Village Registry
Administrative record of Zir’in prior to its depopulation.
Population
1,420
Land Area
23,920 dunams
District
Jenin
Agriculture
Wheat & Olives
Depopulated
May 1948
Coordinates
32°35′N
Occupations and Trades
Zir’in’s economy was primarily based on agriculture, particularly the production of wheat and sesame, which often generated surpluses traded through barter. The village supported a variety of occupations, including merchants, shopkeepers, butchers, carpenters, barbers, agricultural laborers, field guards, government employees, and practitioners of traditional medicine. Local commerce was centered around village shops and the trade of agricultural products. Some residents worked for wages in Haifa’s port, petroleum facilities, and railway system, while others held positions in public works or government services. Landless villagers often worked as hired farm laborers, receiving payment through crop-sharing or barter arrangements.
Overall, the village’s occupational life reflected a largely agricultural society supported by a network of skilled trades, local commerce, and traditional services.
Overall, the village’s occupational life reflected a largely agricultural society supported by a network of skilled trades, local commerce, and traditional services.
Data Prior to 1948
Families of Zir’in
The families of Zir’in included the Haj Ibrahim, Haj Jabr, Shalabi, al-Fayid, Rahal, Subaitan, al-Fallah, al-Atiq, Abu Atiya, Abu Sariya, Matahin, al-Maqsaqs, Gharib, al-Hanoun, al-Nashrati, al-Amouri, al-Zuraiqi, al-Qaram, Lahlouh, Abu Salmi, Abu Laban, al-Qadam, al-Kalash, al-Hathnawi, Huweil, al-Asmar, al-Shahrour, al-Qawsini, Abu Na’sa, al-Tubasi, Abu Dhiba, and Abu al-Dayri families.
Together, these families formed the social fabric of the village, with some being large landowning families and others consisting of farming households and smaller family groups. The Abd al-Hadi family, although not originally from Zir’in, owned a significant proportion of the village’s agricultural lands and was among the major landholders associated with the area.
Together, these families formed the social fabric of the village, with some being large landowning families and others consisting of farming households and smaller family groups. The Abd al-Hadi family, although not originally from Zir’in, owned a significant proportion of the village’s agricultural lands and was among the major landholders associated with the area.
Compiled from Mandate-era records, oral testimony, and archival documentation preserved by descendants and research institutions including the Plands Institution.
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