฟ๏ธ Parking
Parking is not regulated at the site. Park near the junction to Kibbutz Beit Keshet.
๐ถโโ๏ธ Accessibility
The site is not accessible. Be prepared for uneven terrain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Khan el-Tujjar to be a historically significant Mamluk-era site offering a glimpse into ancient trade routes. While its archaeological remains are intriguing, the lack of preservation and dense vegetation can make exploration challenging. The need for caution when crossing the busy Route 65 is a recurring concern.
"A point on the southern border of Naphtali with Issachar (Josh 19:33) where Heber the Kenite pitched his tent (Judg 4:11), in which the Canaanite king Sisera was subsequently slain (Judg 4:17-21)"
John Roman
"Khanot Tagrim (Khan al-Tujar)
Wise: Write Kibbutz Beit Keshet. At the junction to the kibbutz, stop and park near the junction. Cross to the opposite side of Highway 65 towards the Tagrim store. There is a sign on the site
Location: Opposite direction to Kibbutz Beit Keshet on the other side of Highway 65 at the junction.
Regulated parking: No
Accessibility: No
Picnic parking lot: No
Difficulty level: Easy
Purchasing food and drinks: No
Toilets: No
Please note: Crossing the junction towards the khan is dangerous and you should drive with extra caution.
About:
Archaeological site of a large Mamluk khan (inn), in the Lower Galilee, at the entrance junction to Kibbutz Beit Keshet, (ancient post road route)
The khan was built around a central courtyard with a well. On the site is a magnificent mosque whose remains of its three minarets remain. The khan was surrounded by a wall (possibly late), (16th century?) Origin of the name: a merchants' market that existed around it.
Across the road, towards Beit Keshet, to the right of the turn, there are additional remains. These are
The remains of Qalat al-Khan (or the Khan's Citadel)
Location: On the hill opposite the Tigrim shop, the citadel protected the isolated khan from attacks. The khan was built in a low place on the main road and therefore needed protection.
The experience:
Sheds light on Israel's historical past, which was a succession of processes and events in the shadow of constant occupation by empires that did not border our country and by neighboring kingdoms that conquered it.
Highly recommended
Yossi Merom, CEO
of the "Israel and the World" Network"
ืืืกื ืืืจืื
"The remains of a huge khan and a fortified road station from the Ottoman period from the 15th century. The place is not preserved or protected and must be found among the dense vegetation. You can see the remains of the glorious past: vaults of what may have been a huge mosque, the foundation of huge walls and considerable rooms in the area. Across the road are the remains of a fortress that protected the road and the place."
ืืืืื ืืืกืืจื
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
Khan el-Tujjar is located in the Lower Galilee, near Kibbutz Beit Keshet. At the junction turning to the kibbutz, park near the junction and cross Route 65 to the opposite side towards the Tigrim store. Be extremely cautious when crossing the road.
Information on direct public transportation to Khan el-Tujjar is limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes to Kibbutz Beit Keshet and then consider walking or arranging local transport.
The most common access point is from Route 65, near the turn-off for Kibbutz Beit Keshet. Park on the side of the road and carefully cross to the Tigrim store side.
The site is not always clearly marked and can be found amidst dense vegetation. Look for signs near the Tigrim store.
From Route 65, look for the junction leading to Kibbutz Beit Keshet. Park near this junction and cross the road to find the archaeological site.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
Khan el-Tujjar is an archaeological site and generally does not have an entrance fee. It's an open-access area.
As an open archaeological site, there are no set opening hours. Visitors can explore during daylight hours.
No, tickets are not required for Khan el-Tujjar as it is an open archaeological site.
The site is an archaeological ruin and is not heavily preserved or protected, often found among dense vegetation.
Information on official guided tours is scarce. Independent exploration is common, but consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights.
๐ซ ๐งญ Onsite Experience
You can explore the remains of a 15th-century Mamluk khan, a mosque with minaret bases, and a protective citadel. It offers a glimpse into historical trade routes and past empires.
Due to the uneven terrain, dense vegetation, and the need for caution when crossing roads, it might be challenging for families with very young children or those with mobility issues.
Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes as the ground can be uneven and overgrown. Light, breathable clothing is recommended for warmer weather.
No, there are no facilities such as restrooms or shops directly at the archaeological site. It's advisable to come prepared.
A visit to Khan el-Tujjar can take about 1-2 hours, depending on your interest in exploring the ruins and understanding the historical context.
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography
Capture the atmospheric ruins of the khan, the mosque's minaret bases against the sky, and the surrounding Galilee landscape. The Citadel offers a different perspective.
Yes, the weathered stones and ancient architecture provide excellent opportunities for historical and architectural photography.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the ruins.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use at this open archaeological site.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations. It's best to check with local authorities before flying a drone in the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit