Al-Shaykh Maskin

Clermont-Ganneau theorised that the town's name came from "The leper Sheikh", that is Biblical Job.Clermont-Ganneau, 1902, p. [https://archive.org/stream/quarterlystateme34pale#page/12/mode/1up 12]

Al-Shaykh Maskin has been identified as the ancient Roman-era site of "Neapolis." By the 4th-century, Neapolis had grown to become a city.Butcher, 2003, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=YJPn3-rRjC0C&pg=PA120 120]

A church was consecrated there in 517 during Byzantine rule.Walter, 2003, p. 152. In his short article in the Catholic Encyclopedia of 1911, Siméon Vailhé reported that many authorities at that time thought that al-Shaykh Maskin might be the site of the ancient city and bishopric of Maximianopolis in Arabia,[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10078a.htm Siméon Vailhé, "Maximopolis" in Catholic Encyclopedia (New York 1911)] whose identification with nearby Shaqqa is today accepted.[https://whc.unesco.org/uploads/nominations/1348.pdf UNESCO, Les villages antiques du nord de la Syrie, pp. 115-116]Butcher, 2003, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=YJPn3-rRjC0C&pg=PA157 157]

The Ottoman Empire annexed the region in 1516. During this period al-Shaykh Maskin was settled by local Bedouin tribesmen and benefited from the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca by supplying pilgrim caravans with camels for transportation.Lancaster, 1999, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=YQlMVcKVphwC&pg=PA37 37] In 1596 al-Shaykh Maskin appeared in the Ottoman tax registers as Samsakin and was part of the nahiya of Bani Malik al-Asraf in the Qada Hawran. It had an entirely Muslim population consisting of 56 households and 17 bachelors. A fixed tax rate of 40% was paid on wheat, barley, summer crops, goats and/or beehives; a total of 17,250 akçe. 1/3 of the revenue went to a waqf.Hütteroth and Abdulfattah, 1977, p. 213.

In the 1850s al-Shaykh Maskin contained about 100 houses and all of its inhabitants were Muslims.Porter, 1858, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=AwSatmeOEUgC&pg=PA532 532] The town's chief commodity during the 19th-century was grain, which it exported locally. Timber and cloth were the principal imports. Goods traffic was concentrated in the town's railway station which also served all the villages between Sheikh Maskin and the Lajat region. In the It grew considerably between 1891 and 1900.Smith, 1901, p. [https://archive.org/stream/quarterlystateme33pale#page/361/mode/1up 361]. The town hosted the administrative offices of Hauran's local government in the latter half of this century.Smith, 1901, p. [https://archive.org/stream/quarterlystateme33pale#page/360/mode/1up 360]. The population was "exclusively Muslim" according to John Murray.

Its sheikh (chief) was Ahmed al-Hariri also known as Ahmed al-Turk who served as the Sheikh Mashayikh al-Hauran ("chief of chiefs of the Hauran"). His tribe claimed descent from the family of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and were thus known as sharifs. In the wake of the 1860 confrontations between the region's Druze and Christians, Sheikh Ahmed al-Turk led a force of 200 tribesmen to Daraa, rescuing the over 500 Christians in that town from an impending attack by the Druze of the Lajat who his forces routed. He subsequently notified all the tribal chiefs of the area to spare the Christians living in the towns under his authority, to which all the tribes conformed.Royal Geographical Society, 1862, p. 88.

In 1895 al-Shaykh Maskin became a refuge for the residents of some dozen villages in the Hawran destroyed by Druze fighters in response to an Ottoman decree ordering the conscription of Druze men into the Ottoman Army. Ottoman troops mobilized at al-Shaykh Maskin in preparation of the conscription expedition against the Druze which was launched from the town on 15 October.Firro, 1992, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=usEUXYnYWxAC&pg=PA232 232] Vital Cuinet wrote in 1896 that al-Shaykh Maskin's population of 800 included 400 Muslims and 400 Greek Orthodox.{{cite book | author = Vital Cuinet | authorlink=Vital Cuinet| title = Syrie, Liban et Palestine. Géographie Administrative, Statistique, Descriptive et Raisonnée | url = https://archive.org/details/syrielibanetpal01vitagoog | publisher = Ernest Leroux | place = Paris | year = 1896 | page = [https://archive.org/details/syrielibanetpal01vitagoog/page/n484 468]}} Gottlieb Schumacher described it in 1897 as "large and prosperous".Schumacher, 1897, p. [https://archive.org/stream/zeitschriftdesde19deut#page/171/mode/1up 171]

The town was under rebels′ control as a result of the battle of Al-Shaykh Maskin at the end of 2014.

{{Main|Battle of Al-Shaykh Maskin (2015–2016)}}

File:Shaykh_Maskin_Offensive_(2015-16).svg

Early on 27 December, the 15th Brigade of the 5th Armoured Division of the Syrian Army launched the operation to capture Al-Shaykh Maskin, attacking its northern and eastern flanks.{{cite web|title=Breaking: Syrian Army storms town of Sheikh Miskeen in northern Daraa|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-storms-the-town-of-sheikh-miskeen-in-northern-daraa/|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=27 December 2015|archive-date=1 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101114438/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-storms-the-town-of-sheikh-miskeen-in-northern-daraa/|url-status=dead}} Over the following two days, the Russian air force conducted over 80 air-strikes on the town.{{cite web|title=Syrian army recaptures strategic town from IS|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-12/29/c_134962342.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204193329/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-12/29/c_134962342.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2016|access-date=8 January 2016}}

{{anchor|Brigade 82}}On 29 December, the Army captured the Brigade 82 military base, on the outskirts of Al-Shaykh Maskin, as well as the northern part of the town itself.{{cite web|title=Syrian troops advance in south and center, drive back rebels|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/world/2015/12/29/syrian-troops-advance-south-and-center-drive-back-rebels/1YM8TIG4Iu5uDCNKwWQsyH/story.html|access-date=8 January 2016|work=The Boston Globe}} Government forces then temporarily lost the base due to bad weather, but retook it again overnight.{{cite web|date=30 December 2015|title=Syrian army backed by jets clashes with rebels holding southern town|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/r-syrian-army-backed-by-jets-clashes-with-rebels-holding-southern-town-2015-12|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Business Insider|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095519/http://www.businessinsider.com/r-syrian-army-backed-by-jets-clashes-with-rebels-holding-southern-town-2015-12|url-status=dead}} The following day, government forces continued with their attempts to take full control of Al-Shaykh Maskin{{cite web|author=Edward|title=The regime forces keep on trying to take complete control of Sheikh Meskin town|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=41732|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=30 December 2015}} and captured the eastern part of the town.{{cite web|title=Syrian Army captures the east district of Sheikh Miskeen|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-the-east-district-of-sheikh-miskeen/|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=30 December 2015|archive-date=2 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102062557/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-the-east-district-of-sheikh-miskeen/|url-status=dead}} This left them in control of half of Al-Shaykh Maskin.{{cite web|title=@deSyracuse Syria civil war (3 Jan 2016) - uMap|url=http://umap.openstreetmap.fr/fr/map/desyracuse-syria-civil-war-3-jan-2016_65400#13/32.8251/36.1624|access-date=8 January 2016}} They reached the town's main square,{{cite news|title=Syria conflict: Troops battle rebels for key southern town|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35198537|access-date=8 January 2016|work=BBC News|date=30 December 2015}} as well as the Al-'Umari Mosque (north of the city center), while the rebels issued a distress call for reinforcements.{{cite web|title=Breaking: Syrian Army reaches the Al-Umari Mosque inside Sheikh Miskeen|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-reaches-the-al-umari-mosque-inside-sheikh-miskeen/|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=30 December 2015|archive-date=30 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151230122322/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-reaches-the-al-umari-mosque-inside-sheikh-miskeen/|url-status=dead}} The Army's advances were supported by another 15 Russian air-strikes.{{cite web|author=jack|title=15 airstrikes target Shekh Meskin and continued clashes around the town|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=41668|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=30 December 2015}}

Further attempts by the Army to advance were made between 2 and 4 January,{{cite web|author=Edward|title=Clashes in Sheikh Meskin and in the vicinity of Burj al-Qasab in the countryside of Latakia|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=41939|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=2 January 2016}} as 43 more Russian air-strikes hit the town.{{cite web|author=Edward|title=More than 50 airstrikes on areas of al-Qaryatayn and Sheikh Meskin town in the countryside of Homs and Daraa|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=42020|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=3 January 2016}}{{cite web|author=jack|title=More Russian airstrikes target Shekh Meskin|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=42087|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=4 January 2016}}

On 5 January, the rebels launched a counter-attack towards the Brigade 82 base. At the same time, the 15th Brigade, supported by NDF units, continued making attempts to advance to Tal Hamad hill, west of the town, but were unsuccessful. By this point, the military was in control of 55–60% of Al-Shaykh Maskin.{{cite web|title=Battle for Sheikh Miskeen intensifies as Islamists counter at Battalion 82 HQ|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-for-sheikh-miskeen-intensifies-as-the-islamists-counter-at-the-battalion-82-hq/|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=5 January 2016|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416121329/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-for-sheikh-miskeen-intensifies-as-the-islamists-counter-at-the-battalion-82-hq/|url-status=dead}} By the evening, the rebel counter-attack stalled.{{cite web|title=Islamist counter-offensive at Sheikh Miskeen stalls: several militants killed|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-counter-offensive-at-sheikh-miskeen-stalls-several-militants-killed/|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=5 January 2016|archive-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108055912/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-counter-offensive-at-sheikh-miskeen-stalls-several-militants-killed/|url-status=dead}} The next day, the rebels renewed their counter-assault and stormed the southern perimeter of the Brigade 82 headquarters.{{cite web|title=Breaking: Islamist rebels storm the Battalion 82 Headquarters in Sheikh Miskeen|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-islamist-rebels-storm-battalion-82-headquarters-in-sheikh-miskeen/|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=6 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107180948/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-islamist-rebels-storm-battalion-82-headquarters-in-sheikh-miskeen/|url-status=dead}} However, eventually, this second assault failed as well.{{cite web|title=Islamist rebels defeated at Battalion 82 in Sheikh Miskeen|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-rebels-fail-to-capture-battalion-82-in-sheikh-miskeen/|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=7 January 2016|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107085108/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-rebels-fail-to-capture-battalion-82-in-sheikh-miskeen/|url-status=dead}} The Russian Air Force conducted 12 air-strikes throughout the day.{{cite web|author=Edward|title=12 airstrikes target Sheikh Meskin and bombing the countryside of Al-Quneitra|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=42254|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=7 January 2016}}

A third unsuccessful rebel assault was launched on the morning of 8 January, against the walls of the Brigade 82 Housing Facility. Rebel fighters were hampered by poor weather, fierce resistance and Russian air-strikes.{{cite web|title=Islamist rebels fail to capture Battalion 82 base for the 3rd time in 72 hours|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-fail-to-capture-battalion-82-base-for-the-3rd-time-in-sheikh-miskeen/|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=8 January 2016|archive-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108092046/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-fail-to-capture-battalion-82-base-for-the-3rd-time-in-sheikh-miskeen/|url-status=dead}} Opposition sources confirmed that since the start of the battle for Al-Shaykh Maskin the rebels had suffered ”major material and human losses", but reported they were still preparing to make new attempts to regain the base.{{cite web|title=Forces fight for strategic Syrian gateway to south - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/01/syria-regime-advances-al-shaykh-maskin.html#|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127001623/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/01/syria-regime-advances-al-shaykh-maskin.html|archive-date=27 January 2016|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Al-Monitor}}

Between 9 and 10 January, 33 air-strikes were conducted against Al-Shaykh Maskin.{{cite web|author=Edward|title=About 45 airstrike target Sheikh Meskin and other towns and cities in Daraa|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=42433|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=10 January 2016}}

On 11 January, government forces captured a total of 17 buildings in the southern part of the city{{cite web|title=Syrian Army seizes several building blocks inside of Sheikh Miskeen|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-a-dozen-building-blocks-in-sheikh-miskeen/|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=11 January 2016|archive-date=29 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129193330/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-a-dozen-building-blocks-in-sheikh-miskeen/|url-status=dead}} and two days later, another 35 buildings, thus seizing the southern part of the town, and leaving them in control of 80 percent of Al-Shaykh Maskin.{{cite web|title=Syrian Army captures a large part of Sheikh Miskeen in northern Daraa|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-a-large-part-of-sheikh-miskeen-in-northern-daraa/|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=13 January 2016|archive-date=30 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130005415/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-a-large-part-of-sheikh-miskeen-in-northern-daraa/|url-status=dead}}

Between 23 and 24 January, the military captured Al-Zaheriyah school and its surrounding area, as well as the town of Al-Burj on the outskirts of Al-Shaykh Maskin, after more than 40 air-strikes were conducted.{{cite web|title=Syrian Army make advancements in Sheikh Miskeen (Video)|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/saa-make-advancements-in-sheikh-miskeen-video/|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=24 January 2016|archive-date=24 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124102344/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/saa-make-advancements-in-sheikh-miskeen-video/|url-status=dead}} However, the rebels were able to recapture the school.{{cite web|author=Edward|title=11 fighters killed in Sheikh Meskin clashes and intensive raids|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=43272|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=24 January 2016}} Still, Army advances continued as they took control of more positions in the town,{{cite web|author=Edward|title=19 raids target Sheikh Meskin amid continued offensive by the regime forces on the town and its outskirts|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=43325|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=24 January 2016}} which included the Al-Bassam Mosque, parts of the Al-Diri neighborhood and large sections of the Saydaliyat road.{{cite web|title=Battle update from Sheikh Miskeen (Photos & Video)|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-update-from-sheikh-miskeen-video/|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=24 January 2016|archive-date=24 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124222044/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-update-from-sheikh-miskeen-video/|url-status=dead}}

During the night before 25 January, when the final Army assault was supposed to commence, a military detachment was sent to capture a height overlooking the town, from which the rebels could detect the military's planned attack from the north of the town. The fighting was heavy, but a heavy rain helped the Army unit climb up the height without being detected. The unit was then attacked from three sides, during which its commander, Mohammed Fares, was wounded. The detachment managed to hold the height until reinforcements arrived.{{cite web|url=https://ria.ru/20160128/1366539492.html|title=Шейх-Мискин - первая крупная победа сирийских войск на южном фронте|date=28 January 2016}}

The next morning, the Syrian Army launched its operation from the north side of the town and rapidly advanced, linking up with troops coming in from the east.{{cite web|author=jack|title=Clashes in Shekh Meskin and Lattakia countryside|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=43390|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=25 January 2016}} The fighting started 08:30 am, and shortly thereafter the SAA's 15th Brigade captured the Al-'Umari Mosque.{{cite web|title=Syrian Army captures strategic city of Sheikh Miskeen in northern Daraa|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-strategic-city-of-sheikh-miskeen-in-northern-daraa/|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=26 January 2016|archive-date=26 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126091114/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-strategic-city-of-sheikh-miskeen-in-northern-daraa/|url-status=dead}} The military made gains in the northwestern neighborhood of Al-Shaykh Maskin, as well as other parts of the town, while they were covered by 25 air-strikes.{{cite web|author=Edward|title=25 raids target Sheikh Meskin and cover the advancement of the regime forces in the town|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=43398|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=25 January 2016}} The heaviest fighting of the day took place in the Al-Diri District.{{cite web|title=Syrian Army continues to advance in Sheikh Miskeen: Al-Umari Mosque captured|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-to-advance-in-sheikh-miskeen-al-umari-mosque-captured/|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|date=25 January 2016|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125152301/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-to-advance-in-sheikh-miskeen-al-umari-mosque-captured/|url-status=dead}} However, after seizing Al-Diri, the rebels were left with only two building blocks under their control. The Army's advances also enabled them to monitor all roads leading from the town to other nearby areas.{{cite web|author=Edward|title=The violent clashes continue in Sheikh Meskin and in the Western Ghouta|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=43415|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=25 January 2016}} Many rebels started withdrawing from the town, mainly towards Ibta' and Nawa.{{cite web|title=Syrian army advances in strategic city in southern region|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-01/25/c_135044023.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128022943/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-01/25/c_135044023.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 28, 2016|access-date=26 January 2016}} By 10:30 pm, the military had cleared Al-Shaykh Maskin of all rebel resistance.{{cite web|author=Edward|title=The regime forces backed by Iranian and Hezbollah officers fully control Sheikh Meskin and the clashes continue in its vicinity|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=43434|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=26 January 2016}} By the end of the battle, 70% of the city had been rendered uninhabitable.{{cite web|author=Edward|title=Clashes in the vicinity of the strategic town of Sheikh Meskin|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=43489|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=26 January 2016}}

{{Reflist|25em}}

{{Refbegin}}

• {{cite journal

| author = Clermont-Ganneau, C.S. |authorlink1=Charles Simon Clermont-Ganneau

| title = Archæological and epigraphic notes on Palestine | journal = Quarterly Statement - Palestine Exploration Fund | volume = 34 | pages = [https://archive.org/details/quarterlystateme34pale/page/10 10]–27 | url = https://archive.org/details/quarterlystateme34pale | year = 1902}}

• {{cite book|first=Kevin|last=Butcher|title=Roman Syria and the Near East|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YJPn3-rRjC0C&q=Sheikh+Miskin|publisher=Getty Publications|year=2003|isbn=0892367156}}
• {{cite book|first=Kais|last=Firro|title=A History of the Druzes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=usEUXYnYWxAC&q=Sheikh+Maskin|volume=1|publisher=BRILL|year=1992|isbn=9004094377}}
• {{cite book

| last1 = Hütteroth |first1=W.-D.|author-link1=Wolf-Dieter Hütteroth

| last2 = Abdulfattah|first2=K. |author-link2=Kamal Abdulfattah

| title = Historical Geography of Palestine, Transjordan and Southern Syria in the Late 16th Century

|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=wqULAAAAIAAJ

| year = 1977

| publisher = Erlanger Geographische Arbeiten, Sonderband 5. Erlangen, Germany: Vorstand der Fränkischen Geographischen Gesellschaft

|isbn= 3-920405-41-2}}

• {{cite book

|first=W.|last=Lancaster|authorlink=William Lancaster (anthropologist)

|title=People, Land and Water in the Arab Middle East: Environments and Landscapes in the Bilâd Ash-Shâm|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YQlMVcKVphwC |publisher=Taylor & Francis|year=1999|isbn=9057023229}}

• {{cite book

|first=J.L.|last=Porter|authorlink=Josias Leslie Porter

|title=A Handbook for Travellers in Syria and Palestine|volume=1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AwSatmeOEUgC&q=Hawarin+inhab.+Qara|publisher=Murray|year=1858}}

• {{cite book|author=Royal Geographical Society|title=The Journal of the Royal Geographical Society of London|volume=32|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Npuay7cDYe4C&q=Shekhmiskin|publisher=J. Murray|year=1862}}
• {{cite journal

| first=G.|last=Schumacher|authorlink = Gottlieb Schumacher

|title = Der Südliche Basan

| journal = Zeitschrift des Deutschen Palästina-Vereins | volume = 19-20 | pages = [https://archive.org/details/zeitschriftdesde19deut/page/65 65]–227

| url =https://archive.org/details/zeitschriftdesde19deut| year = 1897}}

• {{cite journal | author = Smith, G.A.|authorlink1=George Adam Smith| title = Notes on a journey through Hauran, with inscriptions found by the way | journal = Quarterly Statement - Palestine Exploration Fund | volume = 33 | pages = [https://archive.org/details/quarterlystateme33pale/page/340 340]–361 | url = https://archive.org/details/quarterlystateme33pale | year = 1901 |issue=4| doi=10.1179/peq.1901.33.4.340}}
• {{cite book|first=Christopher|last=Walter|title=The Warrior Saints in Byzantine Art and Tradition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BRju9VQdW3QC&q=Sheikh+Miskin+Byzantine|publisher=Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.|year=2003|isbn=184014694X}}

{{Refend}}

• [https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8323596,36.1573792,14z Map of the town], Google Maps
• [http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview/?pi=nla.map-vn745520-s21l Cheikh Meskine-map; 21L]

{{Daraa Governorate|izra}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shaykh Maskin}}

Category:Populated places in Izra' District

Category:Towns in Syria