A 17th century Druze historian relates that Sheikh Abu Saraya Ghanem of Yirka was one of the Western Galilee’s greatest preachers of the Druze faith during its 11th –century beginnings.
Like Sheikh Abu el-Arus, a contemporary named in the same source, Sheikh Abu Saraya would meet leaders under the olive trees surrounding their villages to teach the new faith.
His humble white-domed tomb, the interior of which you can peek at through a small window, is located on a narrow residential lane off the main street west of the town center. An Arabic inscription above the door praises the sheikh as a “man of mercy and loyalty” and records his death date: 1043 CE. Druze Israel Defence Force soldiers from Yirka are interred around the tomb.
For easiest access to the tomb, park your car in the town center, ask directions, and walk to it (approximately 500 yards).