| Isfiya | |
|---|---|
| Hebrew transcription(s) | |
| • Hebrew | עספיא |
| • ISO 259 | ʕisp̄íyaˀ |
| Arabic transcription(s) | |
| • Arabic | عسفيا |
| View of the village | |
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Isfiya
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| Coordinates: | |
| District | Haifa |
| Government | |
| • Type | Local council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 15,561 dunams (15.6 km2 / 6 sq mi) |
| Population (2009) | |
| • Total | 25,400 |
Isfiya (Arabic: عسفيا), also known as Ussefiya, is a Druze village and local council in northern Israel. Located on Mount Carmel, it is part of Haifa District. In 2009 it had a population of 25,400. In 2003, the local council was merged with nearby Daliyat al-Karmel to form Carmel City. However, the new city was dissolved in 2008 and the two villages resumed their independent status.
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Isfiya was built on the ruins of a Byzantine settlement. Crusader remnants have been found in the village. In 1930, remains of a 5th century Jewish town, Husifah, were unearthed in Isfiya. [1]Among the finds are a synagogue with a mosaic floor bearing Jewish symbols and the inscription "Peace upon Israel." A cache of 4,500 gold coins were found dating from the Roman period.[2]
Isfiya was mentioned as part of the domain of the Sultan during the hudna between the Crusaders based in Acre and the Mamluk sultan al-Mansur (Qalawun) declared in 1283.[3]
The modern village was founded in the early eighteenth century. The inhabitants made their living from olive oil, honey and grapes.[2]
At the time of the 1931 census of Palestine, Isfiya had 251 occupied houses and a population of 742 Druzes, 187 Christians, and 176 Muslims. These counts included the smaller localities Damun Farm, Shallala Farm and El Jalama.[4]
During the British Mandate for Palestine, the villagers initially supported the Arab Abu Durra gang. However, after local leaders were abducted and murdered, the notables turned to the British, who destroyed the gang. A Druze self-defense force was established that received arms from the British and sometimes coordinated its activities with local Jewish forces.[5]
The tomb of Abu Abdallah is located in Isfiya. Abu Abdullah was one of three religious leaders chosen by Caliph Al-Hakem in 996 CE to proclaim the Druze faith. He is said to have been the first Druze religious judge (qadi). The Druze make an annual visit to this shrine on November 15.[6]
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