Wander around in the small narrow alleys, smell the special cuisine, eat local hummus, enjoy the authentic atmosphere, colorfulness and the simple life. and all of this near the heart of Tel Aviv!
What is Kerem Hateimanim ?
Kerem HaTeimanim is a very special neighborhood in Tel Aviv.
On its western border lies the Mediterranean, and on the Eastern the Carmel Market.
In Hebrew, Kerem means vineyard, and Teimanim is Yemenites, so the the meaning of the name is the Yemenites’ vineyard.
It had a few other names in the beginning, but in the end it got the current name because the bodyguard of a vineyard that belonged to one of the original owners of the land was Yemenite, and also because most of the people that reside in the neighborhood when it established were Yemenites that came from Jerusalem.
Kerem Hateimanim History
The neighborhood established in 1906, before the Tel Aviv city was found. Though the inhabitants were jews, the neighborhood belonged to Jaffa (which was arabic then).
Most of the first residents were Yemenite jews that came from Jerusalem. Since they didn’t possess much wealth, the neighborhood considered quite poor and the houses were made from trees, tin shacks and other low quality materials.
Since the 1920s, there were a lot of riots between the jews and the arabs in the neighborhood, and in 1947, when the war broke, it became a battlefield.
The jews had the upper hand and conquered the place and from there attacked Jaffa.
Since the 90s, the neighborhood developed very well. The houses are all modern now, but there is still a unique vibe here; narrow streets, small restaurants and ground level houses.
Today, most of the traditional Yemenite citizens moved and only the older generation stayed, while the place’s relatively cheap apartments drew a lot of young students.
A Tel Aviv colorful culture
One of the things that the jewish Yemenites are most known with is music.
There are a lot of very famous Yemenite artists in Israel originated from Kerem Hateimanim.
It’s one of the things that the neighborhood was most known for. Even today, a few famous Israeli musicians live there.
The neighborhood, in the early years of Israel, was the origin of a lot of local big parties. The concept later on spread to the rest of Israel.
Also, the neighborhood is so colorful! All your senses are gonna be triggered. The smell of the food, the different (culture wise and age wise) people, the cafes and restaurants, the buildings, the graffiti and etc..
Just taking a walk there can be an experience, in which you can see the remains of the old culture and how it used to be, and the new people and their lifestyles.
Kerem Hateimanim Food
The traditional food of the neighborhood was of course the Yemenite Jewish cuisine. It’s considered one of the best cuisines in Israel and in the neighborhood there are a lot of small restaurants specializing in it.
In addition, there are a lot of places with the iconic Israeli food: Falafel, Hummus and Shawarma, and also a high quality cafes.
a very good idea, if you’re there, is to stroll in the narrow streets and find an authentic place to try the special Yemenite cuisine.
The Carmel Market
Welcome to probably the most colorful place in Tel Aviv! Right beside the eastern borders of Kerem Hateimanim.
In the Carmel market you will find a huge variety of products, fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade clothes and gifts and so much more!
A must see place in Tel Aviv, if you’re in Kerem Hateimanim, definitely pay a visit to the market.
The shoreline
Kerem Hateimanim has one of the most beautiful shorelines in Tel Aviv!
One of the things Tel Aviv is most known for is its beaches. from Kerem Hateimanim you can experience the beautiful promenade, sandy beaches and the surfing beach.
a great recommendation would be to go there during the sunset, after the day is over, enjoy the mediterranean beauty and give yourself some time for relaxation.
The sea, together with sunset, can ease a bit our stressful lives.
Kerem Hateimanim is a very interesting place in Tel Aviv’s center, offering a variety of things to see and do.
You can see and taste a different, more authentic side of Tel Aviv, and learn about the differences in culture and generation of the people here.
