# Katzrin

> Israeli settlement in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights

**Wikidata**: [Q1736959](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1736959)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katzrin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/katzrin

## Summary
Katzrin is an Israeli settlement and city located in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, established in 1977. It serves as the administrative and commercial center of the region, with a population of 7,297 as of 2019. The settlement is part of the Israeli-occupied territories and holds geopolitical significance due to its location.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1977  
- **Population**: 7,297 (as of 2019)  
- **Area**: 9.323 square kilometers  
- **Elevation**: 320 meters above sea level  
- **Location**: Golan Heights, within the Quneitra Governorate of Syria  
- **Status**: Classified as an Israeli settlement and city in occupied territory  
- **Twinned with**: Mikulov (Czech Republic)  
- **Key Features**: Home to the Golan Heights Winery and a Talmudic-era synagogue  
- **Timezone**: UTC+02:00  
- **Official Name**: קצרין (Hebrew)  
- **Coordinates**: 32.9925° N, 35.690555555556° E  

## FAQs
**Q: Is Katzrin internationally recognized as part of Israel?**  
A: No. The international community, including the United Nations, considers the Golan Heights, including Katzrin, as occupied Syrian territory.  

**Q: What is Katzrin’s role in the region?**  
A: It functions as the administrative, economic, and cultural hub of the Israeli-held Golan Heights, hosting municipal offices, schools, and tourism attractions.  

**Q: How large is Katzrin’s population?**  
A: As of 2019, the population is 7,297, making it the largest Israeli settlement in the Golan Heights.  

**Q: What notable sites are in Katzrin?**  
A: Key attractions include the Golan Heights Winery, a reconstructed Talmudic-era synagogue, and archaeological sites.  

**Q: Is Katzrin part of Syria or Israel?**  
A: Administratively, Israel treats Katzrin as part of its Northern District, but internationally, it is recognized as part of Syria under occupation.  

## Why It Matters
Katzrin plays a central role in Israel’s settlement policy in the Golan Heights, symbolizing Israeli control over the strategic plateau. Its development since 1977 reflects broader geopolitical tensions, as the international community does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the area. The settlement’s growth into a city underscores its economic and administrative importance, while its winery and historical sites contribute to tourism and cultural narratives about the region. Katzrin’s existence remains a point of contention in Arab-Israeli relations and discussions about territorial sovereignty.

## Notable For
- Largest Israeli settlement in the Golan Heights.  
- Home to the Golan Heights Winery, a major regional industry.  
- Features a reconstructed 4th–7th century synagogue, a significant archaeological site.  
- Twinned with Mikulov, Czech Republic, fostering international municipal ties.  
- Serves as the de facto capital of the Israeli-administered Golan Heights.  

## Body

### Geography & Location  
Katzrin is situated in the Golan Heights, a plateau in southwestern Syria occupied by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day War. It lies within the Quneitra Governorate and the Golan Subdistrict, at coordinates 32.9925° N, 35.690555555556° E. The settlement spans 9.323 square kilometers and has an elevation of 320 meters above sea level.  

### Demographics & Administration  
As of 2019, Katzrin’s population is 7,297, according to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS municipal ID: 4100). It is classified as both a city and an Israeli settlement, serving as the administrative center for the Golan Heights. The settlement operates under Israeli law, though its international status remains disputed.  

### History & Development  
Established in 1977, Katzrin was developed as part of Israel’s post-1967 efforts to consolidate control over the Golan Heights. The settlement expanded rapidly, incorporating residential, commercial, and agricultural areas. Its growth reflects Israeli policies aimed at establishing permanent communities in the occupied territory.  

### Economy & Culture  
The Golan Heights Winery, based in Katzrin, is a major economic driver and tourist attraction. The settlement is also known for its reconstructed Talmudic-era synagogue, which dates to the 4th–7th centuries CE and features Byzantine-era mosaics. These sites highlight Katzrin’s role in both modern Israeli culture and historical preservation.  

### International Status & Relations  
Katzrin’s location in the occupied Golan Heights places it at the center of geopolitical disputes. The United Nations and most countries regard the area as Syrian territory under Israeli occupation. Despite this, Katzrin maintains municipal ties abroad, including a twinning agreement with Mikulov in the Czech Republic.  

### Infrastructure & Services  
The settlement hosts municipal offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and shopping centers, catering to both residents and nearby communities. Its website (http://katsrin.com/en/) provides information for residents and visitors, emphasizing its role as a regional hub.  

### Technical & Identifiers  
- **GeoNames ID**: 443093  
- **OpenStreetMap Node ID**: 1654111437  
- **WorldCat Entities ID**: E39PBJkT6Qvb3btKkGv4b9WhpP  
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n80100078  

### Language & Nomenclature  
Katzrin is known by multiple aliases, including Qatzrin, Kazrin, and カツリン (Japanese). Its official Hebrew name, קצרין, is referenced in Russian and Hebrew Wikipedia entries. The settlement is documented in 23 languages on Wikipedia, reflecting international interest in its geopolitical significance.  

### Physical & Digital Presence  
Photographs and maps of Katzrin are archived on Wikimedia Commons (category: Katzrin), with a notable banner image of the Talmudic-era synagogue entrance. Its digital footprint includes a dedicated website and entries in academic and cultural databases such as VIAF (ID: 139554536) and the Jewish Encyclopedia (Russian ID: 12031).  

### Elevation & Environment  
At 320 meters above sea level, Katzrin’s climate is influenced by its elevation and the Golan Heights’ unique geography. The region’s natural features and agricultural land, including vineyards, shape the settlement’s environment and economy.  

### Founding & Legal Context  
Established in 1977, Katzrin’s development followed Israel’s application of its law to the Golan Heights in 1981—a move condemned by the UN Security Council (Resolution 497). The settlement’s legal status remains contentious, with recurrent international calls for Israeli withdrawal.  

### Tourism & Archaeology  
Katzrin’s archaeological sites, including the reconstructed synagogue and nearby Gamla National Park, attract tourists and scholars. These attractions, combined with the winery, position the settlement as a focal point for regional tourism initiatives.  

### Municipal Services & Governance  
As a municipal entity, Katzrin provides local governance, education, and community services. Its administrative structure aligns with Israeli municipal systems, despite its location outside internationally recognized Israeli borders.  

### Connectivity & Coordinates  
Strategically situated at 32.9925° N, 35.690555555556° E, Katzrin is connected to major regional roads, facilitating access to Israeli population centers and the occupied Golan Heights. Its geographic position reinforces its administrative and logistical importance.  

### Cultural & Historical Significance  
The settlement’s blend of modern Israeli infrastructure and ancient historical sites, such as the Talmudic-era synagogue, underscores its complex identity. This duality reflects broader narratives about Jewish historical ties to the region and contemporary political disputes.  

### Geopolitical Role  
As the largest settlement in the Golan Heights, Katzrin symbolizes Israel’s territorial claims and settlement policies. Its growth and institutional development highlight the practical and ideological dimensions of Israeli control over the region, making it a focal point in discussions about peace negotiations and territorial sovereignty.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Israel Central Bureau of Statistics](https://www.citypopulation.de/en/israel/northern/golan/4100__qazrin/)
3. GeoNames
4. Quora
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File