Overview
The Abraham Path is a route of cultural tourism, which follows the footsteps of Abraham through the Middle East. The story of Abraham’s journey, which has been kept alive for some four thousand years in the landscape and memory of this region, records the origin of a spiritual tradition shared by more than three billion people in the world today.
Purpose
By retracing this journey, the Abraham Path provides a place of meeting and connection for people of all faiths and cultures, inviting us to remember our common origins, to respect our cultural differences, and to recognize our shared humanity. The path also serves as a catalyst for sustainable tourism and economic development; a platform for the energy and idealism of young people; and a focus for positive media highlighting the rich culture and hospitable people of the Middle East.
Who is making this happen?
The Abraham Path belongs to the communities along the way and depends upon the leadership of host families, social leaders, local and national governments, universities, tour operators, and other civil society partners in the Middle East. The project is served by the Abraham Path Initiative: an international non-governmental organization whose mission is to inspire and support the opening of this route. The Initiative is a not-for-profit entity which has no religious or political alignments of any kind and which honours all faiths and cultures. Founded at Harvard University, the Abraham Path is endorsed by the UN Alliance of Civilizations program and by the UN World Tourism Organization. Funding comes from a range of foundations and individuals, and a complete list of major donors may be seen on the website.
What are the practical impacts of the path?
As the Abraham Path increases tourism to the Middle East, it serves as a source of community-driven economic development. The majority of the route winds through rural areas, many of which are struggling with crippling unemployment and a lack of basic services. Years of conflict have left many in the Middle East increasingly isolated. All over the region, people have had to give up their traditional way of life and move to the cities in order to earn a living. Sustainable tourism is a source of hope for these communities, allowing people to not only preserve their culture and traditions, but to share them with others.
