Many of the architectural features of Battir have a history and a narrative, and the maqams, or shrines, form part of the village history and narrative. Maqam Abu Zeid Al Bustami is located north of Ein Al Balad, or the ancient pool, and is dedicated to the wife of Abu Zeid. According to tradition, Abu Zeid was a mystic, and the shrine was among many of its kind that were built based on an order from the Ayyubi leader Salah Al Din, following the liberation of Jerusalem from the crusaders. Maqam Al Sheikh Khattab is also an important site in the village because Al Khattab is believed to have been one of the first settlers who came to the village.
