In this study, maghemite (${gamma}-Fe_2O_3$) nanoparticles were produced using gelatin protein as an effective mediator. Size, shape, surface morphology and magnetic properties of the prepared ${gamma}-Fe_2O_3$ nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, FT-IR, TEM, SEM and VSM data. The effects of furnace temperature and time of heating together with the amount of gelatin on the produced gelatin-$Fe_3O_4$ nanocomposite were examined to prove the fundamental effect of gelatin; both as a capping agent in the nanoscale synthesis and as the director of the spinel ${gamma}-Fe_2O_3$ synthesis among possible $Fe_2O_3$ crystalline structures.