Fuheis

Fuheis' economy has historically centered around agriculture. Most of Fuheis' population works in agriculture, trade, cement industry and civil or office jobs. The olive industry is important to Fuheis' economy, along with orchards and vineyards. The cement factory - Jordan's largest - is by far the largest industry in Fuheis, employing about 70% of the town's population. Among its most important villages are al-Rahwa, Ras al-Jundi, and al-Suqariah, known for their farms and trees.[5]

In 2010, German researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research implemented a demonstration facility for decentralised wastewater technology in Fuheis. The project was handed over to the management of Al-Balqa` Applied University.[6]

Approximately 60% of the population belong to Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch, 35% are Catholics. Members of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Sunni Muslims make up the rest of the population. The Latin Parish of Fuheis established a secondary school during the Ottoman Period in 1885. Taught by priests, students of this school learned Arabic, Religion and Math. The school has since expanded, remaining open until today.[7]

Archaeological excavations in Fuheis uncovered a circular building from white limestone which dates back to the Iron Age and the Byzantine age. This building was repurposed as a church in the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods, and within the building is a blueprint of the church in addition to a number of graves that were built in the church's land. The excavations suggest that the area's water sources may have drawn many to the region or that the settlement had a military purpose. The ruins are surrounded by small dug wells and enclosed water closets which were connected by a spout carved from rock. In the same area, excavators found a carving on basalt rock in Greek letters and crosses carved into limestone.[8]

• Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch
• Jordanian Christians

• Fuheis.net