Royal Documentation Center Unveils Historic Record of Jordan's First Labor Union - Jordan News
(Petra News Agency)
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Jordan News
05-07-2025
- Jordan News
Royal Hashemite Documentation Center Protects 9 Million Jordanian Documents Over Two Decades - Jordan News
Royal Hashemite Documentation Center Protects 9 Million Jordanian Documents Over Two Decades Over the past 20 years, since the Royal Decree establishing the Royal Hashemite Documentation Center (RHDC), the institution has emerged as one of the key guardians of Jordan's history. It has reawakened the past, vividly recounting its stories while connecting it to the present and future, and has successfully preserved over 9 million documents related to Jordan's history spanning more than 150 years. اضافة اعلان Within the center, major achievements are evident, including the digitization of more than 7 million documents from the Land and Survey Department, over 112,000 documents from the Emirate era (Hashemite Royal Court), more than 50,000 documents from the Prime Ministry, and around 87,000 documents from royal and secondary school archives. The center also holds large collections of photographs and special collections from individuals, universities, and media outlets. It has restored approximately 370,000 documents, records, and manuscripts, and archived more than 107,000 documents through its electronic archiving system. Notably, the RHDC restored 3,705 personal documents from the childhood and youth of the late Prime Minister Wasfi Al-Tal, along with six volumes of his daily journals comprising 538 pages—each rich in historical content. The RHDC was established in 2005 under a Royal Decree at the Hashemite Royal Court, under the supervision of HRH Prince Ali bin Nayef, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The center aims to preserve the national and Hashemite historical memory, document the Hashemites' history, especially in Jordan and other countries they served, conduct historical research, and publish rare manuscripts and personal memoirs of historical figures. It also works to protect the noble lineage of the Prophet and those connected to it, and focuses on modern Jordanian history across political, social, cultural, and economic dimensions. The center has become renowned for its expertise in archival and restoration projects in collaboration with multiple governmental institutions, including the Royal Court, the Prime Ministry, the Land and Survey Department, the Chief Islamic Justice Department, the Cities and Villages Development Bank, the Ministries of Education and Awqaf, various public universities, Al-Rai newspaper, the National Library, Wasfi Al-Tal's estate, the Arabic Language Academy, the Orthodox Church, the Civil Service Bureau, the Civil Status and Passports Department, and the Department of Antiquities. Former Minister of Government Communications and current RHDC Director Dr. Muhannad Al-Mubaidin explained that the center follows international standards and best practices in document restoration, binding, and digitization. The process begins in a specialized lab where documents are meticulously restored using advanced tools and a highly trained team. Despite advances in technology, manual restoration remains superior due to its rarity, quality, and the expertise it requires, preserving both historical and artistic value. Modern restoration methods are also used, particularly for rare printed materials and stable-ink documents. For damaged or decayed manuscripts, natural materials are applied to reinforce and mend fragile paper, restore elasticity and strength, and protect against external factors—often using thermal reinforcement systems tailored to the document's paper and ink. The RHDC plays a vital role in publishing rare documents and filling historical gaps with accurate narratives that strengthen national memory and support scholarly research. To date, the center has published more than 31 historical books, covering diverse topics including: The Virtues of the Cloak Bearers, Notables of the Hashemite Lineage, The Art of Arabic Calligraphy, Jordan Through Ottoman Archive Documents (a first of its kind), The National Determination Story, Popular Participation in State Building, The Disengagement Decision, Jordanian Administration in Palestine, and more. To commemorate Jordan's Independence Day, the RHDC published The Independence Newspaper on May 25, 2024, showcasing the independence decree, congratulatory telegrams, and rare documents. A special bulletin released in May 2025 included other rare documents on independence coverage in both Arab and Western media—such as The Jordan newspaper and The New York Times—alongside previously unpublished official decisions and telegrams. Recognizing that culture and Raghdan Palace are twin pillars of Amman, the RHDC launched Raghdan, a peer-reviewed academic journal for historical and documentation studies. Four issues have been published, featuring 17 diverse research papers and documents. To keep pace with technological advancement, the center launched a proprietary indexing and archiving system—the first of its kind fully owned by a Jordanian governmental institution. It supports efficient data retrieval and knowledge sharing across ministries and institutions and hosts regular training courses in modern document management and security for both physical and digital records. The RHDC's strong connection to historical documentation has enabled it to forge local and international partnerships. It is a member of the International Council on Archives (ICA), the Arab Regional Branch (Arbica), and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). Dr. Mubaidin now serves as First Vice President of the Arbica Executive Council, in recognition of his leadership in developing archival capabilities. The center has also documented pivotal moments in Jordan's political history. It recorded the formation of Jordan's first government on April 11, 1921, under the name 'Government of the Arab East,' reflecting the pan-Arab sentiment of its members. The Council of Ministers was then called the 'Council of Advisors,' and its members 'Advisors,' with Rashid Tali'a appointed as its first President. Furthermore, the center documented the formation of Jordan's third government, led by Midhat Arslan, based on a rare handwritten document by the late King Abdullah I (then Prince Abdullah), dated August 11, 1921. The document reflects the format of cabinet formations of that era, known as 'Council of Advisors,' and includes the appointment of multiple advisors across various departments. The RHDC has also preserved significant milestones in Jordanian women's history, including: The 1945 application to establish the Jordanian Women's Union in Amman, The official founding document of the Union dated February 11, 1945, A 1974 document granting women the right to vote in parliamentary elections, issued by the late King Hussein, A 1979 document marking the appointment of In'am Al-Mufti as Jordan's first female minister, Documentation of women's participation in the 16th Senate (1989), And the election of the first female Member of Parliament in 1993. Dr. Mubaidin emphasized that the center is a vital hub for restoring the past and documenting the present—both visually and through rigorous research. It lays the groundwork for a comprehensive national archive, deserving of greater support to fulfill its ambitious vision for Jordan's future. --Barakat Al-Zayoud -- (Petra)
Ammon
30-06-2025
- Ammon
German Ambassador Visits University of Jordan Center for Strategic Studies
Ammon News - The University of Jordan (UJ), represented by the Center for Strategic Studies (CSS), received today the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Jordan, Dr. Bertram von Moltke, as part of an official visit aimed at enhancing academic and research cooperation. The Ambassador was welcomed by CSS Director, Prof. Hasan Al Momani, along with members of the diplomatic delegation including Max Emanuel Manfeller, First Secretary for Political Affairs at the Embassy, and Lina Graziano, Head of the Culture and Media Department. The meeting focused on prospects for strengthening collaboration between the Center and prominent German research institutions. Discussions explored potential joint research initiatives, structured partnerships, and opportunities for mutual exchange of expertise in support of evidence-based policymaking and long-term strategic dialogue. Al Momani reviewed the Center's ongoing efforts to establish a comprehensive institutional platform dedicated to soft power and public diplomacy. As part of this initiative, the Center plans to launch an annual international conference addressing themes of regional and global significance, including regional security, geopolitics, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The two sides exchanged views on recent regional and global developments, highlighting Jordan's diplomatic role, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, in promoting peace, de-escalation, and constructive approaches to regional crises. Al Momani emphasized Jordan's inclusive and strategic outlook in addressing regional challenges, reaffirming the Kingdom's enduring commitment to Arab and Islamic causes, its humanitarian leadership, and its pursuit of regional stability through strategic foresight and scientifically informed policymaking. For his part, Ambassador von Moltke commended the Center's pivotal role in producing policy-relevant research and its contribution to advancing interdisciplinary analysis of complex issues. He expressed his country's keen interest in expanding cooperation with CSS, particularly in areas at the intersection of diplomacy, research, and strategic planning.
Jordan News
17-06-2025
- Jordan News
King Briefed on Readiness of National Center for Security and Crisis Management to Handle Regional Developments
King Briefed on Readiness of National Center for Security and Crisis Management to Handle Regional Developments His Majesty King Abdullah II, while chairing a meeting at the National Center for Security and Crisis Management on Monday, was briefed on the center's preparedness, along with that of various state institutions, to deal with the repercussions of the Israeli attack on Iran. اضافة اعلان His Majesty, accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and His Royal Highness Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, Chairman of the Center, listened to a briefing by the Deputy Chairman of the Center, Brigadier General Hatim Al-Zoubi, regarding the proactive plans and procedures in place to address recent regional developments in a manner that safeguards the Kingdom's security, stability, and the safety of its citizens. The King stressed the importance of maintaining close coordination among all institutions to strengthen the ability to respond to any developments, and of continuing to encourage citizens to adhere to public safety guidelines. His Majesty expressed appreciation for the efforts of all state institutions and their personnel in protecting the nation and its people. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan, Director of the King's Office Eng. Alaa Batayneh, Minister of Interior Mazen Al-Faraya, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Yousef Ahmad Al-Hunaiti, Director of the General Intelligence Department Major General Ahmad Hosni, and Director of Public Security Major General Dr. Obaidallah Maaytah. — (Petra)
