Al-Malikiyya المالكية Malikiya, al | |
|---|---|
 al-Malikiyya May 1948 | |
| Etymology: from "Malek": to possess, or reign[1] | |
.jpg) 1870s map.jpg) 1940s map.jpg) modern map.jpg) 1940s with modern overlay mapA series of historical maps of the area around Al-Malkiyya (click the buttons) | |
  Al-Malikiyya Location withinMandatory Palestine | |
| Coordinates:33°06′19″N35°30′29″E / 33.10528°N 35.50806°E /33.10528; 35.50806 | |
| Palestine grid | 197/278 |
| Geopolitical entity | Mandatory Palestine |
| Subdistrict | Safad |
| Date of depopulation | 28 May 1948[4] |
| Area | |
• Total | 7,328dunams (7.328 km2; 2.829 sq mi) |
| Population (1945) | |
• Total | 360[2][3] |
| Cause(s) of depopulation | Military assault byYishuv forces |
| Current Localities | Malkiya[5][6] |
Al-Malkiyya (Arabic:المالكية), also known asAl-Malikiyah, was aPalestinian village located in theJabal Amil region. In a 1920s census, the village was registered as part ofGreater Lebanon. It was later placed under theBritish Mandate of Palestine. Its population was mostlyMetawaliShiite.
In a 1930s census, the village was registered asPalestinian and part of the Safed District. The village was depopulated as a result of the1948 Arab–Israeli War.
According to the Arab geographerYaqut al-Hamawi (died 1228), the people of al-Malikiyya had a wooden platter that they believed was originally owned by the prophetMohammed.[6][7]
In 1596, al-Malikiyya was a village in theOttomannahiya (subdistrict) ofTibnin under theliwa' (district) ofSafad, with a population of 369. It paid taxes on a number of crops, such aswheat,barley, as well as goats and beehives.[8][9]
Victor Guérin visited in 1875, and noted that Al-Malkiyya had 300Metawali inhabitants.[10] He further noted that the village, which stood upon a lofty summit, was remarkable for possessing neitherwell norcistern; the women fetched their water from the spring atKades. But a birkeh was placed on the map close to the village.[11]
In 1881, thePEF'sSurvey of Western Palestine (SWP) described Al-Malkiyya as being built of stone andadobe, lying on a plain to the east of a valley. Well supplied with water from a nearbywadi, the village's 200-300 inhabitants cultivatedolives.[12]
In the1931 census of Palestine, conducted by theBritish Mandate authorities,El Malikiya had a population of 254, all Muslims, in 48 houses.[13]
The population was 360 Muslims in the1945 statistics,[2] with a total of 7,328 dunams of land.[3] A total of 4,225 dunums were allocated to cereals,[14] while 55 dunams were classifies as built-up land.[15]
Al-Malikiyya changed hands no fewer than five times between May and October 1948.[6]
A battle was fought in the village on 5–6 June 1948. Combatants were Israelis and theLebanese army commanded by Said Nasrallah, who would go on to become chief of staff of the Lebanese Armed Forces, along with Colonel El Sheikh Fawaz Kais. The Lebanese army would occupy the village for a month until clashes erupted again with the Israeli army attacking. However, the Lebanese Army were able to hold their positions, until the Lebanese Army was ordered to retreat due to threats from foreign countries. However, Colonel Kais did not adhere to orders and ordered his platoon to hold the position as he believed the situation was under control and his troops were able to defend the town. Other platoons stationed in the town retreated after receiving the order, leaving solely Colonel Kais' platoon to fight against the Israeli Army. After heavy clashes, and the Lebanese Army losing positions quickly due to the retreat of the rest of the platoons, Colonel Kais' ordered the retreat of his platoon to avoid casualties. This was the only time Lebanon directly participated in the war.[16]
As a result of the war, the village was depopulated.
In 1949, a kibbutz,Malkiya, was set up on village lands.
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