Acre (Akka): The Walled Port City With 4,000 Years of History
Picture stone walls rising straight out of the sea, fishing boats in a small harbor and a green-and-white mosque dome over the rooftops. That is Akka, known in English as Acre.
Ancient harbor, Crusader fortress
People have used Akka's harbor since ancient times. In the Middle Ages it became the main Crusader port in the region, and huge vaulted halls from that era still lie beneath the streets of the old city.
The Ottoman city
Much of today's old town was rebuilt in the 18th century. Highlights include the al-Jazzar Mosque, the Khan al-Umdan caravanserai and the massive sea walls, which held off Napoleon's army during the siege of 1799.
A World Heritage site that is still home
UNESCO listed the old city as a World Heritage Site in 2001. It is still a lived-in neighborhood, with Palestinian families, fishermen, bakeries and a busy market for fish and sweets.
A symbol of staying put
Many Palestinian American families trace their roots to the north, and Akka comes up often in family stories. Its walls have become a symbol of a place that endured every empire.
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FAQ
+What is Acre called in Arabic?
Palestinians call the city Akka.
+Why is Acre a World Heritage Site?
UNESCO listed the old city in 2001 for its well-preserved Ottoman town and the Crusader remains beneath it.
+What is the al-Jazzar Mosque?
It is Akka's best-known mosque, built in the 18th century, with a distinctive green dome.
+Did Napoleon capture Acre?
No. Napoleon besieged the city in 1799, but its walls held and he was forced to retreat.
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