Jordan Between History and Culture - Jordan News

Jordan News

12-05-2025

Jordan has become an important cultural hub in the region, and as such, the artistic and cultural movement in Jordan is in a continuous state of motion and progress. Amman, the capital, has become the heart of art lovers and creators. The city is home to several excellent theaters, galleries, and art exhibitions that showcase high-quality, profound performances. اضافة اعلان Amman Amman is a sprawling city that extends across 19 hills or mountains, representing both the modern and ancient capitals of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It was known as Rabat Ammon during the Iron Age and later as Philadelphia. Today, it is home to the old city, once part of the Decapolis League, and houses approximately 1.5 million people. Often referred to as the "White City" due to its small-sized stone houses, Amman offers a range of historical sites such as the Citadel, the Umayyad Palace, the Byzantine church, and the Roman Theater, which accommodates 6,000 people and is still used for cultural events. Another recently restored theater is the Odeon, which seats 500 people and hosts musical performances. The three museums in the region offer a glimpse into Jordan's history and culture: the Jordan Archaeological Museum, the Jordan Folklore Museum, and the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions. Madaba Madaba is famous for its mosaics, particularly the sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, made from over two million pieces of colored stones. It depicts hills, valleys, villages, cities, and even the Nile Delta in Egypt. Other artworks discovered in the Church of the Virgin and the Archaeological Museum display flowers, plants, birds, fish, exotic animals, as well as scenes from mythology, hunting, farming, and more. These mosaics were popular from the fifth to the seventh century AD in the churches and houses of Madaba. Madaba is easily accessible from Amman, located just 30 kilometers to the south along the Royal Highway. Petra Petra is the jewel of Jordan's historical and tourist sites, drawing visitors from all over the world. It is the rose-red city carved into the rock, home to an ancient civilization created by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago. Petra is a treasure trove of history, civilization, and art. Its unique architecture, dams, and water channels are remarkable, with the narrow Siq leading visitors to discover the hidden wonders of the city, starting with the Treasury, a masterpiece of rock-carving. The Treasury, carved with exquisite precision into the pink rock, displays stunning color patterns when the sunlight hits it. Petra's buildings, baths, temples, water cisterns, massive arched doors, and streets lined with columns make it a candidate for one of the ancient and modern wonders of the world. Other attractions include a 3,000-seat Roman Theater, the Monastery (Ad Deir), and a modern archaeological museum. Nearby, a site believed to be the tomb of Prophet Aaron stands atop Jabal Haroun. Jerash Located halfway between northern and southern Jordan, Jerash is just a few hours south of Petra. It is one of the ancient Roman cities preserved and maintained throughout history. The city reached its peak during the Roman era and reflects the ingenuity of the place as a formal center of the ancient Roman Empire. After being uncovered from the sands of time, Jerash is now a bustling city with paved streets, stunning columns, theaters, squares, baths, strong defensive walls, and gates. It is a testament to the intersection of Roman, Greek, and early Islamic cultures. As part of the Decapolis League, it is a prime example of the blending of Roman, Greek, and Arab-Islamic traditions, attracting many tourists annually. Aqaba Aqaba has long been known as a major port in ancient times, acting as a waterway linking the Red Sea with the Far East. Today, Aqaba is a modern port and city, competing with many global ports. In addition to being an important commercial center, Aqaba is a fantastic destination for marine life lovers, offering a chance to experience vibrant coral reefs, fish, and exotic marine creatures in the warm waters of the Red Sea. Desert Castles The desert castles represent an impressive testament to history. Among the most important of these castles is Qasr Amra, an Umayyad architectural masterpiece in the heart of the desert, renowned for its stunning dome, beautiful decorations, and frescoes depicting hunting scenes, animals, and landscapes from that time. The walls also feature images of kings and celestial constellations. Water from a nearby well was transported through a qanat system to warm the building through an early form of central heating. Qasr al-Hallabat, Qasr al-Mushatta, Qasr al-Tuba, and the Azraq Castle, constructed from basalt stone, are other notable examples of desert castles. These castles were built for military defense and are integral to Jordan's history. Crusader Castles Along the Royal Highway from northern Jordan to the south, visitors can see several historical castles that tell stories of bygone eras filled with military conquests. The Crusader castles of Karak and Shobak are magnificent examples of medieval fortification architecture. These castles were constructed during the Crusader period and are surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including the historic sites of Byzantine churches and Roman fortresses. Ajloun Castle Ajloun Castle, also known as Qal'at Ar-Rabad, is a perfect example of Islamic architecture. It was built by Izz al-Din Usama, a commander under Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi, in 1184 CE. Perched on a mountaintop overlooking the northern Jordan Valley, it was designed for both military defense and surveillance. The castle's towers, staircases, and living quarters reflect the ingenuity of Islamic engineering in constructing fortresses and castles. Visitors can climb to one of its towers for breathtaking views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, Palestine's hills, and Jerusalem's domes and minarets. Karak Karak is synonymous with the notorious Crusader leader, Reynald de Chatillon, who betrayed a peace treaty with Salah ad-Din, leading to a decisive battle that resulted in the Crusader's defeat. Karak's historical significance lies not only in the dramatic events of the Crusades but also in its fortifications and the structures that remain from that period, such as the Karak Castle and Shobak Castle. Shobak Castle Located 1,330 meters above sea level and about an hour's drive from Petra, Shobak Castle was originally built by the Crusaders in 1115 CE. Known as "Montreal," the castle features nine towers, including circular, rectangular, and square ones. It is adorned with inscriptions and decorations on the exterior and offers a glimpse into medieval military architecture. Umm Qais Umm Qais sits atop a high plateau, overlooking the Jordan Valley and Lake Tiberias. Visitors can enjoy a lovely meal at a restaurant with spectacular views. Known as "Gadara" in ancient times, it was one of the cities of the Decapolis. The city flourished during the Roman period and was a center for culture, literature, and philosophy. Nearby are the hot springs of Hammamat Ma'in, famous for their therapeutic properties. Pella (Tabaqat Fahl) One of Jordan's most significant archaeological sites, Pella was a city of the Decapolis League. Its ruins reflect a mix of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences, with churches, homes, and early Islamic structures still visible. Umm al-Jamal Umm al-Jamal, located on the edge of the eastern basalt desert, is a significant northern Jordanian city. Visitors can explore the ruins of ancient churches, basalt arches, and a Roman castle. Umm ar-Rasas Umm ar-Rasas is home to exceptional Byzantine mosaics, including the famous map of cities mentioned in the Old and New Testaments. The city's 15-meter-high Byzantine tower was likely used by Christian monks for solitude and contemplation. The Royal Road The Royal Road, stretching 335 kilometers from north to south Jordan, is rich in history and biblical significance. It has witnessed military campaigns, trade caravans, and the travels of prophets. Visitors along the road can explore various ancient cities, including those from the Stone Age, and witness landmarks that are key to biblical history. Cultural Information / Art Exhibitions in Jordan Jordan has experienced a significant artistic renaissance, with numerous art galleries showcasing the works of Jordanian artists. These artists have made significant strides in the world of art, making Jordan a prime destination for Arab creators to hold exhibitions and present their artwork in diverse artistic fields, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and more. Cultural Centers The Royal Cultural Center in Amman serves as a modern cultural facility, hosting theaters, cinemas, conference rooms, and exhibition spaces. It is a model for many cultural centers spread across Jordan, offering diverse cultural and artistic experiences. Information on events and schedules can be found in local newspapers, either in Arabic or English. Theaters and Cinemas Amman boasts theaters and cinemas that showcase a variety of films, both in Arabic and foreign languages. Local newspapers publish schedules for these performances regularly. Handicrafts
Jordan is rich in traditional handicrafts passed down through generations, such as hand-woven rugs, pottery, woven baskets, intricate embroidery, and sand bottles. These handicrafts reflect the Islamic and Arab cultural heritage and have adapted to modern technology for creating timeless, unique items.