Social Structure and Leadership

The population of Saqiya grew explosively during the Mandate, doubling in under two decades (from 663 in 1931 to over 1,100 in 1945). This growth necessitated new forms of leadership.

The Families (Hamulas)

The digital archive highlights the prominent families who constituted the village’s social backbone:

• Al-Nadi: A dominant family that held significant political power.
• Al-Badri: Another leading clan, often sharing the Mukhtarship.
• Al-Demisi: A large family with branches including Ahmad, Yusuf, Ibrahim, and Mustafa.
• Al-Sheikh Hassan, Al-Dalie, and Al-Atiyeh.

The Mukhtars

The office of the Mukhtar evolved from an Ottoman tax role to a complex administrative position. By the late Mandate, Saqiya had a tripartite leadership:

1. Sheikh Hussein Abd al-Al Nadi (First Mukhtar)
2. Sheikh Yusuf al-Badri
3. Jaser Muhammad Ali Atiyeh

This coalition style of governance was likely necessitated by the increasing complexity of village affairs during the Arab Revolt (1936–1939).

The Madafeh (Guest House)

Social life centered on the madafeh. While originally communal, prosperity led to private madafehs in the homes of notables. These were the village parliaments: large arched structures (‘aqd) furnished with wool rugs where disputes were arbitrated and resistance against the British and Zionists was debated.