Ramla

Basic Information

Type: City
Governorate: Central District (Israel)
Region: Israel - Coastal

Overview

Ramla was founded in 716 CE by the Umayyad Caliph Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik as the capital of Jund Filastin (the military district of Palestine), making it one of the few cities in the region founded by Arabs rather than built on earlier settlements. Before 1948, it was a Palestinian city of approximately 16,000 residents, known for its White Mosque, historic architecture, and agricultural market. During the 1948 Nakba, Ramla was captured by Israeli forces on July 12, 1948; most of the Palestinian population was expelled, with many forced eastward toward Ramallah. Only a few hundred Palestinians remained. Unlike most Palestinian cities, Ramla was repopulated primarily with Jewish immigrants from Arab countries (Mizrahi Jews), making its post-1948 story somewhat different from other 'mixed cities.' Today, Palestinians form about 20-25% of the population, mostly internal migrants from other Galilee and Triangle towns seeking affordable housing closer to Tel Aviv.

Historical Significance

Only city in Palestine founded by Arab rulers (Umayyads, 716 CE); historic capital of Jund Filastin; site of 1948 expulsion; unusual demographic history with Mizrahi Jewish repopulation.

Sources and record limitations

Source detail varies by record. Some entries include document and page references; others supply source names only. Check the cited material and the record's limitations before relying on a specific claim.

Wikipedia
Israel CBS
Adalah
PASSIA
Interior Ministry, meeting minutes on security in Ramla–Lod after abolition of military administration, 23 June 1949, single page; original document reproduced by Akevot. Planned transition, not proof of implementation: https://www.akevot.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/securtity-in-Rmala-and-Lod_23-6-1949.jpg

Ramla's unique history as a city founded by Arabs makes it culturally significant. Contemporary chronology evidence: Interior Ministry meeting minutes dated 23 June 1949 discuss military administration in Ramla and Lod ending on 1 July 1949 as a planned transition. These minutes precede that date and are not a signed revocation order; they do not alone verify implementation. The inherited 1958 timeline date remains unverified.