Sabalan سبلان | |
|---|---|
Village | |
| Etymology: Neby Sebelan; the prophet Sebelan[1] | |
.jpg) 1870s map.jpg) 1940s map.jpg) modern map.jpg) 1940s with modern overlay mapA series of historical maps of the area around Sabalan, Safad (click the buttons) | |
  Sabalan Location withinMandatory Palestine | |
| Coordinates:33°0′42″N35°20′29″E / 33.01167°N 35.34139°E /33.01167; 35.34139 | |
| Palestine grid | 182/268 |
| Geopolitical entity | Mandatory Palestine |
| Subdistrict | Safad |
| Date of depopulation | October 30, 1948[3] |
| Area | |
• Total | 1,798dunams (1.798 km2; 0.694 sq mi) |
| Population (1945) | |
• Total | 70[2] |
| Current Localities | None |
Sabalan (Arabic:سبلان,Sabalân) was aPalestinianArab village in theSafad Subdistrict, located 15.5 kilometers (9.6 mi) northwest ofSafad. It stood at an elevation of 800 meters (2,600 ft) above sea level overlooking theDruze village ofHurfeish (now a Druze town). In 1945, Sabalan had a population of 70.[4] It was depopulated during the1948 Palestine War.
According to Muhammad Fahour, a former resident of Sabalan, the village was founded during theFrench campaign in Syria (1798–1801) when Suleiman al-Bahiri, anEgyptian officer fromEgyptian, decided to escape to Palestine afterNapoleon declared war on Egypt. Following a recurrent dream he had, he decided to settle on Mount Sabalan.[5]
In 1881, thePEF'sSurvey of Western Palestine (SWP) described 'Neby Sebelan' as "a village, built of stone, surrounding the tomb of the Neby Sebalan; containing about 100 Moslems; on top of high hill, with figs, olives, and arable land. There are four good springs to the east, besides cisterns."[6][7] Some believe Sabalan is supposed to beZebulun, the son ofJacob, while others claim he was ada'i ("missionary") who joined theDruze religion and helped promote it in the region.[8] Archaeological artifacts, namely rock-cut tombs are located near the tomb.[9] A population list from about 1887 showed 'Nebi Abu Sebalan' to have about 75 inhabitants; all Muslims.[10]
In theBritish Mandate period, it had a circular plan with most of its houses being closely clustered together. Because of the steep slopes that surrounded Sabalan, the village was only able to expand on its northwestern end.[7] Although the tomb of Nabi Sabalan was sacred to the Druze,[9] at the centre of the village stood amosque.[7]
In the1922 census of Palestine Sabalan had a population of 68; all Muslims,[11] increasing in the1931 census, to 94 Muslims, living in 18 houses.[12]
By 1945 the population was 70 Muslims,[2] and the village consisted of 1,798 dunams of land, according to anofficial land and population survey.[4] Of this, a total of 421 dunams were used for cereals; 144 dunams were irrigated or used for plantations,[13] while a 14 dunams were built-up (urban) areas.[14]
On October 30, 1948, during theIsraeli offensiveOperation Hiram, Sabalan was captured. Units of Israel'sGolani Brigade overran the village with support from theSheva Brigade as they were advancing along the road leading fromSuhmata andSa'sa'. NoJewish localities were built on village lands,[9] According to Palestinian historian,Walid Khalidi, "Only one village house and a well remain." The remaining house is occupied by the Druze guards and caretakers of the Nabi Sabalan tomb and new buildings were constructed to accommodate pilgrims and visitors.[9] In 1965, Druze youth activists led by the poetSamih al-Qasim protested the confiscation of the lands surrounding the tomb by the Israeli government, which declared them "state lands".[15] The Druze religious leadership established Eid al-Nabi Sabalan (Feast of the Prophet Sabalan) in 1971.[8]
Today, the lands of the village, including the holy shrine, were annexed to the Druze town ofHurfeish. A neighborhood for released soldiers was built there.
