The Jisr az-Zarqa Heritage Center recently hosted a group of culinary specialization students from Al-Ufuq Technological School in Umm al-Fahm, as part of an exploratory educational tour aimed at introducing them to the world of the sea, the fishing profession, and different types of marine fish and their role in cuisine.
The students were received by the center’s director, researcher and fisherman Sami Al-Ali, who provided an in-depth explanation of traditional fishing practices, the Mediterranean marine environment, and various fish species and their nutritional and culinary characteristics. He also highlighted the differences between marine fish and freshwater aquaculture species, and presented the historical relationship between the people of Jisr az-Zarqa and the sea, as well as the role of fishermen in shaping the identity and culture of the place.
The tour included a visit to the Jisr az-Zarqa Museum, where students explored the village’s maritime and social heritage, including exhibits documenting the history of fishermen and stories of the sea.
Students also met with professional fishermen Muhammad Naim and Muhammad Mistrahi, who shared their daily experiences and discussed how the profession has changed over time. This was followed by a visit to a fish shop to learn about sorting, cleaning, and preparing fish, and distinguishing between wild marine fish and farmed fish.
The visit further included a boat trip on a fishing vessel to observe fishing tools, traditional fishing methods, and the marine working environment. The day concluded with a lunch at “Al-Mina” restaurant in the fishermen’s village.
The students were accompanied by Chef Jawad Omari and Chef Fadwa Mahajneh from the Al-Ufuq School staff, who added a professional culinary perspective on using local fish in modern cooking, as well as methods of preservation and handling of marine products.
Center Director Sami Al-Ali emphasized that this visit aligns with the center’s vision of strengthening maritime heritage in its environmental, cultural, educational, and historical dimensions. He noted that “the Jisr az-Zarqa Heritage Center is the first and only Arab institution specializing in marine heritage and the maritime environment. Through our programs, we aim to expose younger generations to a new world of knowledge and connect them to their local culture and the marine wealth that forms the identity and lifeblood of this place.”
He added that cooperation with Arab schools is a key part of the center’s mission to enhance environmental and maritime awareness and provide educational opportunities that integrate heritage with modern sciences, encouraging students to explore new academic and professional fields.
