in the late ottoman era, in may, 1838, edward robinson visited during harvesting time. he noted that al-dawayima was situated on a hill, with a view of several villages to the east. during the harvest, several christians from beit jala were employed here as labourers; the barley harvest was coming to an end, while the wheat harvest was just beginning. he further noted it as a muslim village, between the mountains and gaza, but subject to the government of el-khulil.