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Tel Aviv, the first Hebrew city, is quoted in mythological scriptures as having been, “…built on a deserted piece of land in the sand dunes north of Jaffa.” Originally founded by 60 families as a small neighborhood known as “Achuzat habaiyt” in 1909, Tel Aviv has proven its ability to constantly reinvent itself, despite its place in the periphery. Our main foci are vision, myths and culture – all of which fueled Tel Aviv’s development. These topics are recited and untangled by Maoz Azaryahu, well-known author, historian and expert on Tel Aviv.

The Mythography of Tel Aviv

Since its establishment, Tel Aviv's “identity ethos” was unusually strong. To name a few, Tel Aviv was the first modern Jewish city, an anti-socialist exception within the Zionist project, “a joyous city,” and a cultural acropolis all-in-one.

In this work, Maoz Azaryahu, a Tel Aviv historian and author of Tel Aviv: Mythography of a City, touches the surface of the insights of the city’s myths, dissipations, and conquers.  The fuss made of Tel Aviv being made out to be a “white city” (a Bauhaus city) caused Maoz to understand Tel Aviv has a special aura and energy, which constantly reinvents its popular culture. Her energy emulates, mimics, never content with itself, aware of its place on the periphery, yet it succeeds to always represent something else. Who cares that “white nights” belong to St, Petersburg!? They became a civic event, a Tel Aviv celebration of Unesco’s recognition of the city.

Rothschild Blvd, Dizengoff Street, Shenkin street and the concept of the “White City” are the key points Maoz uses to teach us about the Tel Aviv Phenomena. In addition, Yona Wise, Israel Tour Guide, Bauhaus expert Micha Gross, and the architect Zvi Efrat also provide their expertise on this historical voyage through the Myths of Tel Aviv.