Exploring Akka

I LIKE THAT Frank, my husband, and I travelled to Israel for pilgrimage to the Baha’i World Centre. Part of our excursion included exploring Akka, a once penal colony surrounded by high city walls, located approximately 28 kilometers north of Haifa.

Our group of five pilgrims, led by our guide Julie, was searching for the barracks where Baha’u’llah was held prisoner for twenty-four years. We zigzagged through narrow, cobblestone streets, past the scent of men smoking tobacco from a hookah, the sound of young children skipping away from us, and the flat thud rhythm of a few women beating thick rugs with what looked like tennis rackets.

We followed Julie’s sweeping arm over the threshold into the prison. Excavation was taking place which revealed layers of history as far back, so far, as the Christian Crusaders. We walked a narrow path to the deep dungeon where the Master was held. We stood, staring, wordless, into His Most Great Prison. I felt the energy of Baha’u’llah in Akka. Our search had satisfied all of us in so many ways.

Exploring Akka, Israel

Akka is north of Haifa