El-Bouraj, archaeological site in Israel
El-Bouraj is an archaeological site in Israel near the route connecting Netanya to Tulkarem, located just south of the village of Bourgata. The ruins contain remains of ancient buildings and pottery shards showing multiple settlement periods, plus the remains of a Crusader fortress called The Red Tower with a partially preserved southern wall about 15 meters high.
The site was continuously inhabited from ancient Israelite times in the 11th to 6th century BC through the Roman period until the 7th century AD. The Crusader fortress was built at an unknown date and remained under Knights Templar control until 1189, followed by a religious community before the Hospitallers took over in 1248.
The name comes from the reddish soil that defines the landscape and gave the fortress its nickname. The ruins reflect how different peoples lived here across centuries, each leaving marks of their presence.
The site lies near the main road between Netanya and Tulkarem making it relatively accessible. Visitors should expect uneven terrain and few modern facilities since this is an archaeological site with minimal infrastructure.
The site is mentioned in the Talmud of Jerusalem under the name Barkata, with the text also referencing Samaritans who once lived in the area. This connection to an ancient religious text reveals deep historical importance beyond the physical ruins.
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