History of Ramallah

Arab Caliphate era [638 – 1099 AD]

Following the Islamic conquest in 638, the ban on Judaism imposed under Roman rule was officially lifted, and Christians and Jews were granted the official title of “Peoples of the Book” to underline the common monotheistic roots they shared with Islam. European Christian pilgrims also visited and made generous donations to Christian holy places in Jerusalem and Bethlehem at this time.

Crusader era [1099 – 1187 AD]

Under the European rule, fortifications, castles, towers and fortified villages were built, rebuilt and renovated across Palestine largely in rural areas.

During the 12th century, French Crusaders built a stronghold in Ramallah and the remains of a Crusader tower, known as al-Tira, can still be seen in the old part of town.

When the Mamluks conquered Palestine they expelled many Crusaders, those remaining either went home or merged with the local Palestinian population.

Mamluk era [1270 – 1516 AD]

During this era, the Mamluks and the Ayyubids ruled Palestine, and Ramallah.

Ottoman era [1516 – 1917 AD]

Palestine and the area of Ramallah were under rule by the Ottoman Empire at this time.

Modern Ramallah was founded in the mid-1500s by the Haddadins, a clan of brothers descended from Ghassanid Christians. The Haddadins, and their leader Rashid El-Haddadin, arrived from east of the Jordan River from the areas of Karak and Shoubak. The Haddadin migration is attributed to fighting and unrest among clans in that area.

Rashid and his brothers were Blacksmiths. The Haddadin name comes from the old word Haddad, which translates to