Haifa Quest - Tournament
Welcome to Haifa.
Haifa is the third-largest city in Israel and home to the country’s largest seaport. Located on the slopes of Mount Carmel, the city boasts a rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Haifa is renowned as the world centre of the Bahá’í faith, housing the spectacular Bahá’í Gardens, as well as the main monastery of the Carmelite Order, Elijah the Prophet’s Cave, and numerous other landmarks. Each year, Haifa hosts the "Festival of Holidays," a vibrant celebration that unites the traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The festival features a variety of cultural events, including music performances, art exhibitions, and culinary experiences, making it a must-see for visitors.
The city’s name has various interpretations. One theory traces it to the Aramaic word "Hofa," meaning "shore." At the same time, another connects it to the Hebrew word "Hafa," meaning "cover," which also relates to "Hupa," the ceremonial canopy under which Jewish couples are married. Haifa’s origins date back to the Roman period (Talmudic era, around the 3rd or 4th century). During the Crusades, it featured a small fortress and a harbour and became the birthplace of the Carmelite Order. After its destruction by the Mamelukes, Haifa Harbor became a refuge for Mediterranean pirates.
By the late 19th century, Haifa began emerging as a major commercial hub in Ottoman Palestine. In the 1930s, during the British Mandate, it developed into an economic powerhouse with the establishment of an oil refinery and a modern deep-water port. The city also played a key role in the history of Jewish immigration, becoming a centre for illegal Jewish entry into Palestine. Many Jewish immigrants arrived in Haifa seeking refuge and a new life, contributing to the city's diverse cultural fabric. By the end of World War II, the Jewish population had become the majority in Haifa.
After the establishment of the State of Israel, Haifa rapidly evolved into one of the country’s most prominent economic, cultural, and tourist centres. With a population of approximately 300,000, the city is also a centre for higher education, housing the prestigious Haifa University and the world-renowned Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.