 The Ottoman fortress known as Binar Bashi was built there in the 16th century.Antipatris/Tel Afek lies at the strong perennial springs of the Yarkon River, which throughout history has created an obstacle between the hill country to the east and the Mediterranean to the west, forcing travellers and armies to pass through the narrow pass between the springs and the foothills of Samaria.This gave the location of Antipatris/Tel Afek its strategic importance.