# Safed

> city in northern Israel

**Wikidata**: [Q188336](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q188336)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safed)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/safed

## Summary
Safed (also known as Tzfat, Zefat, or צְפַת) is a historic city in northern Israel, renowned for its cultural, religious, and historical significance. Located at an elevation of 900 meters above sea level, it has been a key center of Jewish mysticism, art, and scholarship since the 16th century. Today, Safed is a vibrant city with a population of over 35,000, serving as the administrative capital of the Safed Subdistrict.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in northern Israel, at coordinates 32.9658°N, 35.4983°E, with an elevation of 900 meters above sea level.
- **Population**: As of 2018, the population was 35,700, growing from 2,317 in 1948 and 33,358 in 2015.
- **Historical Governance**:
  - Part of the Ottoman Empire from 1516 to 1917.
  - Under British Mandatory Palestine from 1917 to 1948.
  - Incorporated into Israel in 1948.
- **Area**: Covers 29.248 square kilometers.
- **Timezone**: UTC+02:00 (Israel Standard Time).
- **Aliases**: Known by multiple names, including Tzfat, Tzefat, Zefat, Zfat, Safad, Saphet, and others in various languages.
- **Capital Status**: Served as the capital of the Sidon Eyalet from 1660 to 1864.
- **Administrative Role**: Located in the Safed Subdistrict since 1950.
- **Elevation**: One of the highest cities in Israel, at 900 meters above sea level.
- **Twin Cities**: Sister cities include Toledo (Spain), Lille (France), and Guarda (Portugal).
- **Notable Features**:
  - Near Nachal Akbara, a local water body.
  - Home to significant Jewish religious and cultural sites.
- **Identifiers**:
  - Wikidata ID: Q206855
  - GND ID: 4225222-2
  - VIAF ID: 146077919
  - Library of Congress Authority ID: n80107319
  - Geonames ID: 293100
  - Israeli CBS Municipal ID: 8000

## FAQs

**What is the historical significance of Safed?**
Safed has been a major center of Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah) since the 16th century, attracting scholars and artists. It was also the capital of the Sidon Eyalet during the Ottoman Empire from 1660 to 1864.

**How has Safed's population changed over time?**
The population has grown significantly since 1948, when it was 2,317. By 1950, it reached 5,500, and by 2018, it had grown to 35,700.

**What are the different names for Safed?**
Safed is known by various names, including Tzfat, Tzefat, Zefat, Zfat, Safad, and Saphet, reflecting its multicultural history.

**What is Safed's geographical importance?**
Located at an elevation of 900 meters, Safed is one of the highest cities in Israel, offering a strategic and scenic position in northern Israel.

**What are Safed's sister cities?**
Safed is twinned with Toledo (Spain), Lille (France), and Guarda (Portugal), reflecting its international cultural connections.

## Why It Matters
Safed is a city of profound religious, cultural, and historical importance. As a center of Jewish mysticism and scholarship, it has shaped Kabbalistic thought and attracted scholars, artists, and pilgrims for centuries. Its strategic location and elevation have made it a key site in regional history, from Ottoman rule to modern Israel. The city's growth from a small post-war population to a thriving urban center highlights its resilience and significance in Israel's development. Safed's cultural heritage, including its art, synagogues, and religious academies, continues to influence Jewish and global traditions.

## Notable For
- **Center of Jewish Mysticism**: Safed became a global hub for Kabbalah in the 16th century, home to renowned scholars like Rabbi Isaac Luria.
- **High Elevation**: One of Israel's highest cities, at 900 meters above sea level, offering unique climatic and strategic advantages.
- **Historical Capital**: Served as the capital of the Sidon Eyalet during the Ottoman Empire (1660–1864).
- **Population Growth**: Rapid post-1948 population expansion, from 2,317 to over 35,000 by 2018.
- **Cultural Diversity**: Known by multiple names across languages, reflecting its multicultural heritage.
- **Administrative Role**: Key city in the Safed Subdistrict since 1950.
- **International Connections**: Twinned with Toledo, Lille, and Guarda, fostering global cultural exchange.

## Body

### **Geography and Location**
Safed is located in northern Israel at coordinates 32.9658°N, 35.4983°E, with an elevation of 900 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the country. The city covers an area of 29.248 square kilometers and is situated near Nachal Akbara, a local water body. Its high elevation provides a mild climate and strategic vantage points, contributing to its historical and modern significance.

### **Historical Background**
Safed has a rich history spanning several empires and governance structures:
- **Ottoman Empire (1516–1917)**: Safed was a key city under Ottoman rule, serving as the capital of the Sidon Eyalet from 1660 to 1864.
- **British Mandatory Palestine (1917–1948)**: Following World War I, Safed came under British administration until Israel's establishment in 1948.
- **State of Israel (1948–present)**: Since 1948, Safed has been part of Israel, becoming an important cultural and administrative center in the northern region.

### **Demographics and Population Growth**
Safed's population has undergone significant changes:
- **1948**: 2,317 inhabitants (post-Israeli independence).
- **1949–1960s**: Rapid growth, reaching 10,710 by 1961.
- **1970s–1990s**: Steady increase, with populations of 14,400 (1973) and 21,959 (1995).
- **2000s–2018**: Continued expansion, reaching 35,700 by 2018.

### **Cultural and Religious Significance**
Safed is renowned as a center of Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah), particularly in the 16th century, when it attracted scholars like Rabbi Isaac Luria. The city remains a spiritual hub, with numerous synagogues, yeshivas, and artistic communities. Its cultural heritage is reflected in its aliases (Tzfat, Zefat, etc.) and its role in Jewish religious and artistic traditions.

### **Administrative and Modern Role**
- **Safed Subdistrict**: Since 1950, Safed has been the administrative center of its subdistrict.
- **Municipal Governance**: The city's official website is [http://www.zefat.muni.il](http://www.zefat.muni.il), and it operates under the Israeli CBS Municipal ID 8000.
- **International Relations**: Safed is twinned with Toledo (Spain), Lille (France), and Guarda (Portugal), promoting cultural and educational exchanges.

### **Identifiers and References**
Safed is documented in numerous authoritative sources, including:
- **Wikidata**: Q206855
- **GND ID**: 4225222-2
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n80107319
- **Geonames ID**: 293100
- **VIAF ID**: 146077919
- **Encyclopedias**: Referenced in the Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron, Encyclopædia Britannica, and Treccani's Dizionario di Storia.

### **Notable Features and Landmarks**
- **Coat of Arms**: The city has an official coat of arms ([view here](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Coat_of_arms_of_Safed.svg)).
- **Cultural Sites**: Safed is home to historic synagogues, art galleries, and religious academies.
- **Natural Setting**: Its elevation and proximity to Nachal Akbara contribute to its scenic and strategic importance.

### **Economic and Social Development**
Safed's economy is driven by tourism, religious studies, and local industries. The city's growth reflects its role as a cultural and administrative hub in northern Israel, with ongoing development in infrastructure, education, and community services.

### **Related Entities and Categories**
- **People**: Safed is associated with notable figures in Jewish mysticism, art, and history (see [Category:People from Safed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:People_from_Safed)).
- **Burials**: The city is a burial site for significant religious figures (see [Category:Burials in Safed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Burials_in_Safed)).
- **Cultural References**: Safed appears in various encyclopedias, including the Jewish Encyclopedia and Encyclopædia Britannica.

This structured overview captures Safed's multifaceted identity as a historical, cultural, and administrative center in Israel.

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