Qarawat Bani Zeid

Infobox Palestinian Authority muni
name=Qarawat Bani Zeid


imgsize=250
caption=
arname=قراوة بني زيد
meaning="Bani Zeid's central point"
founded=
type=mund
typefrom=
altOffSp=Qarawat Bani Zaid
altUnoSp=Karawat Bani Zayd
governorate=rb
latd=32|latm=03|lats=12.79|latNS=N
longd=35 |longm=07|longs=42.00|longEW=E
population=2,800
popyear=2006
area=8,000
areakm=8.0
mayor=

Qarawat Bani Zeid ( _ar. قراوة بني زيد) is a Palestinian village in the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, located 22 kilometers northwest of Ramallah in the northern West Bank. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), Qarawat Bani Zeid had a population of 2,800 inhabitants in mid-year 2006. [ [http://www.pcbs.gov.ps/Portals/_pcbs/populati/pop07.aspx Projected Mid -Year Population for Ramallah & Al Bireh Governorate by Locality 2004- 2006] Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS)] Qarawat Bani Zeid is under the complete control of the Palestinian National Authority, as it is located within "Area A".

Situated close to the village mosque is the remains of a Roman pool, about 60 meters underground.

Etymology

Qarawat Bani Zeid is named after the Arab tribe of Bani Zeid, that settled in the town after the Muslim Ayyubid victory against the Crusaders in 1187. [http://www.pace.ps/publications/site.html Bani Zeid: Excerpt] Palestinian Association for Culture Exchange] The "Qarawat" portion of the name comes from the Arabic word "Qaran", which means "central point", originating from the site's location between the major cities of Nablus, Jericho and Jerusalem. There is also speculation that the name comes from "Qira", which means "place that respects guests". [http://www.iwps-pal.org/en/articles/article.php?id=131 Qarawat Bani Zeid Village Profile] International Women's Peace Service. April 2004.]

Economy

Qarawat Bani Zeid's main economic sectors are agriculture and traditional industries. The village's land area consists of about 8,000 dunams, 30% of which is built-up area, another 30% is covered with crops or orchards and the remaining 40% consists of either unused land or roads. The main crops that are grown are lentils, vegetables, thyme ("za'atar") and sage. Grapes, as well as olive and fig orchards are also grown in the village lands. Traditional industries include basket weaving from olive wood, wool and leather-making and food manufacturing, particularly cheese.

About 60% of the village's working population are unemployed. The 40% that are employed work mostly in farming, simple commerce or teaching. However, some inhabitants work in government offices in Ramallah. There are two mosques, a "hamaam", a library, a social club for teenagers and a women's club in Qarawat Bani Zeid.

Government

Qarawat Bani Zeid is governed by a village council. Elections are not held; rather, the council — which has representatives from the village's prominent families — select a mayor. The primary political faction is the Palestinian People's Party (PPP) and Fatah, Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) have minor influence in the village.

References