Golan In The Heart
History studies indicated that Al-Hareth bin Gablah al-Ghassani and al-Harith bin Abi Shoumar al-Ghassani ruled the Golan Heights.
In May 636 A.D, Arab forces met on the Golan Heights’ land to achieve decisive victory over the Byzantium’s armies at al-Yarmouk Battle.
Golan flourished after the Islamic conquest which freed the Arab land of Persians and Romans Empires’ control.
There fore, Golan has become the center of Damascus, the capital of the Umayyad Arab state. The strategic importance of the Golan increased being the cross road to Palestine, Egypt, Morocco and all other countries.
Golan’s history in Islam is part of the history of Damascus.
After the conquest of Arab Muslims, Al-Sham county was divided into five regions : Jordan,Palestain, Damascus,Homs and Kansaren. As a matter of fact, this division made the Golan’s region as one of Damascus’ regions.
Golan’s Arabism and the knowledge of Arab-Muslim army in the region were the two main reasons for the Arab forces’ empowerment to free Arab countries and to eliminate the Byzantium forces.
Arab Muslims after achieving victory marched towards Damascus and the rest of Syrian’s regions.
Golan Heights are rich and full of fresh water ,pastures and plains. So this land was the center of the armies and their activities in general, while al-Jabieh area was the major camp for them in particular.
In 17Higri, Omar Bin al-Khatab al-Khaliefa al-Rashedi visited al-Jabieh area meeting the Muslims’ princes before going to Jerusalem; to put farmlands in the hands of their beneficiaries.
In 18 Higri, the army moved from its position in the south to the Golan area because of plague.
In Umayyad era a conference had been held to choose Marwan Bin al- Hakam as Khaliph.
In another important village “Asa’ar,” – located on the road between Majdal Shams and Masa’da- most of residents were consulting Imam Ali Bin Abi Taleb in many religious cases.
Famous citadels in the Crusades were al-Housoun and al-Soubaibieah. The later one is built in 12th century A.D by Imad al-Deen Zinki, king of Damascus. These two Citadels have important location being uncovering roads ‘ from’ and ‘to’ Biet al-Makdes in addition to Feek tower and al-A’al citadel.
Golan was subject to the invasion of the Crusades between 11 and 12th century A.D.
Crusaders occupied Golan on 1118 A.D, for the exception of al-Housoun citadel near Feek area and al-Soubaieba citadel near Banias area; which are considered as the immune shield in defending al-Sham till the complete expulsion of Crusaders .
Tiberias was considered at that time as Crusaders’ headquarter.
In the 15th century, Golan Heights were exposed to Magholi invasion by Taimourlank.
On June. 5, 1967 Israel occupied the Syrian Golan Heights.
H.SH