**Al-Hamma, Tiberias**
**Definition**
Al-Hamma was a Palestinian Arab village located near the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee, close to the city of Tiberias. It was known for its hot springs and agricultural lands before its depopulation in 1948 during the Arab-Israeli conflict.
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# Al-Hamma, Tiberias
## Introduction
Al-Hamma, also spelled Al-Hammeh or Al-Hammam, was a Palestinian Arab village situated in the Tiberias Subdistrict of Mandatory Palestine. Positioned near the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee, the village was historically significant for its natural hot springs, which have been renowned since antiquity. The village’s economy was primarily based on agriculture, utilizing the fertile lands and abundant water resources of the region. Al-Hamma was depopulated in 1948 during the Arab-Israeli War, and its lands were subsequently incorporated into the State of Israel.
## Etymology
The name „Al-Hamma” derives from the Arabic word „hammam,” meaning „bath” or „hot spring,” reflecting the village’s proximity to natural thermal springs. These springs have been a notable feature of the area for centuries, attracting visitors for their therapeutic properties.
## Geography
Al-Hamma was located approximately 10 kilometers south of Tiberias, near the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret). The village was situated in a low-lying area characterized by fertile plains and access to water sources, including the hot springs and nearby streams. The surrounding landscape included agricultural fields, orchards, and grazing lands.
### Climate
The climate of Al-Hamma was typical of the Lower Galilee region, featuring a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The presence of the Sea of Galilee and the hot springs contributed to a microclimate that supported diverse agricultural activities.
## Historical Background
### Ancient and Classical Periods
The area around Al-Hamma has been inhabited since ancient times, with archaeological evidence indicating settlement during the Roman and Byzantine periods. The hot springs were known to various civilizations, including the Romans, who often built bathhouses near such thermal waters. The region was part of the broader historical landscape of Galilee, which played a significant role in Jewish, Christian, and later Islamic histories.
### Ottoman Era
During the Ottoman Empire (1517–1917), Al-Hamma was a small agricultural village within the Sanjak of Safad. Ottoman tax records from the 16th century mention the village, indicating its existence and agricultural productivity. The village’s economy was based on farming crops such as cereals, fruits, and vegetables, as well as animal husbandry.
### British Mandate Period
Following World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, Al-Hamma came under British administration as part of Mandatory Palestine. During this period, the village maintained its agricultural character, and the hot springs continued to be a local attraction. Census data from the British Mandate authorities recorded the population and demographic composition of the village, which was predominantly Muslim.
## Demographics
Prior to 1948, Al-Hamma had a population estimated at several hundred residents. The inhabitants were primarily Palestinian Arabs engaged in farming and related activities. The village community was organized around extended family units and maintained traditional social structures.
## Economy
### Agriculture
Agriculture was the mainstay of Al-Hamma’s economy. The fertile soil and access to water allowed villagers to cultivate a variety of crops, including grains, vegetables, and fruit trees such as olives and citrus. Irrigation techniques were employed to maximize productivity, taking advantage of the nearby water sources.
### Hot Springs and Tourism
The hot springs near Al-Hamma were a significant natural resource. Historically, these springs attracted visitors seeking therapeutic benefits, and during the British Mandate period, some efforts were made to develop the area for health tourism. The springs were also used by locals for bathing and domestic purposes.
## Social and Cultural Life
The social life of Al-Hamma revolved around family, religion, and agricultural cycles. The village had a mosque serving as a religious and community center. Traditional customs and festivals were observed, reflecting the cultural heritage of Palestinian rural communities in the Galilee.
## 1948 Arab-Israeli War and Depopulation
### Background
The 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which followed the end of the British Mandate and the declaration of the State of Israel, led to widespread conflict and displacement across Palestine. Al-Hamma, located in a strategically significant area near Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee, was affected by military operations and population movements.
### Depopulation
In 1948, during the hostilities, Al-Hamma was depopulated. The exact circumstances of the village’s depopulation are subject to historical research, but it is generally understood that residents fled or were expelled amid the conflict. The village lands were subsequently incorporated into the newly established State of Israel.
## Post-1948 Developments
### Israeli Settlement
After 1948, the area formerly occupied by Al-Hamma was repurposed. Israeli settlements and agricultural enterprises were established on or near the village lands. The hot springs continued to be utilized, and some development occurred to promote tourism and health-related activities.
### Current Status
Today, the site of Al-Hamma is within the boundaries of Israel. The original village structures have largely disappeared, and the area has been transformed by modern development. The hot springs remain a notable feature, attracting visitors to the region.
## Archaeological and Historical Significance
The site of Al-Hamma and its surroundings hold archaeological interest due to their long history of human settlement and use of thermal waters. Excavations and surveys have revealed artifacts and remains from various historical periods, contributing to the understanding of Galilee’s cultural and historical landscape.
## Conclusion
Al-Hamma was a Palestinian Arab village with a rich historical and cultural heritage, centered around its natural hot springs and agricultural economy. Its depopulation in 1948 marked a significant change in the region’s demographic and political landscape. Today, the legacy of Al-Hamma is preserved through historical records and the continued prominence of its natural springs.
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**Meta Description:**
Al-Hamma was a Palestinian Arab village near Tiberias, known for its hot springs and agriculture, depopulated in 1948 during the Arab-Israeli conflict. The site is now part of Israel, with its historical significance preserved through archaeological and historical studies.