Yafa

Yafa, also Yafo in Hebrew or Jaffa in English, is a historic port city in the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality, Israel, located on the Mediterranean coast just south of Tel Aviv. It is one of the oldest port cities in the region, with evidence of settlement dating back to biblical and Canaanite periods.

Over the centuries it served as a major harbor for various empires and played a key role in regional trade, including citrus exports that gave rise to the name Jaffa orange. In the Ottoman era it developed into a fortified town, and in the 20th century it remained a busy port and cultural hub.

In 1950, the municipal government of Tel Aviv and Yafo merged to form the Tel Aviv-Yafo municipality. In recent decades Jaffa has undergone substantial redevelopment and is now a mixed district known for its narrow alleys, historic buildings, art studios, and a vibrant market.

Notable sites include the Old Jaffa, Jaffa Port, St. Peter's Church, the Jaffa Clock Tower, and the Jaffa Flea Market. The area attracts tourists and residents alike and features diverse cuisine and cultural events.

Demographically, it has a history of Arab and Jewish communities and remains a multicultural neighborhood within the Tel Aviv-Yafo municipality. See also Jaffa orange.