Khan Jib Youseff

The khan is about 80m west of Jib Youseff at the bottom of the little hill, with a carved stone pathway between the two. The khan was built of stone, surrounding a courtyard (16x22m) and is one of the smallest khanim (the plural) in the country. The building is one story, and on the southern side four bedrooms and a watch tower above constitute a second floor. The gate is on the southern side and leads into a 17m corridor, which opens into the courtyard. On the left hand side, the western side, there is a stairwell (11stairs) leading up to the second floor. Both in the corridor and in the courtyard there are several rooms that were used for storage.

History of the Khan.

There is no authentic evidence of when this khan was built but it probably was during the second half of the 13th century. The archway at the gate looks very much like the architectural style of the Crusaders, but with all the other evidence the chances that it was built during this period are very slim. Probably the best way to date this building is by the stories and literature of the pilgrims. It then becomes likely that it was built during the reign of the Sultan Inal, during the early 15th century. Twenty years prior to this the Sultan Jacmaq built several khanim in this area, although none of them resembles this one in architectural design.The Sultan Inal (1461-1461) and his heir Sultan Keitby (1468-1495) also both built many public and religious houses.

View from the courtyard, looking towards the south gate. Kibbutz Amiad is in trees in the distance. And, yes, that is Ehud in the corner there.

Jean Adorno described the khan in 1470 as a new building, recently completed. Strangely enough Sultan Keitby and his entourage passed this area on their way from Safed to Damascus and no mention was made of the khan.

Apparently the khan was originally built as halls and inner rooms around an inner courtyard, without the northern part of the north wing. It seems likely that this portion was only completed after the earthquake of 1759. In 1810, the period between the two earthquakes, the khan is already described as partially destroyed, probably by the quake of 1759.

The painting by Taylor in 1839 shows the Khan with its walls complete, even though it is painted two years after the earthquake of 1837. This quake was extremely devastating and almost destroyed the city of Safed. We have to refer to the painting with caution as a source of information because the background scenery as depicted does not match the view that one actually sees.