Discovering Jordan: A Gem in the Heart of the Middle East

Geographic Overview

Jordan is a Middle Eastern country located on the east bank of the Jordan River. It borders Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and the occupied West Bank.

Historical Significance

Jordan is a country rich in history, home to several ancient civilizations, including the Nabateans, Romans, and Ottomans. The ruins of their cities and fortifications are well-preserved and open to the public.

Petra

Petra, the ancient rock-cut city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is arguably Jordan's most iconic tourist attraction. Known as the 'Rose City' due to the color of the stone from which it's carved, Petra offers a peek into the lives of the Nabateans who built it.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a vast desert landscape boasting sand dunes, rock formations, and prehistoric inscriptions. It's a prime destination for adventurers and nature lovers.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west. Famous for its high salinity that allows people to float effortlessly, the Dead Sea also offers therapeutic mud and mineral-rich waters.

Amman

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a bustling city that seamlessly blends modernity and tradition. With historic sites like the Amman Citadel and the Roman Theater, alongside modern malls and nightlife, Amman offers something for every traveler.

Cuisine

Jordanian cuisine is a delightful mix of Middle Eastern flavors. Signature dishes include Mansaf, a lamb dish cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt, and Maqluba, a one-pot dish with meat, rice, and vegetables.

Jerash

The ancient city of Jerash boasts an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. The city is considered one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world.

Aqaba

Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city, offers a plethora of marine activities. The Red Sea’s warm waters make it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Adventure Tourism

Jordan offers a wide range of adventure tourism opportunities, from hiking in the Dana Biosphere Reserve to canyoning in Wadi Mujib and cycling along the King’s Highway.

Eco-Tourism

Jordan is a leader in eco-tourism, offering eco-lodges and campsites that allow visitors to enjoy the country's natural beauty while minimizing their environmental impact.

Bedouin Culture

Visitors to Jordan often have the opportunity to experience Bedouin culture firsthand, including traditional music and dance, storytelling, and hospitality.

Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo is a significant Christian pilgrimage site, believed to be where Moses was shown the Promised Land.

Madaba

The city of Madaba is known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, particularly the Madaba Map, a 6th-century floor mosaic map of the Holy Land.

Nightlife

Amman's nightlife is vibrant and diverse, with venues ranging from traditional tea houses to modern nightclubs.

Festivals

Jordan hosts several annual festivals that showcase its rich cultural heritage, including the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts and the Amman Summer Festival.

Wildlife

Despite its arid climate, Jordan is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Arabian oryx, the national animal of Jordan, Syrian brown bears, and several bird species.

Shopping

Traditional handicrafts, such as pottery, embroidery, and Bedouin jewelry, are popular souvenirs. Amman's souks and modern shopping malls offer a wide range of shopping experiences.

Safety

Jordan is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any travel, it's advisable to stay informed about the current situation and follow local advice.

Hospitality

Jordanians are known for their warm hospitality and are often eager to share their culture and history with visitors. This welcoming spirit is an integral part of the Jordanian travel experience.

Vocabulary

Amman – The capital city of Jordan.

Petra – An ancient city in Jordan, famous for its rock-cut architecture.

Wadi Rum – A desert valley cut into the sandstone in southern Jordan.

Dead Sea – A salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel to the west.

Kerak Castle – A large crusader castle located in Al-Karak, Jordan.

Aqaba – A coastal city in Jordan, known for its warm water and rich marine life.

Madaba – A city in central Jordan, known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics.

Jerash – A city in Jordan, famous for its ancient Roman ruins.

Umayyad Palace – A large palatial complex from the Umayyad period, located on the Citadel Hill (Jabal al-Qal'a) of Amman, Jordan.

Dana Biosphere Reserve – Jordan's largest nature reserve, located in south-central Jordan.

Mujib Nature Reserve – A nature reserve located at the Dead Sea.

Ajloun Castle – A 12th-century Muslim castle situated in northwestern Jordan.

Nebo – A mountain in Jordan mentioned in the Bible as where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land.

Al-Siq – The main entrance to the ancient city of Petra in southern Jordan.

Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – One of the most elaborate temples in the ancient city of Petra.

Monastery (Al-Deir) – A monumental building carved out of rock in the ancient city of Petra.

Hejaz Railway – A former Ottoman railway connecting Damascus and Medina.

Amman Citadel – A historical site at the center of downtown Amman, Jordan.

Roman Theater – A 2nd-century Roman theater in Amman, Jordan.

Umm Qais – A town in northern Jordan near the site of the ancient town of Gadara.

Bethany Beyond the Jordan – A historical site near the Jordan River considered the place where Jesus was baptized.

Mujib Dam – A dam in Jordan on the Wadi Mujib.

Hammamat Ma'in – A series of hot springs and waterfalls in Jordan.

Qasr Amra – A desert castle in eastern Jordan.

Qasr Kharana – One of the best-known of the desert castles located in present-day eastern Jordan.

Pella – A village and the site of ancient ruins in northwestern Jordan.

Salt – A city in west-central Jordan.

Royal Automobile Museum – A museum in Amman, Jordan, housing a collection of cars and motorcycles.

Jordan Museum – A museum located in Amman, Jordan.

Children's Museum – A children's science museum located in Amman, Jordan.

Rainbow Street – A popular tourist street in Amman.

King's Highway – An ancient trade route stretching from Egypt to Aqaba.

Wadi Mujib – A river gorge in Jordan which enters the Dead Sea.

Jordan Trail – A long distance hiking trail in Jordan.

Jordan Pass – A ticket that allows you to see over 40 tourist attractions in Jordan.

Jordanian Dinar – The currency of Jordan.

Souk – A marketplace or commercial quarter in Western Asia.

Shawarma – A Middle Eastern meat preparation, where lamb, chicken, turkey, beef, veal, or mixed meats are placed on a spit.

Falafel – A deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both.

Bedouin – A grouping of nomadic Arab peoples who have historically inhabited the desert regions in North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq and the Levant.

Shemagh – A traditional Middle Eastern headdress fashioned from a square scarf.

Zarb – A traditional Bedouin meal, similar to a pot roast.

Arabic – The official language of Jordan.

Hashemite Kingdom – The official name of Jordan.

Islam – The main religion in Jordan.

Jordan River – A significant water source and a place of pilgrimage for Christians.

Byzantine Church – The church that developed in the Byzantine Empire after the fall of the West.

Umayyad Caliphate – A historical Arab empire with its capital in Jordan.

Crusader Castles – A series of castles built by the Crusaders in Jordan.

Arab Spring – A series of anti-government protests, uprisings, and armed rebellions that spread across much of the Arab world in the early 2010s.