From the very beginning, the Tarajmeh clan has enjoyed a deep and enduring relationship with the Franciscans, whose foothold in Bethlehem dates back to 1309. These Franciscan friars quickly became pillars of the Catholic community, and in 1342, Pope Clement VI officially appointed them as custodians of the Holy Places, a responsibility they still carry today.
It seems almost certain that the two founding brothers of the Tarajmeh clan had ties to the Franciscans long before they set foot in Bethlehem. This early connection paved the way for the family to become trusted ‘Turjmani’, acting as translators, advisors, and aides on important diplomatic missions for the Church.
By the mid-1300s, as the era of the Crusades faded into history, the Catholic Church shifted away from military campaigns and instead embraced diplomacy and alliances. The Franciscans stepped up as central figures in this new strategy, and the Tarajmeh clan became an essential part of their mission, helping safeguard holy sites and ensuring the Church’s influence endured in the Holy Land.
This close connection to the Catholic Church has remained at the heart of the Tarajmeh clan’s identity, passed down through generations from the original brothers right up to today. Thanks to their steadfast affiliation with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Tarajmeh are recognised as Latin Catholics of the Holy Land—continuing a tradition that links the past with the present.
This ongoing bond with the Church is more than just a chapter in the clan’s story; it’s a living legacy, offering us a window into their spiritual journey, their cultural roots, and the enduring connections that have shaped their lineage.