Middle Ages Jifna

a woman in jifna weaving in traditional method, 1921

jifna, along of palestine, annexed rashidun caliphate under umar ibn al-khattab after battle of ajnadayn in 634. town became less politically significant under arab dynasties of umayyads, abbasids , fatimids, remained major regional center trade , commerce, due location along jerusalem–nazareth road. known arabs gafeniyyah.

sources vague, st. george s church fell disrepair during decades of islamic rule, , unfavorable circumstances christian population prevented them rebuilding it. however, partially rebuilt old materials crusaders, conquered area in 1099. crusaders built large courtyard building in jifna. had monumental gate portcullis, large vaulted hall , thick walls of fine masonry. after defeat ayyubids under saladin in 1187, church again fell ruin. document dated 1182 signature of 1 raymundus de jafenia, might indicate christian presence @ time. according american biblical scholar edward robinson, there remains of massive walls in center of village, filled houses. relics of castle built crusaders. however, masonry has no characteristics of crusader period; rather, remains display arab architectural style of post-crusader period, of 18th century, judging dressing of stones.