Touristic Sites in Jordan

Um El-Jimal

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Um El-Jimal - Black Gem of the Desert

One Of the Decapolis Cities, on the edge of the stark, black basalt region of northeast of Jordan, Um El Jimal is one of the area ’s most impressive and eerie monuments of ancient civilizations. The town is filled with the remains of many black basalt stone houses, churches, a Roman barracks and a fort complex. Also it called by “Black Gem of the Desert .

Umm el-Jimal (Arabic: ام الجمال, "Mother of Camels"), also known as Umm al-Jimal or Umm idj-Djimal, is a village in Northern Jordan approximately 17 kilometers east of Mafraq. It is primarily notable for the substantial ruins of a Byzantine and early Islamic town which are clearly visible above the ground, as well as an older Roman village (locally referred to as al-Herri) located to the southwest of the Byzantine ruins.

Jerash (Gerasa)

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Jerash (Gerasa): The Jewel of the north.

The Jewel of the north. One of the most visited site. Jerash is one of the preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, and example of the Roman civilization. Jerash was called Gerasa in the bible It is mentioned that it was built by the soldiers of Alexander the Great the city features theaters, churches, temples (Zeus & Artemis), a Nymphaeum, and colonnaded streets. Some of the pagan temples were turned into churches with mosaic floors in the year 396.3

Jerash, the Gerasa of Antiquity, is the capital and largest city of Jerash Governorate (محافظة جرش), which is situated in the north of Jordan, 48 kilometres (30 mi) north of the capital Amman towards Syria. Jerash Governorate's geographical features vary from cold mountains to fertile valleys from 250 to 300 metres (820 to 980 ft) above sea level, suitable for growing a wide variety of crops.

A strong earthquake in 749 AD destroyed large parts of Jerash, while subsequent earthquakes along with the wars and turmoil contributed to additional destruction. Its destruction and ruins remained buried in the soil for hundreds of years until they were discovered by German Orientalist Ulrich Jasper Seetzen in 1806[2] to begin excavation and to return life to rise to the current Jerash by inhabitants of old villages. Then followed 70 years after by the community of Muslims, Circassians, who emigrated to Jordan from the land of the Caucasus in 1878 after the Ottoman-Russian war. And a large community of people of Syria at the beginning of the 20th century.

The hippodrome

The South Gate

Northern Tetrapylon

Mosaic at the Christian Church

Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

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Amman

Jordan's modern capital, Amman is steeped in biblical history known as the capital of the Ammonites as Rabbath Ammon, and as Philadelphia in the Roman rule, it became the southern Greco-Roman city of the Decapolis. A Roman amphitheater with capacity of 8000 spectator's .The citadel which still standing with its columns & numerous Roman-Byzantine & Islamic remains. Excavations showed that Amman goes back 9,000 years from Neolithic - Roman- Greco - Byzantine to Islamic .Remains of churches & Umayyad Palace, The Archaeological museum with some of Dead Sea scrolls & Islamic treasures and the Popular Traditions museum.

Ajloun, Jordan

2013-02-19T06:23:00.000-08:00

Ajloun, Jordan

73 km north of Amman, and a short journey northwest from Jerash, through a beautiful pine-forest and olive groves, brings you to the town of Ajloun, where Hadrian stayed over the winter of 129-30 AD, and built himself an arch well outside the town, leaving unbonded its sides for future city walls to come out to meet it.

Here you will find the Castle of Ajloun or Qalaat Errabadh (Arabic for "Hilltop Castle"), from which there is a splendid view westwards into the Jordan Valley. It looks like a Crusader fortress, but it was built by Muslims in 1184-85 as a military fort and buffer to protect the region from invading Crusader forces. It was built on the orders of the local governor, Ezz Eddin Osama bin Munqethe, a nephew of the Ayyubid leader Salahuddin Al-Ayyoubi (Saladin), as a direct retort to the new Latin castle of Belvoir (Kawkab El-Hawa) on the opposite side of the valley between the Tiberias and Besan, and as a base to develop and control the iron mines of Ajloun.

This superb example of Arab and Islamic architecture was built as a rectangle with four square towers and an entrance on the south side dominating a wide stretch of the north Jordan Valley and passages to it. From its hilltop position, the Castle of Ajloun protected the communication routes between south Jordan and Syria, and was one of a chain of forts, which lit beacons at night to pass signals from the Euphrates as far as Cairo.

Two years after it was completed the fortress's original purpose had already been outlived, for Salahuddin defeated the Crusaders at the battle of the Horns of Hattin in 1189, which marked the beginning of the end of their occupation of the Holy Land.

In 1214-15 the Castle of Ajloun was enlarged by Aybak bin Abdullah, majordomo of the Caliph Al-Muazham Isa; in 1260 it fell to the Mongols, but was later rebuilt by the Egyptian Mamluks. No longer needed for military purposes, it was used as an administrative center responsible to Damascus.

Some of the stones with which the castle was built have crosses carved into them, giving credence to a tradition, recounted by a 13th century Arab historian that: "an ancient monastery once stood on the site, inhabited by a Christian named Ajloun; when the monastery fell into ruin, the castle took its place and the name of the monk".

The castle today is beautifully preserved and is a popular attraction for foreigners & Jordanians alike. The structures, towers, chambers, galleries and staircases that form part of the town as well as the beautiful scenery that surrounds the hills nearby will captivate you.

Jordan Map & Sites

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Jordan Map & Sites

A host of prophets graced Jordan by living in or traveling through Jordan, these include Nuh (Noah), Lut (Lot), El-Khedr (St. George), Ibrahim (Abraham), Ilyas (Elijah), Hud, Shu'ayb (Jethro), Yosha' (Joshua) his tomb near Salt, Musa (Moses) the site of his death on Mount Nebo, Harun (Aaron) his tomb in Petra, Dawud (David) his Shrine in Mazar Al-Shamali near Kerak, Sulayman (Solomon), Ayyub (Job), Yahya (John), Eesa (Jesus), and prophet Mohammad, Peace and blessing be upon them All.Jordan Map & Sites

Interactive Map of Jordan

Remembering His Late Majesty King Hussein of Jordan

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It’s been fourteen years since the passing of his late Majesty King Hussein of Jordan, and during these 14 years, there isn’t a day that goes buy where a Jordanian does not remember a great King, a father, a leader, and an inspirational world icon of peace. Today is a day where everyone remembers the late King. Today, the 14th of November would have marked the 77th birthday of his late majesty, and yet once cannot help but remember and pray.

The photo above dates back to August 11th, 1952, His Majesty King Hussein, accompanied by Jordanian Prime Minister Tawfiq Abul Huda, in the procession for the Accession to the Throne ceremony.

This beautiful smile can warm up the coldest and rainiest Jordanian winter day.

His Majesty delivering a speech from a car megaphone to crowds in Mafraq, Jordan, July, 1974.

Remember this beautiful photo of his Majesty? This timeless picture dates back to 1978 and was taken by Zohrab at the time.

The black and white photo above may not ring a bell to many people, but it shows how compassionate His late Majesty was. He remembered people, you didn’t have to be royalty to be remembered, loved, or check upon. You just had to have a distant memory with his Majesty and he would sure remember you. The photo was when King Hussein returns to visit his old school, Victoria College. He was happy to see that the school doorman was in good health and still working at his old job. This was taken in Alexandria, Egypt, September, 1988.

Look at the beauty in the photo of the above. King Hussein listens to a Bedouin woman with a smile, open arms, and welcoming gestures. Show me a world leader who is willing to take so much time out of their precious life to listen to those who are truly in need.

Photo by Zohrab.

A beautiful and touching photo. King Hussein places a tender kiss atop a young orphan’s forehead. He was a great father to all of us.

I am not sure of the date of this photo, I just love the angle of the shot, the Jordanian flags fluttering in the near background, the military uniforms, and most of all, His Majesty in official uniform while he reviews a guard of honor before addressing Parliament.

Photo By Allan

A great leader can do wonders. The photo above also by Allan, was taken back in 1997, when King Hussein was visiting Salt during a pre-election tour of the country to encourage Jordanians to vote.

His Late Majesty King Hussein of Jordan with His Majesty king Abduallah of Jordan.

Take the time to remember King Hussein every day, below is a video that breaks my heart, yet is worth sharing. The funeral of his Late Majesty on the 7th of Feb 1999. A day where the skies broke down into tears of rain mourning his Majesty, a day where most Jordanians where either out on the streets waving their goodbyes, or glued behind their TV screens crying their eyes out.

Allah Yerhamak! You are missed every single day .

10 things you can only do in Jordan

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Discover what makes Jordan a must go to place with this list of experiences you can have in Jordan.

1) Stroll through Petra’s Siq

One of the most elegant remains and visually stunning archaeological sites in the ancient world, hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, boast incomparable scenes that make it the most majestic and imposing ancient site still standing nowadays. Petra is amongst the Seven Wonders of the World.

Take a walk along the 1.5 KM-Long Siq and gaze upon the grandiose Treasury, an architectural marvel carved out of solid rock and standing over 40 meters high.

Discover more about Petra

2) Familiarize Yourself with the Roman Amphitheatre

Take a journey 2,000 years back in time with a visit to the ruins of this impressive amphitheatre.

Discover more about Ancient Roman

3) The Ancient Ruins in Jerash are Well-Worth a Visit

A variety of well-preserved and accessible set of ruins with a full-sized hippodrome, two theatres, and some Christian churches with great mosaics inside.

Discover more about Jerash

4) Pay a Visit to the Citadel in Amman

This archaeological landmark features remnants from various cultures.

Discover more about Amman

5) Float in the Dead Sea

Also called the Salt Lake is one of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the whole world. The Dead Sea is the only place in the world that combines it all; year-round moderate weather, an enriched oxygen atmosphere, therapeutic UVB solar radiation (the safest place to suntan), a mineral rich salt sea, world famous mineral black mud, thermo-mineral hot springs and world class spas. Simply put the best place in the world to pamper your body and soul and experience a world of serenity and awe.

Discover more about Dead Sea

6) See the Fascinating Map of the Holy Land

Also known as the “The city of Mosaics “ is an ancient town of Jordanian Plateau, which was resettled by Christian Arab tribes form the Karak region in 1880 AD. Madaba’s real masterpiece, in the Orthodox church of Saint George, is the 6th century AD mosaic map. Surrender your eyes to the fine detailed mosaic art of the church depicting Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

Discover more about Madaba

7) Visit the Site Where Jesus was Baptized

The baptism site at the Jordan River is one of the most important recent discoveries in biblical archeology. The area known as Wadi Kharar is believed to be where John the Baptist lived and Jesus Christ was baptized. It was here that Jesus first prayed to god and gathered his first disciples.

Discover more about Bethany Beyond

8) Enjoy a Dive Adventure in Aqaba

The sea in the Gulf of Aqaba is almost invariably calm with temperatures varying between 19/20 C in winter and 26 C in summer. All diving is shore based as Aqaba offers fringing reef which commences at the shoreline.

Discover more about Aqaba

9) Spend Some Time at a Holy Pilgrimage Site

The place where Moses viewed the Holy Land and is believed to have been buried. It is the most reserved holy site in Jordan and a place of pilgrimage for early Christians. Mount Nebo’s first church was built in the late fourth century to commemorate the end of Moses’ life. The church was subsequently expanded in the 5th and 6th centuries into the present day large basilica with its stunning collection of Byzantine mosaics. A site full of history and spirituality.

Discover more about Mount Nebo

10) Visit One of Jordan’s Nature Reserves

Dana Nature Reserve is compose of a chain of valleys and mountains where its visitors are awed by the beauty of Rummana Mountain, the mystery of the ancient archaeological ruins of Feynan, the timeless serenity of Dana Village, and the grandeur of the red and white sandstone cliffs of Wadi Dana.

Discover more about Dana

6 Reasons you should Visit Jordan

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There are thousands of reasons for you to visit Jordan the next time you plan on visiting a country. Earlier this evening, I was trying to figure out where I’d be travelling this year, and most of the time, I am more than happy engaging in conversations with the citizens of the cities I visit, learning more about them, their culture, and what makes their country so special to them. So virtually before I get the chance to retaliate and tell them about my Jordan in person.

[1] A peaceful haven in a troubled area

My heart goes out to all the countries in the region, and the messy revolutions and massacre’s that are taking place. Over and over, I thank God for the peace of Jordan. The piece of mind you have knowing you can walk down the street at night because there is a cop at every corner. I cherish my country because women can wear regular clothing without being harassed, and it is not considered off for a woman not to be wearing a hijab (head cover).

[2] The Lowest point of Earth

The surface of the Dead Sea is 423 metres below Sea Level! Yes, the lowest point on earth is in our country, a place which you can consider an open-air Spa as it has the highest level of Oxygen’s, lowest level of damage caused by the sun by sunbathing, and the minerals in the Dead Sea date back to usage for thousands of years. Only here can you wrap yourself in a natural mud that can relish your skin, and float in the sea while reading your favorite book or magazine.

[3] One of the 7 Wonders of the World

What makes the Rose City of Petra special, isn’t only the shades of Gold/Tan/Rose/Beige that reflect off the rock depending on the angle of the sun, it’s the fact that this entire city is pretty much carved into a mountain. Yes carved! No matter how much you read, you can never be prepared for that majestic glimpse that you catch as you walk down the narrow Siq, and catch an eye of the Rose City just before you finish your journey down the siq to admire the whole view.

[4] Get a glimpse of Rome in the heart of the Middle East

The Roman ruins left behind in Jordan are vast. You can almost hear the horses run around the city of Jerash like they thousands of years ago, where two theatres, and a few Christian churches with mosaics stood the test of time. You can also visit the Roman Amphitheatre and the citadel in the heart of the city after you stroll around local markets.

[5] Appreciate the Holy Land

Only in Jordan would you be able to appreciate the baptism site where Jesus Christ was baptized, be fascinated with the Orthodox church of Saint George which has a mosaic map that outlines Jerusalem and the Holy Land, and of course walk up to the place where Moses viewed the holy land on Mount Nebo.

[6] Act like The Lawrence of Arabia

Whether it’s enjoying a hospitable cup of tea with a Bedouin, gazing to an uninterrupted view of the shining stars or riding a camel through the Wadi Rum dessert! Hollywood gave the movie ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ a standing ovation when it was nominated for more than seven Oscars 50 years ago, and the beauty of the Jordanian dessert didn’t go unappreciated.

I could go on and on, but I’ll save that for another post, probably a Ammani post which tells you about the city that I live in and blurt out these Sleepless posts. Until then, be safe!

People of Ajloun

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The People - People of Ajloun

- The Ajloun area has a long history of human settlement, due to its Mediterranean climate, dense forests and fertile soil. This rich history is reflected in the many archaeological ruins scattered in the woodlands and surrounding villages. In the village of Tubna, the visitor will find a Zeidanian mosque and a meeting hall dating back to 1750 AD The visitor will also find a structure known as “Al’ali Shreidah”, home of the governor of the region before the establishment of modern Jordan. The governor’s home was much admired by the contemporaries due to the fast that it was the first two-level building in the region.

- The Ajloun Castle (Qal’at Ar-Rabad) built by Saladin’s nephew [1184 AD] is another important archeological landmark. The castle was built to control the iron mines of Ajloun, and to counter the progress of the Crusaders by dominating the three main routes leading to the Jordan valley and protecting the communication routes between Jordan and Syria.

- Settlement in Zubia Village/ Ajloun area dates back to the Byzantine period. There are also houses and stables dating back several hundred years. A spring located in a valley between Zubia and Tubna served as a major source of water for the surrounding settlements. Today, there are more than ten villages surrounding the Ajloun Reserve. Some villagers are involved in farming crops such as grapes, figs and olives while others work in the public sector. Ajloun area is famous for its olive trees and its assorted products.

- In General, the Jordanian population is almost entirely Arab except for pockets of people from Armenia, Chechnya, and a very small community of Circassians (the oldest indigenous people of North Caucasus). Although there are no accurate figures to date, it is estimated that up to 75 percent of the Jordanian population is Palestinian. The Palestinian people have been flooding into Jordan since the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, when they were either forced to leave their homes or subjected to such economic, cultural, and political hardship that they felt compelled to leave.

Armenian people

Chechnya people

Guard Royal Jordanian (Circassians )

- There are existing tensions between the Jordanians who inhabited the country before 1948 and the refugees and immigrants who have since settled. The former group are known as the “East Bankers” and the latter group known as “West Bankers.” Despite these tensions, the 2 communities are deeply inter-linked socially and economically. Many Palestinians living in Jordan refer to themselves as Jordanians, and it is hard to generalize about the loyalty and identity of the Palestinian population. In addition, there are 1 million foreign workers in the kingdom mainly from Egypt, Syria, and Iraq who perform menial, physical, and in some cases managerial jobs.

The History of Ajloun

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The History - Ajloun rich History

- The Ajloun area has a long history of human settlement, due to its Mediterranean climate, dense forests, and fertile soil. This rich history is reflected in the many archaeological ruins scattered in the woodlands and surrounding villages.

- In the village of Tubna, the visitor will find a Zeidani mosque and a meeting hall dating back to 1750 AD. The visitor will also find a structure known as “Al’ali Shreidah,” home of the governor of the region before the establishment of modern Jordan. The governor’s home was much admired by the contemporaries due to the fact that it was the first two-level building in the region.

- Settlement in Zubia Village – Ajloun Area dates back to the Byzantine period. There is an area in the village known as “the monastery,” which contains the remains of an old Byzantine church. There are also houses and stables dating back several hundred years. A spring located in a valley between Zubia and Tubna served as a major source of water for the surrounding settlements.

- Today, there are more than ten villages surrounding the Ajloun Reserve. Some villagers are involved in farming crops such as grapes, figs and olives while others work in the public sector. The Ajloun area is famous for its olive trees and its assorted products.

- Ajloun Castle, more formally known as Qal’at Ar-Rabad, is the major ancient monument within the Ajloun region. It towers above the green hills and can be seen from many miles away, betraying its strategic purpose as a military watch post that protected the trade routes in the 12th-15th centuries. It was first built in 1184 by one of Saladin’s generals, Izzeddin Usama Mungidh, to repel the Crusader threats to north Jordan (the Crusaders had already occupied south Jordan, from their massive castles at Showbak and Karak, and were driven out of TransJordan in 1188/1189). The Ajloun castle was expanded into its current configuration in 1214.

- The castle is one of the best preserved and most complete examples of Medieval Arab-Islamic military architecture. Among its main features are a surrounding dry moat, a drawbridge into the main entrance, the fortified entrance gate (with decorative stone pigeon carvings), a massive south tower, and several other towers on all sides. The castle boasts a labyrinth of vaulted passages, winding staircases, long ramps, enormous rooms that served as dining halls, dormitories, and stables, a total of 11 water cisterns, and the private quarters of the Lord of the Castle (complete with a small stone bathtub and rectangular windows that convert into arrow-slits for defensive purposes).

- From the top of the castle, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and the highlands of north Jordan. Excavations have recently identified a church that was built on the castle site in the earlier Byzantine period, while restoration and conservation works have made all areas of the castle accessible and safe for visitors.

The Nature of Ajloun

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The Nature - Nature at its best

- The large pine forest that stretches from Ajloun towards the north is a unique environmental resource, for it is the southernmost complete pine forest in the world. The area’s cool forests, beautiful picnic areas, and extensive walking trails attract visitors throughout the April-October season, especially from the Gulf and other warmer regions of the Middle East.

- The combination of the invigorating forests, clean air, cool summer temperatures, easy access from all northern Jordan, and a series of major antiquities sites make this a leading tourism destination, for both international and domestic tourists.

- The Ajloun Campsite is located at the edge of the forest in the reserve. It occupies a large grassy clearing, enclosed by oak, pistachio and strawberry trees, and offers beautiful views of the reserve and beyond. There are 10 four- person tented bungalows available and nearby showers and toilets. The Ajloun Campsite opens from the 1st of April till the 31st of October.

- The Ajloun Nature Reserve is located in the Ajloun highlands (North of Amman). It consists of Mediterranean-like hill country, dominated by open woodlands of oak and pistachio trees. The Reserve was first established in 1988 when a captive-breeding programme for the Roe Deer was initiated.

The Reserve (13 sq. km) is located in an area named Eshtafeena. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature has set up two hiking trails and provides a special area for camping.

- Ajloun’s woodlands consist mostly of oak trees, interspersed with pistachio, pine, carob, and wild strawberry trees. These trees have long been important to local people for their wood, scenic beauty and, very often, for medicine and food.

- The Roe Deer is adapted to forest habitat, and feeds on a variety of trees, shrubs and grasses. The rich Mediterranean-like forests that covered the Ajloun area provided an ideal habitat for millennia. However, deforestation and desertification over the past 200 years led to the decline in numbers of the Roe Deer. Three Roe Deer were introduced to the captive breeding enclosure in Ajloun in 1988, from a similar habitat in Turkey, and their numbers are now increasing.

- The Persian Fallow Deer is another species that was once common in Jordan. This animal probably became extinct by the turn of the century although measures are in place to ensure their return to the local countryside. This species of deer derives its name from the old English word “falu,” meaning “brownish-yellow,” which describes the colour of its coat.

The Attractions of Ajloun

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The Attractions - where to go

- 73 km north of Amman, and a short journey northwest from Jerash, through a beautiful pine-forest and olive groves, brings you to the town of Ajloun, where Hadrian stayed over the winter of 129-30 AD, and built himself an arch well outside the town, leaving unbonded its sides for future city walls to come out to meet it.

- Here you will find the Castle of Ajloun or Qalaat Errabadh (Arabic for “Hilltop Castle”), from which there is a splendid view westwards into the Jordan Valley. It looks like a Crusader fortress, but it was built by Muslims in 1184-85 as a military fort and buffer to protect the region from invading Crusader forces. It was built on the orders of the local governor, Ezz Eddin Osama bin Munqethe, a nephew of the Ayyubid leader Salahuddin Al-Ayyoubi (Saladin), as a direct retort to the new Latin castle of Belvoir (Kawkab El-Hawa) on the opposite side of the valley between the Tiberias and Besan, and as a base to develop and control the iron mines of Ajloun.

- This superb example of Arab and Islamic architecture was built as a rectangle with four square towers and an entrance on the south side dominating a wide stretch of the north Jordan Valley and passages to it. From its hilltop position, the Castle of Ajloun protected the communication routes between south Jordan and Syria, and was one of a chain of forts, which lit beacons at night to pass signals from the Euphrates as far as Cairo.

- Ajloun Castle GateTwo years after it was completed the fortress’s original purpose had already been outlived, for Salahuddin defeated the Crusaders at the battle of the Horns of Hattin in 1189, which marked the beginning of the end of their occupation of the Holy Land.

- In 1214-15 the Castle of Ajloun was enlarged by Aybak bin Abdullah, majordomo of the Caliph Al-Muazham Isa; in 1260 it fell to the Mongols, but was later rebuilt by the Egyptian Mamluks. No longer needed for military purposes, it was used as an administrative center responsible to Damascus.

- Some of the stones with which the castle was built have crosses carved into them, giving credence to a tradition, recounted by a 13th century Arab historian that: “an ancient monastery once stood on the site, inhabited by a Christian named Ajloun; when the monastery fell into ruin, the castle took its place and the name of the monk”.

- The castle today is beautifully preserved and is a popular attraction for foreigners & Jordanians alike. The structures, towers, chambers, galleries and staircases that form part of the town as well as the beautiful scenery that surrounds the hills nearby will captivate you.

Discovering Jordan's lost city with Bedouins who look just like Johnny Depp

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Discovering Jordan's lost city with Bedouins who look just like Johnny Depp

Of all the marvels told about the ‘red-rose city half as old as time’ two points remain largely neglected.

One is just how enormous this ancient site is: covering 60-square-miles, it is the same size as the country Liechtenstein, and 60-times the size of Hyde Park.

The second is that the Bedouins - who today hold the reins of the ruined city – walk, talk and look uncannily similar to Johnny Depp in his Jack Sparrow guise.

Pirates of Jordan: Some of the Bedouins bore a very strange likeness to hearthrob Johnny Depp

Built three millennia ago by a nomadic Arabian tribe called the Nabateans, Petra was originally a tax collection point. Its giant rock-cut monuments were built with taxpayers money – and given their size and quantity, the taxes can’t have been very low.

It then passed from the Romans, who conquered the city at the turn of the second century (the Latin ‘petra’ means rock), to the Byzantines, who took control in the fourth century.

Subsequent changes to trade routes, and a severe earthquake in 551 AD, resulted in the majestic city falling out of favour.

No longer the focal point of any civilization, it was not until 200 years ago - in 1812 - that the ancient ruins were rediscovered by Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer only 27 years of age.

Cobbled together: The city was built using taxes from merchants passing through

Bethany

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Don't miss Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist!

"The cure for anything is Dead Sea

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"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea."- Isaki Dinesen

Camel in Wadi Rum

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Camel in Wadi Rum

Allow Jamal the Camel to win your heart over with his wit, charm and wonky smile. :D

Thumbs up for camels all around the desert playing it cool!

King Abdullah I

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King Abdullah I bin al-Hussein, King of Jordan [‘Abd Allāh ibn al-Husayn] (February 1882 – 20 July 1951) (Arabic) عبد الله الأول بن الحسين

born in Mecca, Hejaz, Ottoman Empire, (in modern-day Saudi Arabia) was the second of three sons of Sherif Hussein bin Ali, Sharif and Emir of Mecca and his first wife Abdiyya bint Abdullah (d. 1886).

He was educated in Istanbul, Turkey and Hijaz. From 1909 to 1914, Abdullah sat in the Ottoman legislature, as deputy for Mecca, but allied with Britain during World War I. Between 1916 to 1918, working with the British guerrilla leader T. E. Lawrence, he played a key role as architect and planner of the Great Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule, leading guerrilla raids on garrisons. He was the ruler of Transjordan and its successor state, Jordan, from 1921 to 1951—first as Emir under a British Mandate from 1921 to 1946, then as King of an independent nation from 1946 until his assassination.

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Emir of Transjordan

Reign:- 1 April 1921 – 25 May 1946

Predecessor :- None

Successor:- Self as King of Jordan

King of Jordan

Reign:- 25 May 1946 – 20 July 1951

Predecessor:- Self as Emir of Transjordan

Successor:- Talal I

Consort

Junior wives:-

Musbah bint Nasser

Suzdil Khanum

Nahda bint Uman

Issue

Princess Haya

Talal I

Prince Naif

Princess Munira

Princess Maqbula

Father:- Hussein bin Ali, Sharif of Mecca

Mother:- Abdiya bint Abdullah

Born:- February 1882

Mecca, Ottoman Empire

Died:- 20 July 1951 (aged 69)

Al Aqsa Mosque Jerusalem

Burial:- Raghadan Palace

Religion:- Sunni Islam

Marriages and children:-

Abdullah had married three times.

In 1904, Abdullah married his first wife Musbah bint Nasser (1884 – 15 March 1961) at Stinia Palace, Istanbul, Turkey. She was a daughter of Emir Nasser Pasha and his wife Dilber Khanum. They had three children:

1- HRH Princess Haya (1907–1990). Married Abdul-Karim Ja'afar Zeid Dhaoui.

2- HM Talal I (26 February 1909 – 7 July 1972).

3- HRH Princess Munira (1915–1987). Never married.

In 1913, Abdullah married his second wife Suzdil Khanum (d. 16 August 1968), at Istanbul, Turkey. They had two children:

1- HE Damat HRH Prince Nayef bin Abdullah Beyefendi (Ta’if, 14 November 1914 – Amman, 12 October 1983). A Colonel of the Royal Jordanian Land Force. Regent for his older half-brother Talal from 20 July to 3 September 1951). Married in Cairo or Amman on 7 October 1940 HIH Princess Mihrimâh Selcuk Sultan (11 November 1922 – Amman, March 2000 and buried Istanbul, 2 April 2000), daughter of HIH Prince Şehzade Mehmed Ziyaeddin Efendi (Ortaköy, Ortaköy Palace, 26 August 1873 – Alexandria, 30 January 1938) and fifth wife (m. 10 February 1923) HH Neshemend Hanım Efendi (1905 – Alexandria, 1 February 1934 and buried in Cairo), and paternal granddaughter of Mehmed V by first wife. Father of:

HRH Prince and HH Prince Sultanzade Asem bin Al Nayef Beyefendi (b. 27 April 1948), married firstly Firouzeh Vokhshouri and had three daughters. married secondly Princess Sana Asem and they have two daughters and a son.

2- HRH Princess Maqbula (6 February 1921 – 1 January 2001). Married Hussein bin Nasser, Prime Minister of Jordan (terms 1963–1964, 1967).

In 1949, Abdullah married his third wife Nahda bint Uman, a lady from Sudan, in Amman. They had no children.

Library of Congress caption : "Admiral de Roebeck (left), Emir Abdullah of Transjordan, and a British naval officer on board the H.M.S. Iron Duke".

Date :1921.

The new era in Palestine. The arrival at the 1920 Cairo Conference of Sir Herbert Samuel, H.B.M. high commissioner, etc. Col. Lawrence, Emir Abdullah, Air Marshal Sir Geoffrey Salmond and Sir Wyndham Deedes.

Date :1920.

On the Aerodrome at Amman: T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia, 1888-1935), Sir Herbert Samuel (1870-1963), and Emir Abdullah (Abdullah I of Jordan, 1882-1951). Hand-colored photographic print. LOC note: "Photograph also shows a woman, possibly Gertrude Bell, at left and Sheik Majid Pasha el Adwan at far right."

Date: April 1921

Mr. and Mrs. Winston Churchill at Government House reception on March 28th 1921, Jerusalem with Emir Abdullah of Transjordan and Sir Herbert Samuel on steps at left of Churchill. Churchill, Lawrence & the Emir Abdullah.

Date: 28 March 1921

King Abdullah of Transjordan outside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, 29 May 1948.

Date :1952

King Abdullah, in white, leaving the Al Aqsa mosque a few weeks before his assassination.

Date: 1951

King Abdullah I of Jordan with Glubb Pasha, the day before the King was assassinated.

Date 1951

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first president of the Republic of Turkey with Abdullah I of Jordan.

Date : Photograph dates from early 1937

'Coronation' of King Abdullah in Amman. (right to left) King Abdullah, Emir Abdul Illah (Regent of Iraq), and Emir Naif (King Abdullah's youngest son

Date : 25 May 1946

Postage stamp, Transjordan, 1930: King Abdullah I.

From left to right: Syrian Prime Minister Fares al-Khury, Saudi Crown Prince Saud Ibn Abdul-Aziz, Iraqi Crown Prince Abdul-Illah, President Shukri al-Quwatli, King Farouk of Egypt, King Abdullah of Jordan, President Bshara al-Khury of Lebanon, and Imam Yehya of Yemen.

Photo Gallery

Amman & Danna 4 Days / 3 Nights

2012-07-12T04:23:00.000-07:00

Amman & Danna

4 Days / 3 Nights

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-Day1: Arrival at Queen Alia Airport Meet & assist - transfer to hotel in Amman for dinner and

O/N.

-Day 2: Amman – Madaba – Nebo - Dead Sea Spa Hotel

(Swimming & lunch) – Continue to Dana – O/N Camping in Danna.

-Day 3: Full day visit of Dana back to Amman (optional evening city tour with dinner) - transfer to Hotel O/N.

-Day 4: from the hotel transfer to Queen Alia Airport for departure.

#INCLUDING :

- Meet and assist per arrival and departure.

- 3 Nights accommodation at H/B Basis.

- Guide (with the group language) as per program.

- All transfers by A/C as per program.

- All Entrance fees as per program.

- Swimming & Lunch in Dead Sea Spa Hotel

- Collective group visa.

- Departure tax

#EXCLUDING

- All kind of tips.

- Any Extra.

- Drinks are not including.

- optional city tour with dinner

Classic Jordan Tour

2012-07-12T03:59:00.002-07:00

Classic Jordan Tour

Day 1: Arrival at QAIA – meets and assists by the tour guide and transfer to Hotel – O/N.

Day 2: Amman - Desert Castles – Amman.

Morning sightseeing tour of the Jordanian capital – Amman, then drive to the desert castles, back to Amman – overnight

Day 3: Amman-Umm Qais – Jerash –Amman.

In the morning drive to Umm Qais, then continue to the Roman garrison town of Jerash, back to Amman – overnight

Day 4: Amman - Madaba - Mount Nebo - Dead Sea - Kerak – Petra.

From Amman heading to the mosaics of Madaba and Mount Nebo, stop by the Dead Sea to enjoy being in the lowest point on the earth, later continue on the kings' Highway via the Crusader fortress of Kerak till in the evening we reach Petra - Overnight

Day 5: the Rock city of Petra.

Full day exploring the city of Petra – Overnight

Day 6: Petra - Wadi Rum – Aqaba.

You go up to desert valley of Petra, Wadi Rum to discover the road of "Lawrence of Arabian" before continuing to Aqaba – for the next overnight

Day 7: Aqaba (Red Sea) – Amman.

Free Day in Aqaba – early evening drive to Amman – overnight

Day 8: Amman – Departure.
Transfer from hotel to airport for departure.

Above rates including:

- 7 days tour in Jordan in good middle class hotels, including half-board
- meet and assist upon arrival and departure

- Trips / tours / entrance fees according to program
- All transfers & round trip travel in modern, air-conditioned
- Departure taxes, visa fees for group collective visa

Exclusive services content is not:

- Tips
- optional excursions, (Camel or jeep safari tour in Wadi Rum)

Classic Jordan Tour

2012-07-12T03:46:00.000-07:00

Classic Jordan Tour

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Day 1: Arrival in Amman.

Meet and assist by our representative (tour guide) - transfer to Hotel – O/N

Day 2: Amman – Petra. In the morning you drive south to explore the famous rock city of Petra, the city of the Nabataea's. Whole day visit of Petra – O/N in Petra.

Day 3: Petra - Wadi Rum – Amman.

From Petra drive to Wadi Rum, the beautiful desert landscape surrounded by mountains. If desired, you can participate in Wadi Rum on a jeep safari tour for couple of hours to explore the desert - Return to Amman – O/N

Day 4: Amman - Desert Castles – Amman. Start our tour of knowledge for the Jordanian capital, Amman. Afternoon drive to the desert castles, visiting the Umayyad desert castles from the 8th Century in the open desert. The Palace of Kharrane will impress you, as it is rising alone in the desert, more, the visit of the original Roman fortress Azraq. Later return to Amman – O/N
Day 5: Amman - Jerash – Um Qais – Amman.
Drive north to Jerash. The Roman provincial town is one of the best preserved late Roman sites in the Middle East. Their standing and richly decorated with marble and granite buildings are still stock. Then visit the majestically on a rocky outcrop lying around in Um Qais. Return to Amman – O/N

Day 6: Amman - Madaba - Mount Nebo - Baptism - Dead Sea – Amman. Drive to the small city of Madaba. Here where you can see the famous mosaic map of Palestine and many other mosaics in the St. George church. Continuing to Mount Nebo, you will see the Byzantine Church Siyagha with a beautiful mosaic in the baptistery. Last we get to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth 400 meters below sea level. Where you will have time for swimming or just enjoy the incredible experience of this very salty water as well you can rub your body with the healthy Dead Sea mud. Return to Amman – O/N

Day 7: Amman.

From the hotel transfer to the airport for the departure

AQABA TOUR 8 Days / 7 Nights

2012-07-12T03:04:00.000-07:00

AQABA TOUR

8 Days / 7 Nights

Day1: Arrival Queen Alia Airport - meets and assists transfer to Amman - O/N Hotel

Day2: Amman - Madaba - Nebo - Petra - O/N Petra.

Day3: full day visit of Petra - Transfer to Aqaba O/N Aqaba.

Day4: Free day in Aqaba for diving O/N Aqaba.

Day5: Free day in Aqaba for diving O/N Aqaba.

Day6: Aqaba - Full day excursion to Wadi Rum (optional 4X4 Jeep safari) back to Aqaba – O/N.

Day7: Free day for swimming and relaxing on the beach of Aqaba - O/N Aqaba.

Day8: Aqaba – transfer to Aqaba Airport for Departure.

Aqaba Dive Center:

32 $ P/dive include full diving gear, transport, professional D/M or instructor.

26 $ include only tank & weight, transport,

professional D/M or instructor.

*HOTELS NAMES or SIMILAR*
CITY	Hotel Cat. 3*	Hotel Cat. 4*	Hotel Cat. 5*
AMMAN	Commodore Larsa Toledo	Geneva Arena Space Days Inn	Marriott Hotel Intercontinental Radisson SAS
PETRA	Amra palace Sella Edom	Golden Tulip Petra Panorama Grand View	Marriott Hotel MovenPick Beat Zaman
AQABA	Aqua marina Aqaba Gulf	Days Inn Marina Plaza	Marriott Hotel MovenPick
WADI RUM	Camping Jabal Rum	Camping Jabal Rum	Camping Jabal Rum

INCLUDING:

- 1 night in Amman on H.B.

- 1 Night in Petra on H.B.

- 5 Nights in Aqaba on H.B.

- Meet and assist upon arrival and departure.

- Entrance fees.

- All transfer by A/C coach for all programs.

- Guide for 4 days.

EXCLUDING:-

All tips.

-Any Extras that are not mentioned in the program above (such as optional meals).

-Personal Expenses

-Jeep safari tour in Wadi Rum.

-Diving In Aqaba.

-Entrance fees to Petra & horse riding.

Mamluke Keep

2012-03-31T02:12:00.000-07:00

Mamluke Keep

Karak, Jordan

Built in the early 14th century, the Mamluke Keep is located at the south end of Karak; it is seen here from the north, where the rest of the castle is located.

Vaulted Tunnel

2012-03-31T02:10:00.000-07:00

Vaulted Tunnel

Karak, Jordan

A vaulted passage within the castle is shown here. Although surrounded by massive rock, the tunnel is relatively large, well-lit, and airy.

Roman Oil Lamp

2012-03-31T02:08:00.000-07:00

Roman Oil Lamp

Karak, Jordan

A small museum displays various objects found in the vicinity, including this bronze Roman oil lamp. Usually described as a duck, the shape of the beak and length of the neck seem more like a swan. Two small children, one on either side, are folded within the bird's wing. Of each child, only the head and one arm are visible. The lamp depicts Castor and Pollux (or perhaps, Helen and Pollux), whose father, Zeus, took the form of a swan to impregnate their mother Leda.

Entrance to Vaulted Passage

2012-03-31T02:04:00.000-07:00

Entrance to Vaulted Passage

North Wall, Karak, Jordan

A vaulted passageway leads from the north wall into the castle. The Crusaders built strong but hastily, incorporating material from older structures willy-nilly into the castle. It's possible to find Corinthian capitals, Byzantine lintels, and even Nabataean torsos incorporated here and there into the walls.