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• The Latin kingdom and Muslim domination
• Transjordan, the Hashemite Kingdom, and the Palestine war
• Securing the throne, 1953 to c. 1960
• The PLO and the June 1967 war
• From 1967 to civil war
• From 1973 to the intifada
• Renouncing claims to the West Bank
• From the Persian Gulf War to peace with Israel
• Hussein’s last years and the ascent of Abdullah II
• Early policies
• Arab Spring and reform
• Continued reform and austerity

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• globalEDGE - Jordan: Introduction
• Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Jordan
• Official Tourism Site of Jordan
• GlobalSecurity.org - Jordan
• Jordan - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• Jordan - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
• Table Of Contents

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Jordan , Arab country of Southwest Asia , in the rocky desert of the northern Arabian Peninsula .

Jordan is a young state that occupies an ancient land, one that bears the traces of many civilizations. Separated from ancient Palestine by the Jordan River , the region played a prominent role in biblical history. The ancient biblical kingdoms of Moab , Gilead , and Edom lie within its borders, as does the famed red stone city of Petra , the capital of the Nabatean kingdom and of the Roman province of Arabia Petraea. British traveler Gertrude Bell said of Petra, “It is like a fairy tale city, all pink and wonderful.” Part of the Ottoman Empire until 1918 and later a mandate of the United Kingdom, Jordan has been an independent kingdom since 1946. It is among the most politically liberal countries of the Arab world, and, although it shares in the troubles affecting the region, its rulers have expressed a commitment to maintaining peace and stability .

The capital and largest city in the country is Amman —named for the Ammonites , who made the city their capital in the 13th century bce . Amman was later a great city of Middle Eastern antiquity, Philadelphia, of the Roman Decapolis , and now serves as one of the region’s principal commercial and transportation centres as well as one of the Arab world’s major cultural capitals.

Slightly smaller in area than the country of Portugal, Jordan is bounded to the north by Syria , to the east by Iraq , to the southeast and south by Saudi Arabia , and to the west by Israel and the West Bank . The West Bank area (so named because it lies just west of the Jordan River) was under Jordanian rule from 1948 to 1967, but in 1988 Jordan renounced its claims to the area. Jordan has 16 miles (26 km) of coastline on the Gulf of Aqaba in the southwest, where Al-ʿAqabah , its only port, is located.

Jordan has three major physiographic regions (from east to west): the desert, the uplands east of the Jordan River, and the Jordan Valley (the northwest portion of the great East African Rift System ).

The desert region is mostly within the Syrian Desert —an extension of the Arabian Desert —and occupies the eastern and southern parts of the country, comprising more than four-fifths of its territory. The desert’s northern part is composed of volcanic lava and basalt, and its southern part of outcrops of sandstone and granite. The landscape is much eroded, primarily by wind. The uplands east of the Jordan River, an escarpment overlooking the rift valley, have an average elevation of 2,000–3,000 feet (600–900 metres) and rise to about 5,755 feet (1,754 metres) at Mount Ramm, Jordan’s highest point, in the south. Outcrops of sandstone, chalk, limestone, and flint extend to the extreme south, where igneous rocks predominate.

The Jordan Valley drops to about 1,410 feet (430 metres) below sea level at the Dead Sea , the lowest natural point on Earth’s surface.

The Jordan River , approximately 186 miles (300 km) in length, meanders south, draining the waters of Lake Tiberias (better known as the Sea of Galilee), the Yarmūk River , and the valley streams of both plateaus into the Dead Sea, which occupies the central area of the valley. The soil of its lower reaches is highly saline, and the shores of the Dead Sea consist of salt marshes that do not support vegetation. To its south, Wadi al-ʿArabah (also called Wadi al-Jayb), a completely desolate region, is thought to contain mineral resources.

In the northern uplands several valleys containing perennial streams run west; around Al-Karak they flow west, east, and north; south of Al-Karak intermittent valley streams run east toward Al-Jafr Depression.

The country’s best soils are found in the Jordan Valley and in the area southeast of the Dead Sea. The topsoil in both regions consists of alluvium—deposited by the Jordan River and washed from the uplands, respectively—with the soil in the valley generally being deposited in fans spread over various grades of marl.

• The Culture Of Jordan

The Middle Eastern Arab country of Jordan is located on the Jordan River’s East Bank. Due to its location at the crossroads of the three continents of Europe , Asia , and Africa , the country’s culture is influenced by Arabic, Islamic, and Western elements.

6. Ethnicity, Language, and Religion in Jordan

Jordan is home to a population of around 10,458,413 individuals. Ethnic Jordanians comprise 69.3% of the population of the country. Other ethnic groups of Jordan include Syrian, Palestinian, Egyptian, Iraqi, and others. Arabic is the official language and is spoken by most of the population. English is spoken widely among the upper and middle classes of Jordan. Islam is the official and largest religion in the country comprising 97.2% of the population. Christians account for 2.2% of the population.

5. Cuisine of Jordan

Jordanian cuisine has developed over many centuries. Baking, grilling, roasting, sautéeing, etc., are some of the many techniques used in the cuisine. A wide variety of meat like beef, lamb, goat, and poultry are consumed. Carrots, greens, and eggplants are the most commonly eaten vegetables. Olive oil is an important ingredient and most cooking is done using this oil. Lemon, garlic, herbs, tomato sauce, etc., are used to flavor the Jordanian dishes. Yogurt is often used as an accompaniment or an ingredient of a dish. Mansaf (lamb cooked in fermented yogurt, and served with rice or bulgur) is Jordan’s national dish. The zarb is another traditional dish consisting of rice served with slow cooked lamb prepared in a taboon (a submerged oven). Hummus and falafel are also eaten. Baklava, halva, knafeh, etc., are some popular desserts. Turkish coffee and tea flavored with sage and mint are everyday drinks. Arabic coffee is offered on more formal occasions.

4. Literature and the Arts in Jordan

The Jordanian literature is a part of the larger wealth of Arabic literature. Historically, much of Jordan's literature has been oral in nature. Poetry was an important part of this literature since ancient times. Even today, the Bedouin community of the country continues to use poetry as a form of entertainment or for praising or criticizing their leaders. Poetry is either recited or sung. A one-stringed violin-like instrument called the rabab is played to produce music to accompany the singing of poetic verses. Contemporary Arabic literature began in the second half of the 19th century. Cairo and Beirut became the major hubs of the evolution of such literature, and it soon spread to Jordan. It included the writing of novels and short stories that replaced the more classical literary formats.

Like literature, art in Jordan also has an ancient history. Some notable fields of Jordanian art and craft work include mosaics, silver work, glass-blowing, ceramics, weaving, and calligraphy.

3. Performance Arts in Jordan

Jordan has a long history of traditional music. Poetry recited to the tunes of various traditional instruments like the tablah, oud, rabab, mijwiz, etc., have been an integral component of the country’s culture for centuries. Recently, however, Western music has had a significant influence on the Jordanian performing arts scene. The number of Jordanian pop stars and DJs have also risen considerably. Rum is a highly successful, internationally famous musical group from the country. It plays rearranged Jordanian folklore, songs, and instrumentals.

The dabke is one of Jordan's most popular traditional dances. Here, dancers gather together to form a circle. They place their arms over the shoulders of the neighboring dancers and then move around in a circle, and kicking and stomping their feet to the tune of music. Mizmar (a reed instrument), tabl (drum), and ney (flute) are some of the musical instruments used to produce the dabke dance music. In more recent times, Western dance styles have also influenced the performance art scene in Jordan. Ballroom and ballet dance studios have opened up in major cities like the national capital , Amman.

2. Sports in Jordan

Sports are an important part of the Jordanian culture. The people of the country engage in a wide variety of sports including tennis, basketball, cycling, diving, swimming, equestrian games, etc. Football (soccer) is the nation’s most popular sport. The Jordan League attracts a large number of spectators every season. Rugby is also gaining a lot of attention in recent years. Four Jordanian clubs already play the game.

1. Life in the Jordanian Society

The society in Jordan is patriarchal in nature. Islamic beliefs guide the way of life. Women are expected to obey their fathers, brothers, and husbands at different stages of their life. The process of educating women began only recently in the country. Very few women work outside the home. The free mixing of members of the opposite gender is strictly restricted. Unless married or related, men and women are not allowed to be together in all public situations. Women are expected to cover their heads with scarves. Some also cover their faces with a veil.

Getting married and having children are often the top priorities of life in Jordan. Marriages are mostly arranged and are often between cousins. Extended households are common in Jordan. The bride moves in to stay with the groom and his family after marriage. Polygamy is practiced by many men in Jordan. If divorces occur, the men have the right to keep the children. Divorced women are often regarded as outcasts. Hence, divorce is not a common practice in the country. Inheritance is guided by Islamic laws. Male children are highly prized.

Over 60% of Jordan’s population lives in the Amman Metropolitan area. The metropolis has a thriving Jordanian pop culture that is heavily influenced by “Western” music, movies, and fashion. Partying and clubbing are an integral part of the culture of this city. Hotels, malls, and stores selling Western brands are common in Amman.

The Jordanians are known to be great hosts. Even on the streets of the country, one can often hear the greeting of "ahlan wa sahlan" ("I welcome you”). One of the traditions in the culture is to welcome a guest by sharing a cup of coffee together. The host takes the first sip of the coffee to ensure it is perfect and then the guest has the rest. The guest is also offered food and a resting place at home.

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The culture of Jordan: The ins and outs of travelling here

Jordanian culture is warm and welcoming, and it’s one of the main reasons why it’s such a popular destination. here’s what to know about the country’s etiquette and traditions..

While Jordan is one of the most progressive countries in the Middle East, it is still a place of deep-rooted traditions, so it’s essential for travellers to understand and respect Arab and Muslim etiquette. Jordan culture and traditions may be more relaxed than they are in surrounding countries, but locals still frown upon immodest dress, public displays of affection, and a lack of respect for tradition. Some etiquette tips may be easy to intuit based on your surroundings, and small group tour guides explain customs and show you how to do as the locals do.

Dress Code in Jordan

Jordan does not have a specific dress code, but it’s best for travellers – regardless of their gender – to dress modestly. Avoid wearing form-fitting or revealing clothing. While Jordanian culture doesn’t require you to always wear long pants and tops, consider longer, loosely fitting shorts and shirts that cover your shoulders and upper arms instead of tight or high-cut gym shorts and tank tops. Men and women should cover their shoulders and knees, particularly in smaller towns and rural villages.

Women are not required to cover their heads. Areas that receive lots of tourists, such as Amman, Petra, and the Dead Sea, are a bit more relaxed, but it’s best not to wear tight leggings, low-cut shirts, crop tops, short skirts, and see-through fabrics. Swimsuits can be worn at beaches and resort pools, but leave the bikini at home.

If you’re on the fence about whether an outfit is appropriate, err on the side of caution and don’t pack it. Ask tour guides for their opinion if you aren’t sure.

LGBTQ+ Travel in Jordan

Homosexuality is legal in Jordan, but same-sex marriages are not, even if a couple is legally married in their home country. Public displays of affection are frowned upon in Jordan (even for heterosexual couples), but it’s best for LGBTQ+ travellers in particular to be discreet to avoid attracting unwanted attention and social disapproval.

Photography in Jordan

Taking a picture of someone without their consent is rude anywhere, but in Jordan, it is considered a highly disrespectful invasion of privacy, particularly for women. This is especially true with Bedouin women, who rarely consent to being photographed. Though you may be permitted to photograph their hands (after requesting permission first), it is never acceptable to take a picture of a Bedouin woman’s face without her agreement.

Shopping and Haggling in Jordan

Jewellery, carpets, handmade dishes, hand-embroidered textiles, and other crafts (some of which are imported) are widely available around Jordan, particularly in heavily visited areas like Petra. Here, you’ll surely see scores of vendors vying for your attention, and some are quite persistent.

Haggling is welcome in Jordan, particularly if you’re purchasing several items from the same vendor or making a more expensive purchase, such as a rug, but it’s rude to start a haggling session if you’re not serious about buying.

Eating and Drinking in Jordan

Food and drink are a huge part of Jordan's history and culture, and no trip is complete without sampling the country’s best dishes. Sit down for Bedouin tea and coffee rituals and try traditional meals of mansaf (lamb cooked in yoghurt sauce) and maqluba, a huge pot of rice turned upside down just before it’s served.

In tribal Bedouin culture, showing hospitality to guests is of the utmost importance, and preparing fresh coffee brewed with cardamom is often part of this tradition. Coffee is served to the guest of honour first, and his reaction (and whether he comments negatively about it or declines to drink it entirely) determines whether a conflict is resolved or just getting started. Even if you’re not a fan of coffee, it’s polite to consume the drink when it’s offered. If you’re visiting the country on a small group tour, you can count on your guide to share more about Jordan’s famous coffee culture.

Fabulous food can be found across the entire country, but visitors to Wadi Rum can learn more about ancient Jordanian culture by feasting on a traditionally prepared meal in the desert. Gather together with your hosts for a hearty meal of vegetables and meat cooked in an underground oven. Not only is the spectacle of your hosts unearthing and serving the food a photo-worthy occasion, but the delicious meal is also usually accompanied by other Jordanian staples like hummus, baba ganoush, yoghurt, and various salads.

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JORDAN’S CULTURE

Jordan’s culture is a pleasant jumble of old and new, and  Amman, the capital, has rapidly become one of the most sophisticated cities in the Middle East.

The majority of Jordanians are either of Bedouin or Palestinian origins; however, various minorities from neighbouring countries can be found. This is because Jordan historically has been a safe destination for refugees fleeing conflicts in the region. It has been calculated that one in every three persons in Jordan has a refugee background. The diversity of communities and ethnic groups adds to the already rich Jordanian heritage by bringing new recipes, arts, and traditions. In Amman, it is possible to enjoy among the most authentic dishes from Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Yemen, and Egypt. You can also attend concerts of musicians from all over the Middle East and the world. The integration of other Middle Eastern nationalities in Jordan is also facilitated by the language. While Jordan’s colloquial language is amiya , a dialect spoken in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine, the written language, is classical Arabic, or fussha , a standardized language that is taught in every Middle Eastern country. English is also widely used in commerce, government and taught at public and private schools.

The strong connection that Jordanians have with religion is an interesting cultural aspect. Jordan is a majority Muslim country. Around 5% of the population practice Christianity. Christians in Jordan are exceptionally well integrated into Jordanian society and Jordanian Christian communities resemble Muslim communities in many aspects. For instance, like Muslim communities, Christian communities are organized in tribes placing strong importance on the extended family system.

A core aspect of Jordanian culture is hospitality. The societal rule of taking care of the guest originates in Bedouin tradition and is deeply embedded in Jordanian society and customs. Every Jordanian has a natural predisposition to being kind and hospitable toward visitors, earning Jordan special recognition in the hospitality sector. Along with the value of hospitality and generosity, Jordan has also surprisingly managed to preserve its cultural identity despite the influence of globalization. Some people outside of Amman still wear traditional clothing. The traditional outfit typically worn by men is made of a one-piece full-length dress, called a “Dishdashah” or “Thoub”, a white cap called “Thagiyah” and a scarf-like headcover. The women’s national custom is a handmade full-length black dress embroidered with patterns in red.

Beyond the rich traditional culture, new forms of music and arts are constantly growing-encouraged by the younger generations’ need for a place to vent frustrations and concerns over the socio-political situation of the region, and a desire to create their identity between the traditional values and modern ones. The paintings, sculptures, graffiti and photography found in the streets and numerous galleries and cafes of Amman are all representations of Jordan’s artistic movements.

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History & Culture

There is no mistaking the fact that Jordan is a Kingdom steeped in history and culture. 

From the moment you arrive, you get a sense of its rich heritage; all around are remnants of ancient civilizations long since passed, yet they still remain, stamped into the very fabric of this amazing Kingdom and etched into the soul of the people who live here.

Historical Sites

Umm al Jimal

The ancient city of Petra is one of Jordan's national treasures and by far its best known tourist attraction. Located approximately three hours south of Amman, Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that enchants visitors from all corners of the globe. Much of Petra's appeal comes from its spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge. The site is accessed by walking through a kilometre long chasm (or Siq), the walls of which soar 200m upwards.

A sprawling city spread over 19 hills, Amman is the modern - as well as the ancient - capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Known as Rabbath-Ammon during the Iron Age and later as Philadelphia, the ancient city that was once part of the Decapolis league, now boasts a population of around 4 million people. Amman, often referred to as the white city due to its low size canvas of stone houses, offers a variety of historical sites. There are a number of renovations and excavations taking place that have revealed remains from the Neolithic period, as well as from the Hellenistic and late Roman to Arab Islamic Ages. The site which is known as the Citadel includes many structures, such as the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace and the Byzantine Church. At the foot of the Citadel lies the 6,000 seat Roman Theatre, which is a deep-sided bowl carved into the hill and is still being used for cultural events. Another newly restored theatre is the 500-seat Odeon that is used for concerts. The three museums found in the area offer a glimpse of history and culture; they are the Jordan Archaeological Museum, The Folklore Museum and the Museum of Popular Traditions.

Umm al Jimal is considered an Arabian Oasis for the desert caravans. It is 86km away from the capital, Amman, and it is well known as "the Black Oasis", as it contains a large number of black volcanic rocks. History of this city goes back to the Romanian Byzantine Age. 

The trip south from Amman along the 5,000-year-old Kings Highway is one of the most memorable journeys in the Holy Land, passing through a string of ancient sites. The first city to encounter is Madaba, "the City of Mosaics." The city, best known for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, is home to the famous 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. With two million pieces of colored stone, the map depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta. Other mosaic masterpieces found in the Church of the Virgin and the Apostles and the Archaeological Museum, depict a rampant profusion of flowers and plants, birds and fish, animals and exotic beasts, as well as scenes from mythology and everyday pursuits of hunting, fishing and farming.

A close second to Petra on the list of favorite destinations in Jordan, the ancient city of Jerash boasts an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. The city's golden age came under Roman rule and the site is now generally acknowledged to be one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Hidden for centuries in sand before being excavated and restored over the past 70 years, Jerash reveals a fine example of the grand, formal provincial Roman urbanism that is found throughout the Middle East, comprising paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, grand theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates. Beneath its external Graeco-Roman veneer, Jerash also preserves a subtle blend of east and west. Its architecture, religion and languages reflect a process by which two powerful cultures meshed and coexisted - The Graeco-Roman world of the Mediterranean basin and the ancient traditions of the Arab Orient.

The marvels of nature and the genius of medieval Arab military architecture have given northern Jordan two of the most important ecological and historical attractions in the Middle East: the sprawling pine forests of the Ajloun-Dibbine area, and the towering Ayyubid castle at Ajloun, which helped to defeat the Crusaders eight centuries ago. Ajloun Castle (Qal'at Ar-Rabad) was built by one of Saladin's generals in 1184 AD to control the iron mines of Ajloun,

The fort itself is a dark maze of stone-vaulted halls and endless passageways. The best-preserved are underground, and to be reached through a massive door (ask at the ticket office). The castle in itself is more imposing than beautiful, though it is all the more impressive as an example of the Crusaders' architectural military genius.

Perched on a splendid hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee, Umm Qais boasts impressive ancient remains, such as the stunning black basalt theatre, the basilica and adjacent courtyard strewn with nicely carved black sarcophagi, the colonnaded main street and a side street lined with shops, an underground mausoleum, two baths, a nymphaeum, a city gate and the faint outlines of what was once a massive hippodrome.

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• Culture of Jordan

Culture Name

Orientation.

Identification. The Emirate of Transjordan was the name given to this small state when it was recognized in 1921, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the promulgation of the Balfour Declaration. It was not until 1946 that Transjordan became a completely sovereign state. In 1950, Transjordan merged with part of Palestine to form the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Amman is the capital and the largest city.

Location and Geography. Jordan has an area of about 35,475 square miles (91,900 square kilometers). It lies in the center of the Middle East, sharing its northern border with Syria, eastern border with Iraq, it's southern and eastern borders with Saudi Arabia, and western border with the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, and Israel. Its only seaport is the port of Aqaba. Jordan has barren deserts, fertile valleys, and colorful rock and sand mountains. It contains the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea, and the Great Rift Valley, which was created twenty million years ago when tectonic plates shifted, stretching from Lake Tiberius south through Jordan and into eastern Africa.

Demography. In 1946, the population was about 400,000; in 1997, it reached 4.6 million, a figure twice that of 1981. After the 1967 war with Israel and Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait, there were sudden and massive influxes of Palestinian Arab refugees, who now make up more than two-thirds of the population. In 1996, 1,359,000 Palestinian refugees living in Jordan were registered with United Nations; 250,000 Palestinians continue to live in ten refugee camps. Nomadic people, predominantly Bedouin, account for more than 10 percent of the total population. The population is young, with a birthrate that is double the world average; 43 percent of the people are under age fifteen. By the year 2012, the population is expected to double.

Linguistic Affiliation. Arabic is the official language. English is taught to all students and is widely spoken.

Symbolism. The flag has black, white, and green horizontal stripes with a red triangle on the hoist side bearing a white seven-pointed star. The flag of the Palestinian people is identical but does not have the white star.

History and Ethnic Relations

Emergence of the Nation. The Nabateans built the capital of their ancient Arab kingdom, Petra, in what is now Jordan between 400 B.C.E. and 160 C.E. From Mount Nebo in western Jordan, many people believe that Moses saw the Promised Land. When the Ottoman Empire collapsed after four hundred years of rule, Britain divided up the Fertile Crescent, and modern Jordan was born.

National Identity. Jordan is the only Arab country where Palestinians can become citizens. The differentiation between Jordanians, Bedouins, and Palestinians is clear in this society. Jordanians are defined as residents who have lived east of the Jordan River since before 1948. Palestinians are defined as residents whose birthright extends back to areas west of the Jordan River. People of Bedouin descent are considered to be of the purest Arab stock.

Urbanism, Architecture, and the Use of Space

Most people live in one- or two-room apartments or houses. Affluent urban families live in larger apartments or individual homes. Buildings and homes are made of concrete, and some are made of mud and stone, with a design that allows more floors to be added, to create apartments for married sons. Privacy is very important, and many homes and other buildings open into private courtyards with concrete walls. Nomadic farmers live in tents made from the hides and fur of their animals. Amman's appearance reflects a Western influence, with modern hotels and commercial buildings. Streets are identified and numbered in an inefficient manner, and maps are hard to read and often useless.

Food and Economy

Food in Daily Life. An ancient legend tells of an Arabian shepherd who six thousand years ago put his supply of milk in a pouch made from a sheep's stomach before making a journey across the desert. The rennet in the lining of the pouch, combined with the heat of the sun, caused the milk to form curds, and cheese was discovered. Bedouin farmers keep herds of goats and sheep whose milk is used to produce cheese and yogurt. A popular cheese is called halloumi (similar to feta), made from goat or sheep milk and often served in a sandwich of pita-style bread or cubed in salads. Rice, legumes, olives, yogurt, flat breads, vegetables (cauliflower, eggplant, potatoes, okra, tomatoes, and cucumbers), lamb or chicken, and fruits (apricots, apples, bananas, melons, and oranges) form the basis for most meals. Main dishes of rice with spices are eaten almost daily. The main meal typically is served during the middle of the afternoon. A covering is placed on the floor, with a large tray of rice and meat placed in the center surrounded by small dishes of yogurt and salad. Torn pieces of bread are folded in half and used to scoop the food. The left hand is never used to feed oneself.

Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions. When people visit family and friends, tea, Turkish-style or Arabic-style coffee, or fruit juice is served. Often this meal includes sweets, especially on holidays. The national main dish is Mansaf, which consists of lamb cooked in dried yogurt and served with seasoned rice on flat bread. Mansaf is always served on holidays and special family occasions such as visits to relatives or friends, engagements, and weddings.

Basic Economy. The economy is based on free enterprise. The service sector, consisting of government, tourism, transportation, communication, and financial services contributes the most to the economy, employing 70 percent of the workforce. Amman has developed into a regional business center.

Land Tenure and Property. Land ownership is the goal of many, but few can afford the cost. Except for the very wealthy, most people live in rented housing.

Commercial Activities. Because most of the country is desert, less than 4 percent of the land is cultivated. Natural resources are scarce, and no oil has been found. The country's archaeological sites draw more than two million visitors a year.

Major Industries. Potash, phosphate, and gypsum mining and the manufacturer of cement, fertilizers, and refined petroleum products are the largest industries.

Trade. Jordan is among the world's top three potash exporters. Since the Gulf War, the number of immigrants has increased greatly, leading to a severe trade deficit and a labor market that has not produced enough jobs.

Division of Labor. Jordan's economy is heavily impacted by its location in the Middle East, the arid landscape, its relationship with its neighbors, and its dependence on foreign aid. Its largest sectors are finance, which employs 22 percent of its labor force; transportation, which employs 16 percent; and the industrial sector, which employs 17 percent. Tourism offers the greatest prospect for development.

Social Stratification

Jordan's political and social systems are a mix of new and old, traditional and non-traditional, Bedouin and Palestinian.

Classes and Castes. All social and political systems of Jordan are centered around extended patriarchal family units based on ancestry and wealth. Family units are often led by sheikhs whose rule depends on the size of their families, their wealth, and the will of their personalities. After the death of a sheikh, the eldest son ascends to the position of head of the family.

Symbols of Social Stratification. The emerging modern Arab culture values a college education, Mercedes cars, and a home in an urban area as symbols of success. However, in traditional Arab culture, camel breeders are still considered to be highest on the social scale. Traditional clans consider anyone outside their clan to be inferior, so the tradition of only marrying a person from within their families continues.

Political Life

Government. Since 1951, Jordan has been a constitutional hereditary monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. It is politically stable, with freedom of religion, the press, and private property guaranteed. There is an ongoing program of democratization. In 1989 parliamentary elections were instituted, and since that time, martial law has been lifted and political parties have been legalized. Elections were held in 1993 and 1997.

Jordan's present legislative branch consists of an eighty-member elected Lower House and a forty-member Upper House. After a bill is approved by the Lower House and Senate, it is given to the King, who either grants consent by Royal Decree or returns the bill unapproved. Jordan's Constitution guarantees an independent judicial branch, dividing the courts into three categories: civil, religious, and special courts. The Jordanian civil legal system has its foundations in the Code Napoléon, a French legal code.

Social Problems and Control. Many of the country's laws are based on the Koran and the Hadith, a collection of Mohammed's sayings. These laws are enforced in religious courts called Sharia courts, which have jurisdiction over personal matters. Chastity is demanded of all single women. If a woman's chastity is compromised, a male relative may feel obligated to murder her to save the family's honor. When these cases go to court, often the charges are dropped or the murderer receives a short sentence.

Jordan has a low crime rate by international standards, with few petty crimes such as robbery reported.

Military Activity. Jordan maintains an army, an air force, and a small navy. The total strength of the armed forces in 1998 was 104,000 active members and 35,000 reserves. There is a paramilitary force that includes twenty thousand civil militia members and ten thousand public security officers. Jordan is a leader of peace efforts in the Middle East and is at peace with its neighbors.

Social Welfare and Change Programs

There is not a comprehensive welfare scheme, but the government administers medical and health services.

Nongovernmental Organizations and Other Associations

Nongovernmental organizations are involved with the environment, women, children, and economic issues. The royal family is supportive of many charitable foundations. Thirty miles north of Amman, Jerash hosts an annual summer Festival of Culture and Arts administered by the Noor Al-Hussein Foundation. The Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development has social development centers throughout the country that help women and children.

Gender Roles and Statuses

Division of Labor by Gender. Most women have their lives controlled by their closest male relatives. Despite the limitations placed on them, they have made advances in education in a country where the practice of educating women only began three or four decades ago. Balancing customs and traditions at home with obedience to their husbands and the demands of a career remains a difficult challenge. When women work, they receive extensive benefits and sometimes equal pay. The 1997 census placed the proportion of women in the workforce at 14 percent, up from 8 percent in 1979. The unofficial unemployment rate for women is 65 percent.

Marriage, Family, and Kinship

Marriage. Getting married and having children are top priorities. Most marriages are arranged by the father of the bride. Often cousins marry each other, and the couple may barely know each other until the engagement is announced. The wedding has two celebrations: an engagement party and a wedding party. After the engagement party, the process of dating and getting to know each other begins. After the engaged woman and man have signed the papers at the engagement party, they are legally married. If they choose not to proceed, even though they have not lived together, they must divorce. Brides must be virgins on the wedding night. After marriage, every aspect of a woman's life is dictated by her husband. She cannot obtain a passport or travel outside the country without his written approval. At any time, a husband may take another wife. Polygamy with up to four wives is legal. Divorce is legal. When there is a divorce, custody of the children automatically goes to the father, and for this reason, women choose to remain in a marriage even when there are other wives. Divorced women are viewed as outcasts.

Domestic Unit. The typical family is extended, with family size decreasing since 1979 to about six members per family. The scarcity of natural resources, especially the chronic shortage of water, makes population control vital. To slow the rapid growth rate, birth spacing programs have increased awareness of the benefits of family planning, and many wives now use contraceptives.

Inheritance. Inheritance is guided by Islamic law. A woman receives half the amount that a man receives.

Kin Groups. Kinship relationships are patriarchal. Extended family ties govern social relationships and tribal organization.

Socialization

Infant Care. Women are primary caregivers for infants and small children. After the first son is born, the father and mother take the name of the son. If the son's name is Mohammed, the father becomes Abu Mohammed, meaning "father of Mohammed," and the mother becomes Om Mohammed, or "mother of Mohammed."

Child Rearing and Education. Children love to belly-dance with people watching and clapping their hands and women making a vocal expression by moving their tongues rapidly back and forth between their lips. Primary education is free and compulsory, starting at the age of six years until a child is sixteen years old. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees provides schooling for Palestinian refugees. Outside the classroom, children participate in few activities away from the family.

Higher Education. All students are required to take an extensive examination called Tawjehieh before graduating from secondary school and as a prerequisite for entering universities and colleges. The top male and female students attend state universities and numerous private colleges. The literacy rate is over 86 percent.

Greetings and farewells are lengthy and sincere. Even answering a telephone involves saying "how are you?" in several different ways. Visitors and/or friends frequently are invited into homes for dinner, where they are showered with kindness and food. Women dress modestly and often are offended by exposed flesh. Most Muslims do not drink alcohol. Shoes are always removed before entering a mosque, and this custom extends to homes as well. Shib-shibs (flip-flop sandals) are always put on before entering a bathroom, the feet and are never put on a coffee table, footstool, or desk. It is forbidden and disrespectful to expose the bottoms of the feet. Same-sex friends hold hands, hug, and kiss in public, but there is limited touching between men and women. A man does not shake hands with a woman unless she offers her hand first.

Religious Beliefs. The state religion is Muslim, as indicated in the constitution. Ninety percent of the population adheres to the Sunni branch. About 6 percent of the people are Christian.

Religious Practitioners. Imams, leaders of prayer in a Muslim mosque, hold an important role in this Muslim country. In most smaller and rural communities they are the political leaders as well.

Rituals and Holy Places. Jordan has a rich religious history. For Jews and Christians, it is part of the Holy Land, sacred for its connection to the Jewish patriarchs Abraham and Moses, as well as Christian biblical figures such as John the Baptist. Jordan is equally important in the history of Islam, as many tombs of Prophet Mohammed's companions are located in Jordan. Jordan is where the non-Arab world first contacted Islam more than fifteen hundred years ago.

One of the five essential Pillars practiced by Muslims is the recitation of prayers five times a day. Calls to prayers are announced publicly by mosques and can be heard throughout the nation. The devout unroll a small prayer rug and face Mecca to pray. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of fasting from sunrise until sunset. Most public restaurants do not open for business until just before sunset. Throughout Ramadan and the celebration commemorating its end, of families mark the occasion with large feasts and special sweets. Another Pillar of Islam is the Hajj, the holy pilgrimage made at least once during a lifetime to Mecca. Many pilgrims travel through Jordan on the way to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Medicine and Health Care

Excellent medical care is available, especially in Amman. For the typical family, finding the money to pay for medical insurance and preventive care is difficult. Life expectancy is sixty-seven years for mens and seventy years for women. Most children are fully immunized.

Secular Celebrations

Jordanians follow the Islamic calendar. National holidays include Arbor Day (15 January), Arab League Day (22 March), and Independence Day (25 May). Religious holidays include Id al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan), Id al-Adha (the Feast of the Sacrifice), the Islamic New Year, the birthday of Mohammed, and Leilat al-Meiraj (the Ascension of Mohammed).

The Arts and Humanities

Support for the Arts. In 2000, King Abdullah ordered that government workers be given Fridays and Saturdays off, hoping they would find time to develop new interests and travel to sites such as Petra. The government promotes cultural festivals, encourages the revival of handicrafts, and takes steps to preserve the country's archaeological and historical heritage.

Literature. The country's most famous poet is Mustafa Wahbi al-Tal, who is among the major Arab poets of the twentieth century. Al-Tal was a political and social activist who devoted twenty years of his life to regaining the rights of gypsies and became a member of the gypsy community.

Graphic Arts. Folk art survives in tapestries, leather crafts, pottery, and ceramics. Wool and goat hair rugs with colorful tribal designs are manufactured.

Performance Arts. Popular culture takes the form of songs, ballads, and storytelling. Villagers have special songs for births, weddings, funerals, planting, plowing, and harvesting.

The State of the Physical and Social Sciences

Since the 1960s, a number of higher learning institutions have opened in Jordan, foremost among them the University of Jordan (1962) in Amman, Yarmouk University (1976) in Irbid, and Jordanian University Science and Technology (1996) in Irbnil. These centers are recognized for their Islam, Arabic language, and Middle East peace and conflict studies.

Bibliography

Chebaro, Lina, Halawani, Bassam, and Nada Mosbah. Arabic Cooking Step by Step, 1997.

Dallas, Roland. King Hussein: A Life on the Edge, 1998.

De Blij, H. J., and Peter O. Muller. Geography: Regions and Concepts, 6th ed., 1991.

Discovery Channel. Jordan Insight Guide, 1999.

Fernea, Elizabeth Warnock. In Search of Islamic Feminism: One Woman's Global Journey, 1998.

Friedman, Thomas L. From Beirut to Jerusalem, 1995.

Goodwin, Jan. Price of Honor: Muslim Women Lift the Veil of Silence on the Islamic World, 1994.

Hussein, King of Jordan. Uneasy Lies the Head: The Autobiography of His Majesty King Hussein I of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 1962.

——. My War With Israel, 1969.

Sedlaczek, Brigitte. Petra: Art and Legend, 1997.

Shumsky, Adaia and Abraham. A Bridge across the Jordan: The Friendship between a Jewish Carpenter and the King of Jordan, 1997.

Viorst, Milton. Sandcastles: The Arabs in Search of the Modern World, 1994.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (official government site). http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo

The Jordan Star. http://star.arabia/com

Palestinian National Authority. http://www.pna.net

—D ARLENE S CHMIDT

User Contributions:

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Jordan culture and traditions

Your experience of Jordanian people and is likely to be that they are, almost without exception, decent, honest, respectful and courteous. It seems only right that you should return some of that respect by showing a grasp of some basic aspects of Jordanian customs, Arab and Muslim culture.

From religious events to ancient customs there are many Jordanian traditions to discover

The culture of Jordan is based on Arabic and Islamic elements. Jordan stands at the intersection of the three continents of the ancient world, lending it geographic and population diversity. Notable aspects of the culture include traditional music and clothing of Jordan, and interest in sports. 

More than 90% of the population lives in the metropolis of Amman , concentrating the culture of Jordan in that city. Clubbing and partying culture are present in Amman, especially in the Western half of the city. Amman is consistently declared as one of the most liberal cities in the region. Malls, global-brand stores, and hotels are important elements in Amman ‘s urban life, especially in the Western side.

English is understood and even spoken in lieu of Jordanian Arabic among Jordanians in the upper class. There’s a notable foreign influence on the nation’s political life and foreign affairs. In addition, many people from nearby countries have been immigrating to Amman and calling it their new home in the past few years. This increased trade links with the world and has reshaped the culture. The Cuisine is shared with surrounding nations such as Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey.

Values & Traditions

Jordan can be regarded for a typically Arab country for its people are very warm, friendly and hospitable. Jordanians are typically happy to forgive foreigners who break the rules of etiquette. However, visitors seen to be making an effort to observe local customs will undoubtedly win favour. Joining local people for a cup of tea or coffee can be a wonderful way to learn more about local culture. If you are invited yet are unable to attend, then it is perfectly acceptable to decline. Place your right hand over your heart and politely make your excuses.

Many families, particularly in rural areas, are very traditional and, if you visit their house, you may well find it is divided between the men and women. Foreign women are often treated as “honorary” men.

Local women in Jordan enjoy considerable freedom when compared with many other countries in the region. Women are entitled to a full education, they can vote, they can drive cars, and they often play significant roles in business and politics. Arranged marriages and dowries are still common.

Almost Jordan’s entire population is Arab. This is an ethnic term, but also marks a pan-national identity, largely because nation-states are relatively new: many people in Jordan feel a much stronger cultural affinity with Arabs from nearby countries than, say, Britons might feel with Belgians. The bedouin add a deeper layer of meaning by often regarding themselves to be the only true, original Arabs. Jordan has tiny ethnic minorities of Circassians and Chechens (who are Muslim), Armenians (Christian) and Kurds (Muslim) – all of whom are closely bound into Jordanian society – as well as Dom gypsies (also Muslim).

Jordan is an ideal destination for those seeking cultural knowledge and spiritual enrichment. Jordan values its ethnically and religiously diverse population, consequently providing for the cultural rights of all its citizens. This spirit of tolerance and appreciation is one of the central elements contributing to the stable and peaceful cultural climate flourishing in Jordan. More than 92% of Jordanians are Sunni Muslims and approximately 6% are Christians. The majority of Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, but there are also Greek Catholics, a small Roman Catholic community, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and a few Protestant denominations. Several small Shi’a and Druze populations can also be found in Jordan.

As Jordan is predominantly an Islamic country, one may explore the principles of Islam through direct interaction with the people of this monotheistic religion. As the capstone of a long tradition beginning with Judaism and Christianity, Muslims believe that Islam completes the revelation of God’s message to humankind. Islam – which in Arabic means “submission” – is an assertion of the unity, completeness, and sovereignty of God. Muslims believe that God, or Allah as He is known in Arabic, revealed his final message to humankind through the Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Qur’an, which is the divine immutable word of God. Islam focuses heavily on the equality of all humans before the one true God, and therefore it is in many ways a return to the original doctrine of the pure monotheism that characterized the early Judeo-Christian tradition.

Islamic tradition has crystallized five fundamental observances, or “pillars,” that are as important as faith in defining Islamic identity and strengthening the common bond that ties all Muslims together. They are Confession of Faith, Daily Prayer (five times per day facing the holy city of Mecca), Fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Almsgiving, and Pilgrimage to Mecca.

Male dress code in Jordan

Visiting tourists who wear shorts on the street give roughly the same impression that they would wandering around Bournemouth or Baltimore in their underpants. Long trousers are essential in the city, the country and the desert, whatever the weather – clean and respectable light cotton, denim or canvas ones in plain colors (not flimsy, brightly patterned beach-style trousers). If you must wear shorts, go for the loose-fitting knee-length variety rather than brief, shape-hugging athlete’s shorts. Any top that doesn’t cover your shoulders and upper arms counts as underwear. Wearing a T-shirt is acceptable, but a buttoned shirt tucked into trousers broadcasts a sounder message about the kind of value you place on cultural sensitivity. Jordanian men never, in any situation, walk around in public topless.

Outward appearance is the one facet of interaction between locals and western tourists most open to misunderstandings on both sides. A lot of tourists, male and female, consistently flout simple dress codes, unaware of just how much it widens the cultural divide and demeans them in the eyes of local people. Clothes that are unremarkable at home can come across in Jordan as being embarrassing, disrespectful or offensive.

Female dress code in Jordan

To interact as a western woman in Jordanian society with some degree of mutual respect, you’ll probably have to go to even greater lengths than men to adjust your normal style of dress, although it is possible to do so without compromising your freedom and individuality too much. Loose-fitting, opaque clothes that cover your legs, arms and chest are a major help in allowing you to relate normally with local men. On women, shorts appear flagrantly provocative and sexual, as do Lycra leggings. T-shirts are also generally best avoided. The nape of the neck is considered particularly erotic and so is best covered, either by a high collar or a thin cotton scarf.

Hair is another area where conservatism helps deter unwanted attention. Jordanian women who don’t wear a headscarf rarely let long hair hang below their shoulders; you might like to follow suit and clip long hair up. To some people, women with wet hair are advertising sexual availability, so you may prefer to dry your hair before going out. If your hair is blonde, you must unfortunately resign yourself to a bit more inquisitive attention – at least when walking in more conservative areas.

Jordanians and Palestinians place a much greater emphasis on personal grooming and style of dress than people tend to in the West: for most, consciously “dressing down” in torn or scruffy clothes is unthinkable. In addition, for reasons of modesty, many people expose as little skin as possible, with long sleeves and high necklines for both sexes.

Social interactions

Nonprint media has played the most important role in Jordanian culture. Television production in particular has thrived due to high quality acting and creative, interesting story lines that challenge and critique contemporary Arab society. Print/digital media too, however, continues to play a large role in Jordanian culture; newspapers include ad-Dustour (“The Constitution”) and Al Ra’i (“The Opinion”), the most widely read of the Arabic language newspapers. Additionally, the country has one daily English-language newspaper, The Jordan Times, and one weekly English-language newspaper, The Star.

Perhaps the most popular form of music in Jordan is patriotic songs that celebrate country and king and are strongly influenced by Bedouin culture. There is also a type of Bedouin music that relies mostly on one instrument, the rebab or al-rababa (a stringed instrument) and sometimes the mijwiz (reed pipe). Songs of this type usually tackle issues such as raids, battles, and generosity, and they often have a melancholy sound. Jordan’s famous traditional dance is the dabke or dabka, a group dance that involves stamping one’s feet. This dance is performed by men and women, and it employs a variety of steps that differ from region to region.

Jordan’s film industry has cinemas everywhere in Jordan. The only Jordanian films are Captain Abu Raed and Theeb. Though these are the only Jordanian films made in Jordan. multiple Hollywood films have been filmed on location in Jordan, such as Lawrence of Arabia and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.[2] The 2010 Oscar winner for Best Picture, The Hurt Locker, was also filmed in Jordan.[3] Much more recently, The Martian (2015), Dune: Part One (2021), Aladdin (2019) and parts of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker were filmed in Jordan.

Social interaction in Jordan is replete with all kinds of seemingly impenetrable verbal and behavioral rituals, most of which can remain unaddressed by foreigners with impunity. A few things are worth knowing, however.

The energy which Jordanians put into social relationships can bring shame to westerners used to keeping a distance. Total strangers greet each other like chums and chat happily about nothing special, passers-by ask each other’s advice or exchange opinions without a second thought, and old friends embark on volleys of salutations and cheek-kisses, joyful arm-squeezing or back-slapping, and earnest enquirers after health, family, business and news. Foreigners more used to avoiding strangers and doing business in shops quickly and impersonally can come across as cold, uninterested and even snooty. Smiling, learning one or two of the standard forms of greeting, acknowledging those who are welcoming you and taking the time to exchange pleasantries will bring you closer to people more quickly than anything else.

People shake hands in Jordan much more than in the West, and even the merest contact with a stranger is normally punctuated by at least one or two handshakes to indicate fraternity.

Nationality

There persists a perceived difference between people whose origins lie in families long resident on the east bank of the River Jordan and people whose families originate on the west bank of the river. All are Jordanian citizens, yet Jordanians of Palestinian origin are estimated to number between half and three-quarters of the total population. Roughly seven percent of people in Jordan are expats, including guest workers – many of them Egyptian, Sri Lankan and Filipino – alongside a sizeable population of Iraqi, Libyan and Syrian refugees.

Personal space

Personal space is treated rather differently in Arab cultures from in the West: for all intents and purposes, it doesn’t exist. Queuing is a foreign notion, and in many situations hanging back deferentially is an invitation for other people to move in front. Jordanians also relate to the natural environment rather differently from westerners. Sitting alone or with a friend in the most perfectly tranquil spot, you may find someone coming up to you blocking the sunset and eager for a chat. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to convey your desire to be alone.

Young Jordanians

More than a third of Jordanians are under 15. This is one of the best-educated countries in the developing world: almost everyone you meet will be able to hold some sort of conversation in English (and possibly French, Spanish and German too). Students from all income groups and social backgrounds mix freely at the universities, where the traditional emphasis on engineering and the sciences – Jordan is a world leader in medical fields including ophthalmology and cardiology – is giving way to new technology.

Tribes in jordan

A tribe is an extended grouping of families who cultivate a distinctive tradition of history and folklore (mainly oral) and assert ownership of a particular territory. Not all tribes are desert-dwelling – there are many whose background is rural, and others who have become urbanized. Tribal territories, which predate nation-states, often extend across international borders. Some tribes are made up of clans and branches which have taken on tribe-like status; others have banded together in larger, often pan-national, tribal confederations. All these concepts are rather loose, but for a lot of Jordanians, tribal identity is at least as strong as religious or national identity. Within tribal identity, many people make a distinction between two broad social traditions. The bedouin originate in families who are current or former desert-dwellers: they may once have been nomadic, but are almost all now settled. Some still live in tents in or near the desert, following traditional lifestyles, but many do not: a police officer in Amman or a marketing executive in Aqaba might be as bedouin as a camel-guide in Wadi Rum. By contrast the fellahin originate from a settled, rural, farming tradition, often in the north and west of Jordan. They frequently have strong historic links – often of family or tribe – to rural communities across the borders in Syria and Palestine.

Photography

Here’s a quote from a Jordanian involved in rural tourism development: “People underestimate how much of an invasion of privacy taking pictures of women is.” He was talking about bedouin women in the desert – but the rule applies pretty much across the board, in towns and cities nationwide too. Always ask permission before you photograph women in any context, even in the street – and, if you’re in or near a family house or tent, ask permission of the men too. Some people don’t mind, others do. Any refusal will be given graciously and smilingly, but perhaps a little diffidently – ask twice if necessary to be sure you don’t mistake a no for a yes.

Elsewhere, the obvious caveats apply around military installations and international borders, but otherwise there are few issues.

Relationships

Couples travelling together need to be aware of Jordanian social norms. Put simply, public displays of affection between men and women are not acceptable. Even if you’re married, walking arm-around-waist or arm-over-shoulder, touching each other’s face or body or kissing each other are likely to be viewed as deeply distasteful – as if you were bringing the intimacy of the bedroom into the public sphere. It is possible occasionally to see husbands and wives walking hand-in-hand, but it’s rare.

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Experience History and Culture In Jordan

 Want To See What History & Culture in Jordan is Like? Watch this!

Want To See What History & Culture in Jordan is Like?

Watch this!

Not sure where to begin your journey check out our custom 10-day history and culture travel itinerary., day 1: desert castles, qasr tour - overnight in amman.

Head East of Amman and visit Jordan’s Desert Castles, showcasing beautiful examples of both early Islamic art and architecture, that stand testament to a fascinating era in the country's rich history. Their fine mosaics, frescoes, stone and stucco carvings and illustrations, inspired by the best in Persian and Greco-Roman traditions, tell countless stories of the life as it was during the 8th century.

Several of these preserved Castles, all of which are clustered to the east and south of Amman, can be visited on one-day or two-day loops from Amman. Don’t miss out on visiting Quseir Amra, one of Jordan’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

Head back to your hotel to freshen up for an evening of wine-tasting at the Zumot Winery headquarters in Amman where you will sample and learn how some of Jordan’s finest organic wine is made.

DAY 2: AMMAN

"qasr" tour - overnight in azraq.

Below is a list of activities that may take more than a day to enjoy. If you are short on time choose what you think is best based on your interest. Amman is a fascinating city of contrasts, a unique blend of old and new. Visit the Citadel and the Archeology Museum which houses some of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Roman Theatre in downtown Amman, enjoy a walk through the colorful Souq, stop at a coffee shop and enjoy local culinary delights, and meet the people, the heart and soul of the country. You can also catch a train ride on the historic Hejaz Railway and check out the Royal Automobile Museum where you learn more about the history of Jordan through Late King Hussein’s fleet of automobiles.

Thirty minutes outside of Amman, an ancient town, As-Salt, was once the most important settlement in the area between the Jordan Valley and the Eastern Desert. Because of its history as an important trading link, it was a significant place for the region’s many rulers. Take a walk around the old town and explore the narrow streets, museums (archaeological & folklore), and visit a handicraft school where you can admire the traditional skills of ceramics, weaving, silk-screen printing and dyeing.

IRAQ AL-AMIR - OVERNIGHT IN AMMAN

Head back towards Amman and visit Iraq Al-Amir; located within the hills, the area has many springs and is famous for its olive trees, in addition to other forest trees. It was built by a Persian prince in the 3rd century BC. There are many caves in the hills that date back to the Copper Age. Precious artifacts, pottery, glass and weapons dating back to the Bronze Age and the Nabataean and Roman periods, as well as inscriptions, gold Islamic coins and the silver Ptolemaic hoard recently discovered at Iraq Al-Amir are displayed at the Exhibition of Arab Heritage and Recent Discoveries, which was opened in 1992.

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DAY 3: JERASH

Overnight in amman.

Your day will begin traveling north to the ancient city of “Jerash, the Crossroads of Civilization” , remarkable for its unbroken chain of human occupation. Here, in the hills of Gilead, you will find remains from Neolithic times, as well as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Omayyad civilizations. See a live performance of the Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE) at the hippodrome (if available).

Ajloun Castle

Head 30 minutes north of Jerash to Ajloun Castle, built by one of Saladin's generals in 1184 AD to control the iron mines of Ajloun, and to deter the Franks from invading Ajloun.

Um Qays – Pella - Overnight in Amman

Following Ajloun Castle, visit Umm Qays (modern Gadara) & Pella (Tabaqat Fahl), once Decapolis cities. Umm Qays is well known as the site of the famous miracle of the Gadarene swine, and Gadara was renowned in its time as a cultural center. Pella is a favorite of archaeologists as it is exceptionally rich in antiquities, some of which are exceedingly old

What are People saying About History and Culture Travel in Jordan

Of late, we’ve been bombarded with news of travel bans, laptop bans, and State Department warnings regarding travel to the Middle East. Read more

DEAD SEA — “There are things you can do in Jordan that you cannot do anywhere else in the world,” Read more

With its desert mountains perfect for hiking, ecolodges run by Bedouin locals, and fantastically preserved reefs, Jordan has an adventure for every type of explorer. Read more

Madaba Museum Launched to 'Revive Community's Interest in Preserving Local Treasures'

The Madaba Regional Archaeological Museum Project (MRAMP) seeks to establish a new archaeological museum in Madaba in order to preserve and protect the rich heritage of Madaba and the surrounding region. Read More

Focus: Destination Jordan

In an effort to highlight places of interest in countries across the world, their varied culture, economy and history, The Statesman brings to you a Weekly Focus on countries with which India shares diplomatic ties and friendship. This week’s focus is on Jordan. Know all about the country. Read More

Turning Everyday Objects into Music: Band Brings Abdali Boulevard to Life

“Music is language: it helps you to express yourself and to convey your messages to the world,” Khries told The Jordan Times at the Boulevard, noting that it all started with him and his brother Shadi playing on buckets in the street. Read More

DAY 4: Bethany Beyond the Jordan

Overnight at wadi mujib.

The Baptism site is located just east of the Jordan River - “ Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Where John Baptized Jesus Christ” . Bethany Beyond the Jordan has emerged as a major new destination not only for religious pilgrims but tourists from the U.S. and around the world.

During the historic visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to Jordan on March 20-21, 2000, the pontiff visited the baptism site as well as Mount Nebo, where he viewed the Holy Land, just as Moses had done 2000 years ago. You will follow in the footsteps of the Pope as he retraced the path of Moses, Jesus and the prophets.

Following your visit to Bethany Beyond the Jordan head to Mount Nebo, Where Moses Saw the Holy Land - Sixty years of excavation on the hilltop of Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Holy Land and is said to be buried, reveals a basilica church with one of the most magnificent mosaic floors in the world. From the platform in front of the church, you will have an inspiring, breath-taking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. You will see what Moses saw.

After Mount Nebo, head to Madaba, “The City of Mosaics” , once a Byzantine community and one of the most important Christian communities east of the Jordan River. Today it harbors a collection of extraordinary mosaics. First, enjoy a delectable lunch at Haret Jdoudna , in the heart of the city. Following lunch, visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George that features a vivid sixth-century Byzantine mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites.

Karak - Shobak Castle - Overnight in Petra

On the way to Petra, make a quick stop at the ancient crusader city of Karak, dominated by the castle built by Baldwin I of Jerusalem in 1142 AD, which greatly impressed Lawrence of Arabia on his study tour in 1909. He spent many days exploring tunnels, dungeons and sketching the castle. Enjoy exploring this maze of stone-vaulted halls and endless passageways and make sure to bring a flashlight with you. If time permits, check out Shobak Castle, another reminder of former Crusader glory, less than an hour north of Petra. Once called "Mont Real", Shobak dates from the same turbulent period as Karak, perched on the side of a mountain, with a grand sweep of fruit trees below.

DAY 5&6: Petra

Overnight in petra.

Spend the morning with Indiana Jones in “The Last Crusade” as he charges through the desert gorge to the Treasury in search of the Holy Grail! Jordan abounds in archaeological riches, but few sites in the world can rival the Nabataean city of Petra, carved out of the rose-red rock cliffs!

The Nabataeans were an industrious Arab people who settled the area more than 2,000 years ago. Petra was widely admired for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels. It served as a crossroad for trade and commerce. Lawrence travelled to Petra both before and during the war and was captivated by the majestic beauty of the Nabataean temples and tombs carved into the rock. Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

This jewel of the middle east, surrounded by imposing mountains and approached through a deep, narrow cleft in the rocks known as the Siq, Petra is a unique and unforgettable place, an altogether overwhelming experience that neither you or your family will forget. Approaching the Siq you will follow its towering sandstone walls towards the site of the captivating and iconic splendor of the beautiful Khazneh (the famous Treasury), one of the city’s most iconic structures. A guided orientation tour will then take you to some of the key parts of this remarkable and ancient site, one of the most impressive and exciting anywhere in the world. You will explore the Royal Tombs and the Roman theatre, with its 8,000 seats carved from the solid rock that surrounds it.

Enjoy lunch at the Basin Restaurant and continue to explore this ancient city. Hopefully, if you are in Petra on a night that it is available, the Petra by night tour is a must! Tours start at 8.30pm and finish at 10.00pm every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Return to the city the next day and you can climb steep paths to the sacrificial ‘High Places’ (altars) and hike to the top of Jebel Harin (1396m) for a stunning view over Wadi Araba and the Negev Desert. The Monastery is the largest of Petra’s monuments and certainly worth the climb up to it. Towering to a height of 40m its doorway alone measures 8m in height, dwarfing anyone framed within it. This is truly a place to lose oneself in the history and ambience of the past.

Little Petra

Drive for 10 minutes down the Wadi “Valley” to Little Petra historically known as “Al Beidha”. It may not be quite as monumental as the main site but it was an important suburb of Petra and there is still much to see here.

Cook your own meal at Petra Kitchen

This evening, head to the Petra Kitchen for a relaxed, informal atmosphere where you will gather to prepare an evening meal, working alongside local women and men under the supervision of a local chef offering an evening of learning, fun and a very special dining experience, with each dish bearing the special flavor of a reward well-earned.

DAY 7: Wadi Rum

Camp & overnight in wadi rum.

No trip to Jordan is complete without a visit to the infamous UNESCO world heritage site, Wadi Rum. This extraordinary desert landscape is where Lawrence of Arabia operated throughout 1917 and launched the strike on Aqaba. It provided David Lean with his most memorable movie locations.

“Vast, echoing and God-Like” is the way Lawrence described Wadi Rum, where you will enjoy this largest and most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes. Your experience in Wadi Rum can begin with a visit to the museum, craft shops and a sumptuous lunch at the Visitor’s Center. The Visitor’s center is also where all vehicle tours operate from and where you must register and pay the entrance fees to enter the protected area.

After lunch, venture off the beaten path in a four-wheel-drive vehicle to explore the desert and see up close the “Seven Pillars of Wisdom,” about which Lawrence wrote, as Lawrence’s spring and what’s left of the house in which he resided. Wadi Rum is indeed a foreign world, so make sure to take in the stars at night as you lay by a camp fire outside your Bedouin tent, but only after tasting the best cuisine of Wadi Rum, Zarb , which is cooked in the ground! Oooh and tea at sunset in the middle of the desert is really a MUST!

DAY 8: AQABA

Overnight in aqaba.

After exploring Lawrence's path in the desert head to Aqaba, a year-round resort. The port of Aqaba became a major supply base for the advancing Arab Revolt. The Red Sea and its surrounding pink mountains is truly one of nature’s most breathtaking sites. Enjoy a lunch cruise on the Red Sea and make sure to take in one of the many options of water sports offered. One of the most beautiful attractions in Aqaba is the untouched coral reefs. Scuba dive through the shipwreck or snorkel in one of the reserves. Sunbathe at your leisure and spend the evening walking and exploring the downtown of Aqaba and go shopping in the souq, stop for tea/coffee and chat with locals at a local coffee shop. Make sure to try Jordan’s famous fish dish Sayadeyeh.

Make sure to visit the Mameluk Fort, one of the main historical landmarks of Aqaba, originally a Crusader Castle. It was rebuilt by the Mameluks in the 16th century. Square in shape and flanked by semicircular towers, the fort is marked with various inscriptions marking the latter period of the Islamic dynasty.

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DAY 9&10: Dead Sea

Depart Aqaba and head towards the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at 400m (1,312 ft.) below sea level. The curative properties of the Dead Sea have been recognized since the days of Herod the Great and Queen Cleopatra. A series of good roads, excellent hotels with spa and fitness facilities, as well as archaeological and spiritual discoveries make this region as enticing to today’s international visitors as it was to kings, emperors, traders, prophets and pilgrims in antiquity. Enjoy a relaxing day and treat yourselves to a soothing massage, or try the renowned healing powers of the minerals right from the sea’s muddy floor.

Enjoy a beautiful sunset dinner at the Dead Sea Panorama Complex that sports an indoor dining area and an outdoor dining terrace where you will enjoy the dazzling views of the Dead Sea and the surrounding mountains at every turn. Make sure to check out the exhibition at the Dead Sea Museum, located within the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex, which covers all aspects of the Dead Sea including its geological, ecological, archaeological, and historical origins, as well as the future conservation of the Dead Sea.

AdventureELEVATE Near East

Building on the success of ATTA’s AdventureNEXT Near East branded event held in 2017, 2018, and 2019, the newly branded AdventureELEVATE Near East will convene an international audience of outbound tour operators, travel advisors, and media ready to build relationships with regional inbound operator suppliers from Jordan and surrounding countries. Come meet that perfect partner, discover that untold story, and find that untapped strategy for growing your business — all against Jordan’s historic and natural backdrop.

Want to Experience Adventure Travel in Jordan for Yourself?

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Your experience of Jordanian people and is likely to be that they are, almost without exception, decent, honest, respectful and courteous. It seems only right that you should return some of that respect by showing a grasp of some basic aspects of Jordanian customs, Arab and Muslim culture.

If it’s possible to generalize, the three things that most annoy local people about foreign tourists in Jordan are immodest dress, public displays of affection and lack of social respect. In this section we try to explain why, and how to avoid causing upset.

As you travel through the country you will doubtless see dozens of tourists breaking these taboos (and others), sometimes unwittingly, sometimes deliberately. Nothing bad happens to them. Jordan is a relatively liberal society and there are no Saudi-style religious police marching around to throw offenders in jail. Jordanians would never be so rude as to tell visitors to their country that they are being crass and insensitive; instead, they’ll smile and say, “Welcome to Jordan!” – but still, the damage has been done. You might prefer to be different.

Incidentally, you may also see Jordanians acting and dressing less conservatively than we recommend here. That is, of course, their prerogative – to shape, influence or challenge their own culture from within, in whatever ways they choose. Tourists do not share the same rights over Jordanian culture – the onus is on visitors to fit in and to respect Jordanian etiquette and customs as much as possible.

Dress codes

Outward appearance is the one facet of interaction between locals and western tourists most open to misunderstandings on both sides. A lot of tourists, male and female, consistently flout simple dress codes, unaware of just how much it widens the cultural divide and demeans them in the eyes of local people. Clothes that are unremarkable at home can come across in Jordan as being embarrassing, disrespectful or offensive.

Jordanians and Palestinians place a much greater emphasis on personal grooming and style of dress than people tend to in the West: for most, consciously “dressing down” in torn or scruffy clothes is unthinkable. In addition, for reasons of modesty, many people expose as little skin as possible, with long sleeves and high necklines for both sexes.

Male dress code in Jordan

Visiting tourists who wear shorts on the street give roughly the same impression that they would wandering around Bournemouth or Baltimore in their underpants. Long trousers are essential in the city, the country and the desert, whatever the weather – clean and respectable light cotton, denim or canvas ones in plain colours (not flimsy, brightly patterned beach-style trousers). If you must wear shorts, go for the loose-fitting knee-length variety rather than brief, shape-hugging athlete’s shorts. Any top that doesn’t cover your shoulders and upper arms counts as underwear. Wearing a T-shirt is acceptable, but a buttoned shirt tucked into trousers broadcasts a sounder message about the kind of value you place on cultural sensitivity. Jordanian men never, in any situation, walk around in public topless.

Female dress code in Jordan

To interact as a western woman in Jordanian society with some degree of mutual respect, you’ll probably have to go to even greater lengths than men to adjust your normal style of dress, although it is possible to do so without compromising your freedom and individuality too much. Loose-fitting, opaque clothes that cover your legs, arms and chest are a major help in allowing you to relate normally with local men. On women, shorts appear flagrantly provocative and sexual, as do Lycra leggings. T-shirts are also generally best avoided. The nape of the neck is considered particularly erotic and so is best covered, either by a high collar or a thin cotton scarf.

Hair is another area where conservatism helps deter unwanted attention. Jordanian women who don’t wear a headscarf rarely let long hair hang below their shoulders; you might like to follow suit and clip long hair up. To some people, women with wet hair are advertising sexual availability, so you may prefer to dry your hair before going out. If your hair is blonde, you must unfortunately resign yourself to a bit more inquisitive attention – at least when walking in more conservative areas.

Traditional arabic man in Wadi Rum desert, Jordan © Regien Paassen/Shutterstock

Social interactions

Social interaction in Jordan is replete with all kinds of seemingly impenetrable verbal and behavioural rituals, most of which can remain unaddressed by foreigners with impunity. A few things are worth knowing, however.

The energy which Jordanians put into social relationships can bring shame to westerners used to keeping a distance. Total strangers greet each other like chums and chat happily about nothing special, passers-by ask each other’s advice or exchange opinions without a second thought, and old friends embark on volleys of salutations and cheek-kisses, joyful arm-squeezing or back-slapping, and earnest enquiries after health, family, business and news. Foreigners more used to avoiding strangers and doing business in shops quickly and impersonally can come across as cold, uninterested and even snooty. Smiling, learning one or two of the standard forms of greeting, acknowledging those who are welcoming you and taking the time to exchange pleasantries will bring you closer to people more quickly than anything else.

People shake hands in Jordan much more than in the West, and even the merest contact with a stranger is normally punctuated by at least one or two handshakes to indicate fraternity.

Personal space

Personal space is treated rather differently in Arab cultures from in the West: for all intents and purposes, it doesn’t exist. Queuing is a foreign notion, and in many situations hanging back deferentially is an invitation for other people to move in front. Jordanians also relate to the natural environment rather differently from westerners. Sitting alone or with a friend in the most perfectly tranquil spot, you may find someone coming up to you blocking the sunset and eager for a chat. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to convey your desire to be alone.

Invitations

It’s almost inevitable that during your time in Jordan you’ll be invited to drink tea with someone, either in their shop or their home. It’s quite likely too that at some point you’ll be invited for a full meal at someone’s house. Jordanians take hospitality very much to heart, and are honestly interested in talking to you and making you feel comfortable. However, offers tend to flow so thick and fast that it would be difficult to agree to everyone, yet people are often so eager it can also be difficult – and potentially rude – to refuse outright.

First and foremost, whether you’re interested or not, is to take the time to chat civilly; nothing is more offensive than walking on without a word or making an impatient gesture, even if they’re the twentieth person that day to stop you. If you’re invited and you don’t want to accept, a broad smile with your head lowered, your right hand over your heart and “ shukran shukran ” (“thank you, thank you”) is a clear, but socially acceptable, no. You may have to do this several times – it’s all part of the social ritual of polite insistence. Adding “ marra okhra, insha’allah ” (“another time, if God wills it”) softens the “no” still further, indicating that you won’t forget their kind offer.

How to dine like local Jordanians

Below, we’ve gone into detail about what to expect if you’ve been personally invited to a private gathering. However, if you’re attending a “bedouin dinner” as part of a tour-group itinerary, the event is commercial: you’re paying for the experience, so the same social norms and values don’t apply. In this situation, your bedouin hosts will be tourism professionals, probably with good English anyway.

Before the meal

If you’re invited to eat with someone at home and you choose to accept, the first thing to consider is how to repay your host’s hospitality. Attempting to offer money would be deeply offensive – what is appropriate is to bring some token of your appreciation. A kilo or two of sweet pastries handed to your host as you arrive will be immediately ferreted away out of sight and never referred to again; the gesture, however, will have been appreciated. Otherwise, presenting gifts directly will generally cause embarrassment, since complex social etiquette demands that such a gift be refused several times before acceptance. Instead, you can acknowledge your appreciation by giving gifts to the small children: pens, small toys, notebooks, football stickers, even picture postcards of your home country will endear you to your hosts much more than might appear from the monetary value of such things.

It’s worth pointing out that you should be much more sparing and – above all – general-zed in praising your host’s home and decor than is common in the West, since if you show noticeable interest in a particular piece, big or small, your host may feel obliged to give it to you. Minefields of complex verbal jockeyings to maintain dignity and family honour then open up if you refuse to accept the item in question. Many local people keep their reception rooms relatively bare for this reason.

If you’re a vegetarian, you would be quite within social etiquette to make your dietary preferences clear before you accept an invitation. Especially in touristy areas, vegetarianism is accepted as a western foible and there’ll be no embarrassment on either side. Elsewhere, it can help to clarify what seems an extraordinary and unfamiliar practice by claiming it to be a religious or medical obligation. All best efforts notwithstanding, though, veggies should prepare themselves to have to sit down in front of a steaming dish of fatty meat stew and tuck in heartily, while still looking like they’re enjoying it.

Exploring Petra in Jordan © Sviatlana Barchan/Shutterstock

During and after the meal

This section outlines some of the things which may happen once you sit down to eat with a family. It may all seem too daunting for words to try and remember everything here. The bottom line is, you don’t: you’d have to act truly outrageously to offend anyone deeply. Your host would never be so inhospitable as to make a big deal about some social blunder anyway.

Once you arrive for a meal, you may be handed a thimbleful of bitter Arabic coffee as a welcoming gesture; down it rapidly, since everyone present must drink before sociabilities can continue. Hand the cup back while jiggling your wrist: this indicates you don’t want any more (if you just hand it straight back, you’ll get a refill). The meal – often a mansaf – may well be served on the floor if you’re in a tent, generally with the head of the household, his adult sons and any male friends squatting on one knee or sitting cross-legged around a large communal platter; western women count as males for social purposes and will be included in the circle. As guest of honour, you may be invited to sit beside the head of the household. Even if wives and daughters are present, they almost certainly won’t eat with you, and you may find that they all stay out of sight in another part of the tent or house for the duration of your visit. If they do, it would be grossly impertinent to enquire after them.

Once the food appears (generally served by the women), and the host has wished you “ sahtayn! ” (“[May you eat] with two appetites!”), you should confine yourself to eating – strictly with your right hand only – from that part of the platter directly in front of you. Reaching across is not done. Your host may toss over into your sector choice bits of meat – probably just ordinary bits, but perhaps the tongue, brains or, as an outside possibility, the eyes – which, if they land in front of you, it would be inexplicable to refuse. It’s possible that everyone present will share a single glass of water, so if the only glass visible is put in front of you, it’s not a cue for you to down it.

While eating, locals will be careful not to lick their fingers, instead rolling their rice and meat into a little ball one-handed and popping it in from a short distance; however, it takes ages to learn how to do this without throwing food all over yourself, and you’ll have enough social leeway to subtly cram in a fistful as best you can. It’s no embarrassment – in fact, it’s almost obligatory – to make a horrible greasy mess of your hands and face. People do not linger over eating, and rarely pause to chat: you may find that everyone chomps away more or less in silence.

Pause (or slow down) before you’re full, partly because as soon as you stop you’ll be tossed more food, and partly because no one will continue eating after you – the guest of honour – have fully stopped (so if you sit back too soon you’ll be cutting the meal short). Never finish all the food in front of you, since not only does this tag you as greedy, it’s also an insult to your host, who is obliged to keep your plate well stocked. Bear in mind, too, that dinner for the women and children consists of whatever the men (and you) leave behind.

When you’ve finished, your right hand over your heart and the words al-hamdulillah (“thank God”) make clear your satisfaction.

Everyone will get up and walk away to wash hands and face with soap, before adjourning to lounge on cushions, perhaps around the fire. Coffee will be served in tiny handleless cups; take three before returning the cup with a jiggle of your wrist. Then there’ll be endless glasses of sweet, black tea, along with bonhomie, conversation and possibly an argileh. It’s your host’s unspoken duty to keep the tea flowing whatever happens, so after you’ve had enough – or if you don’t want any at all – stem the tide by saying “ da’iman ” (“may it always be thus”) and then simply ignore your full glass.

Answering questions

People will be genuinely (and innocently) interested in you as visitors, and their questions may flow thick and fast. Aside from “What’s your name?” and “Where are you from?”, you’re likely to be asked about how many children you’ve got, what their names are, why you don’t have more, and so on. If you have none, lissa (“later”) or masha’allah (“according to God’s will”) are two respectful, comprehensible ways to say so. Other useful phrases are given in the Glossary. Having a few photos or digital images to show of children, parents, brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces can break the ice, should any ice need breaking. However, note that men in Jordan never enquire after another man’s wife – not even her name; the conversation should stay strictly on work and children.

If you’re travelling as an unmarried couple, saying “We’re just good friends” means little and merely highlights the cultural divide. Being able to show a wedding/engagement ring (a cheap fake will do), even if you have no nuptials planned, makes things instantly clear and understandable. The Language section at the end of this Guide explains how to say “We’re getting married next year” in Arabic, along with other handy phrases. For a woman travelling alone, a ring – indicating an absent husband – is a powerful signifier of respectability.

Although you can talk about most political issues freely, locals will not want to embarrass you, or potentially raise hackles, by embarking on political conversation in anything but the broadest terms. You can, though, feel free to ask questions of your own; once you do, you’ll find most people aren’t backward about speaking their mind on issues surrounding Israel, Arab affairs, domestic reform or the wider world. Let them make the running: if they wish, for instance, to criticize the king or royal family – which can be a criminal offence – be sure not to follow suit. The same goes for religion: people are generally free to practise their religion unhindered, but since it is illegal to proselytize or encourage anyone to convert to any religion other than Islam, it is prudent to avoid initiating debate on religious issues.

Taking picture of Sikh way in Petra tourist site © m.morachova/Shutterstock

Photography

Here’s a quote from a Jordanian involved in rural tourism development: “People underestimate how much of an invasion of privacy taking pictures of women is.” He was talking about bedouin women in the desert – but the rule applies pretty much across the board, in towns and cities nationwide too. Always ask permission before you photograph women in any context, even in the street – and, if you’re in or near a family house or tent, ask permission of the men too. Some people don’t mind, others do. Any refusal will be given graciously and smilingly, but perhaps a little diffidently – ask twice if necessary to be sure you don’t mistake a no for a yes.

Elsewhere, the obvious caveats apply around military installations and international borders, but otherwise there are few issues.

Couples: displaying affection

Couples travelling together need to be aware of Jordanian social norms. Put simply, public displays of affection between men and women are not acceptable. Even if you’re married, walking arm-around-waist or arm-over-shoulder, touching each other’s face or body or kissing each other are likely to be viewed as deeply distasteful – as if you were bringing the intimacy of the bedroom into the public sphere. It is possible occasionally to see husbands and wives walking hand-in-hand, but it’s rare.

LGBTQ travellers in Jordan

Homosexual conduct in private between consenting adults is legal in Jordan, but social disapproval of an overtly gay lifestyle is strong: dalliances between young, unmarried men are sometimes understood as “letting off steam”, but they are accepted – if at all – only as a precursor to the standard social model of marriage and plenty of children. Although women form strong bonds of friendship with each other to the exclusion of men, public perception of lesbianism is almost nonexistent. Amman has a small underground scene that is mostly invisible to outsiders. My Kali ( mykalimag.com ) is an online LGBTQ magazine that frequently pushes boundaries.

A by-product of the social divisions between men and women, though, is that visiting LGBTQ couples can feel much freer about limited public displays of affection than straight couples: cheek-kissing, eye-gazing and hand-holding between same-sex friends in public is normal and completely socially acceptable.

Sexual harassment of women travellers in Jordan is rare. Most harassment never goes beyond the verbal – perhaps including hissing or making kissy noises – and unless you’re sufficiently well versed in Arabic swearwords to respond in kind (worth it for the startled looks and the apologies), there’s unfortunately not much that can be done about it.

A tiny fraction of incidents involve physical touching. If you take the fight to your harasser, by pointing at him directly, shouting angrily and slapping away his hand, you’re likely to shame him to his roots in front of his neighbours. Accusing him of bringing himself and his country into public disrepute – aayib! is Arabic for “shame!” – is about the most effective dissuasive action you could take. Onlookers are likely to be embarrassed and apologetic for you having suffered harassment. Unmarried or unrelated men and women do not touch each other in public (apart from possibly to shake hands in a formal setting), and any man who touches you, even on the elbow to guide you, has overstepped the mark and knows it.

More serious incidents – blocking your path or refusing to leave you alone – are even less likely, and violence is extremely rare. In Jordan, strangers are much more likely to help a foreigner in distress than might be the case at home, and in an emergency you shouldn’t hesitate to appeal directly for help to shopkeepers or passers-by, or to bang on the nearest front door.

From a woman’s perspective – some sample experiences

“It’s easy for women to travel alone in Jordan. You’ll be pleasantly surprised, as I was, by people’s reactions – the best preparation is just to head out with self-confidence, curiosity and a sense of humour. People are extremely willing to help, and almost everyone invited me for tea – a boy selling tablecloths, taxi-drivers, even the guardian in the museum.

Travelling for a time with a male friend felt a little unreal. Suddenly, people stopped talking to me and paid attention only to him. This was probably due more to respect for me than condescension, but I couldn’t help feeling a little upset – though it put me in a great position to just observe events.

It is vital to be able to take things lightly. For instance, I was followed by a bunch of teenage boys for at least an hour through the whole of Salt. They had a great time, running around and making jokes. My mistake was to try and get away. I should have stayed and talked to them, lived up to my role and – best of all – taken a picture. They’d have loved that.”

Anna Hohler, journalist

“One day in Karak, I was doing some exercises in my hotel room. The door was locked, the shades were down. I happened to glance up. Above the closet there was a small set of windows (hadn’t noticed them before), with a man’s face, quickly disappearing.

The following morning, when I saw Mr Peeper in the lobby, he stared right at me without an ounce of shame. Being spied on is no surprise in any culture, but his lack of shame was a cultural lesson for me – not about relations between men and women in Jordan (because I think Jordanian women command a great deal of respect), but rather because I was assumed not to question his rights over my body.

You can regulate the respect you receive according to the way you dress. Complying with the standards of the place you’re visiting relieves you from harassment. It also signals your intention to understand. The assumptions about Western women are so image-based that changing your image will change your reception. It’s as simple as that.”

Karinne Keithley, dancer

“Living and working in Jordan was rewarding and very comfortable. Modifying my dress and behaviour to match social norms helped immensely. Just wearing loose clothes and long-sleeved shirts made me feel more confident and relaxed, especially in more traditional areas, and allowed local people to take me seriously. Being friendly with men I didn’t know inevitably got me in trouble, since they interpreted it as flirting: I tried never to smile at men on the street and to keep my interactions with waiters and shopkeepers on a reserved and businesslike footing. This doesn’t mean I didn’t get stared at – I did. But I came to accept that in some places, as a foreigner, I was an exotic sight to be seen, as much as Jordanian people are exotic to visitors.

The flipside of avoiding men’s stares was that I could smile and look freely at women. Since most women adopt a serious, frozen expression on the street it was a great surprise, smiling tentatively at a woman passer-by or exchanging a few words of greeting, to see her face light up with a broad smile in response. I had an immediate, spontaneous connection which surpassed words and cultural differences.”

Michelle Woodward, photographer

Gestures and body language

There’s a whole range of gestures used in Arab culture which will either be new to you or which carry different meanings from the same gesture in your home country. Rather than nodding, yes is indicated by inclining your head forwards and closing your eyes. No is raising your eyebrows and tilting your head up and back, often accompanied by a little “tsk” noise (which doesn’t indicate impatience or displeasure). Shaking your head from side to side means I don’t understand. A very useful gesture, which can be used a hundred times a day in all kinds of situations, is putting your right hand over your heart: this indicates genuineness or sincerity, and can soften a “no thanks” to a street-seller or a “sorry” to a beggar, or reinforce a “thank you very much” to someone who’s helped you. Many people in the south of Jordan will instinctively touch their right hand to their heart after shaking hands.

One hand held out with the palm upturned and all five fingertips pressed means wait. A side-to-side wrist-pivot of one hand at chest level, palm up with the fingers curled, means what do you want? If someone holds their flat palm out to you and draws a line across it with the index finger of the other hand, they’re asking you for whatever document seems relevant at the time – usually a passport. You can make the same gesture to ask for the bill (check) in a restaurant.

Pointing at someone or something directly with your index finger, as you might do at home, in Jordan casts the evil eye; instead you should gesture imprecisely with two fingers, or just flap your whole hand in the direction you mean. Beckoning with your palm up has cutesy and overtly sexual connotations; instead you should beckon with your palm facing the ground and all four fingers together making broom-sweeping motions towards yourself.

In all Arab cultures, knowingly showing the soles of your feet or shoes to someone is a direct insult. Foreigners have some leeway to err, but you should be aware of it when crossing your legs while sitting: crossing ankle-on-knee means your sole is showing to the person sitting next to you. Copying the Jordanian style of sitting on a chair – always keeping both feet on the floor – is safest. Sitting on the floor requires some foot-tucking to ensure no one is in your line of fire. Putting your feet up on chairs or tables is not done.

Another major no-no is picking your teeth with your fingers; you’d break fewer social taboos if you were to snort, spit into a plastic bag, jiggle a finger in your ear and pick your nose in public. Most diners and restaurants offer toothpicks, which should be used surreptitiously behind your palm.

The meaning of coffee

In tribal bedouin culture, where the mark of a man is how he treats his guests, and where what is unsaid has as much (or more) resonance than what is said, coffee plays a hugely significant symbolic role.

In some areas, merely starting to make coffee is a signal to families in neighbouring tents that something is afoot: by pounding freshly roasted beans in a mihbash – a form of pestle and mortar, sometimes wood, sometimes metal – using a distinctive rattling or jangling sound, a man (it’s always a man) can send out a wordless invitation from his tent for all within earshot to gather round. He brews the coffee with cardamom in a dalleh, a long-spouted pot set in the embers, and then serves it to everyone present in tiny thimble-sized cups, always beginning with the guest of honour and proceeding clockwise around the circle. The first cup is known as l’thayf (“for the guest”), to indicate hospitality. The second is l’kayf (“for the mood”), to indicate a relaxed atmosphere. The third is l’sayf (“for the sword”) to show that any animosity has evaporated. Then, and only then, can the social interaction or discussion begin.

However, if the guest of honour places their first cup in front of them without drinking, this is a signal that they have a request to make of the host – or that there is some underlying problem between them. Only when the request has been met, or the problem solved, will the guest drink. For a guest to leave without drinking even the first cup is a serious snub – such a dispute may require independent arbitration.

A guest could, if they wish, spark a feud by commenting gahwahtak saydeh (“your coffee is hunted” – that is, tainted or bad). If, in the opinion of those present, the beans are indeed off, there is no problem. If, however, the coffee is good, the guest is then deemed to be deliberately insulting the host. The consequences could be serious.

Coffee, too, can serve as a symbol of revenge. A man could gather his neighbours and declare one cup of coffee to be a “blood cup”, meaning whoever drinks it accepts the task of cleansing family honour by taking revenge on a named enemy. But then if the person who drinks fails to exact revenge, they themselves face dishonour and exile. Coffee, in this instance, is life or death.

There are many more such traditions – and they aren’t limited to tent-dwelling bedouin. Even in modern homes, where the beans might be pre-roasted and the coffee machine-made, the rituals and meanings remain unchanged. Coffee is more than just a drink: it’s an integral part of Jordanian culture.

Words of welcome

Ahlan wa sahlan is the phrase you’ll hear most often in Jordan. It’s most commonly rendered as “welcome”, but translates directly as “family and ease”, and so might come out better in English along the lines of “Relax and make yourself at home [in my house/shop/city/country]”. With hospitality a fundamental part of Arab culture, there’s no warmer or more open-hearted phrase in the language. Everybody uses it, in all situations of meeting and greeting, often repeated like a mantra in long strings.

As a visitor, you needn’t ever say ahlan wa sahlan yourself, but you’ll have to field torrents of them from the locals. The proper response – even if you’re walking past without stopping – is ahlan beek (beeki if you’re talking to a woman). Alternatively you can acknowledge the welcome with a smile and shukran (“thank you”) or an informal ahlayn ! (“double ahlan back to you!”).

The catch-all word used to invite someone – whether welcoming an old friend into your home or inviting a stranger to share your lunch (surprisingly common) – is itfuddal , often said together with ahlan wa sahlan. Translations of itfuddal ( itfuddalee to a woman, itfuddaloo to more than one person) can vary, depending on circumstance, from “Come in” to “Go ahead” to “Can I help you?” to “Here you are”, and many more. A respectful response, whether or not you want to take up the offer, is to smile and say shukran (“thank you”).

Top image: Food from the Middle East: a feast in Jordan © Picia Neri/Shutterstock

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Aug 04, 2014

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JORDAN. Bryan Treherne – Thomas Bernard 24 th September 2014. KEY FACTS OF JORDAN.

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• damascus street
• specialist centers
• modern day politics
• free shuttle service
• literacy rates

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JORDAN Bryan Treherne – Thomas Bernard24thSeptember 2014

KEY FACTS OF JORDAN Location: Bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north, and Palestine, the Dead Sea and Israel to the west, Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is an Arab kingdom in Western Asia extending into the historic region of Palestine.

KEY FACTS OF JORDAN Map:

KEY FACTS OF JORDAN Population:7,930,490 (78% living in urban areas) Area: 92 300 km2 Religion:around 92% Sunni Muslim Arab; 6% Christian Arabs Capital:Amman with 2 m population Currency: Jordanian dinar (JOD) (1 Jordanian Dinar equals 0.82 British Pound Sterling) Languages:Arabic (official), English (widely understood among upper and middle classes)

GENERAL INFORMATION Climate:varies according to height but Amman around 40 degrees C in Summer and can freeze and snow in Winter. Labour force: agriculture (2.7%) industry (20%) services (77.4%) Imports: $18.61 billion Exports: $7.914 billion GDP per capita:about $5,000 ($38,919.60 in UK)

GENERAL INFORMATION Government: constitutional monarchy with King appointing the Prime Minister and together they appoint the Cabinet. Current King Abdullah was educated at Oxford and Sandhurst.

ECONOMY UKTI in Jordan helps companies in Britain increase their competitiveness through overseas trade in Jordan The British Embassy in Jordan works to boost the UK’s reputation as a place to do business, to broker commercial partnerships and to increase Jordanian inward investment in UK companies and projects.

ECONOMY Bedouin tribe culture very influential in modern day politics and public sector. Palestinians dominate private sector business. Main industries:Clothing, Phosphate Mining, Fertilizers, Pharmaceuticals, Petroleum Refining, Cement, Potash, Inorganic Chemicals, Light Manufacturing and Tourism (also very important with Petra, Dead Sea area which is important for international conferences,Red Sea, many sites of historic and biblical significance)

ECONOMY Exports: $7.914 billion (2013 est.) Export commodities:clothing, fertilizers, potash, phosphates, vegetables, pharmaceuticals. Main export partners:US (16.6%), Iraq (15.1%), Saudi Arabia (11%), India (10.5%), Indonesia (4.2%) (2012 est.) UK : < 0.85%

ECONOMY Imports:$18.61 billion (2013 est.) Import commodities:crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, iron, cereals. Main import partners : Saudi Arabia (23.6%), China (9.4%), US (6.7%), Italy (4.7%), Turkey (4.6%) (2012 est.) UK : 1.4%

ADVANTAGES OF DOING BUSINESS IN JORDAN - a UK/Jordan Double Taxation Convention from March 2002 - English is widely spoken and accepted as the language of business - political stability and security - well respected Central Bank and a strong banking system - robust economic growth - a strategic and central location

ADVANTAGES OF DOING BUSINESS IN JORDAN - labour force is well educated with literacy rates of over 90% - labour costs remain amongst the most competitive in the Middle East - 100% foreign investment is allowed in most industries - 6 Special Economic Zones established – most advanced in Aquaba - UK products are well regarded for their quality and reliability – but increasing competition from Asia and other regional markets

OPPORTUNITIES Healthcare: Jordan is recognised throughout the region as a leader in the provision of healthcare. Existing hospitals are currently expanding and renovating their facilities, while new private and public sector facilities continue to be established. Opportunities for UK businesses include: ICT in healthcare, renovation and expansion of existing hospitals, creation of specialist centers, co-operation between UK and Jordanian hospitals, latest technologies in equipment, software and tools.

OPPORTUNITIES Healthcare: Jordan has invested a lot of money in order to become a hot spot for medical tourism in the Middle East which is not a surprise because the government has made it simple and fast to obtain a visa at the airport. A free shuttle service from the airport is available to some private hospitals. For example : Low-cost dental implants in Jordan

OPPORTUNITIES ICT: the third largest contributor to Jordan’s economy, with revenues accounting for 14% of total gross domestic product (GDP). Opportunities for UK businesses include: outsourcing, telecommunications, e-health e-health: emerging field in the intersection of medical informatics, public health and business, referring to health services and information delivered or enhanced through the Internet and related technologies

OPPORTUNITIES Energy:Jordan’s energy sector is rapidly developing to meet government targets. These are designed to reduce the country’s reliance on external energy sources (oil import) and introduce more widespread use of renewable energy. Jordan has set out plans to have a fully operational nuclear power facility by 2020 Opportunities for UK businesses include:direct investments in the renewable energy projects, solar and wind, energy savings products.

OPPORTUNITIES Education and training:represents a major source of investment, with more than 70% of Jordan’s population under the age of 30 and a relatively high population growth rate. Opportunities are available for general collaborations but more specific collaborations include opportunities for Research and Development (water, energy, food, security, health). Opportunities for UK companies include: educational software, Arabic translation of English content for regional markets, English teaching, accreditation, teacher training, development of skills and personal development.

REASONS TO INVEST Jordan has a strategic position at the heart of the Levant. It is politically stable, with an open business environment. The region attracts more £1 billion worth of UK exports. Sizeable contracts have been signed with Shell that has greatly boosted bilateral trade. Jordanians are always keen to do business with UK companies.

REASONS TO INVEST There are a lot of benefits for UK businesses exporting to Jordan which are : - English is widely used as the business language - a number of trade agreements with the European Union (EU) - multi-cultural society

USEFUL CONTACTS - Sarah Hildersley - Head of UK Trade and Investment Jordan - British Embassy - Damascus Street - Abdoun - PO Box 87 - Amman 11118 - Email: [email protected] They have 6 staff in Amman dedicated to helping British exporters win business in Jordan.

USEFUL CONTACTS Mr Issa Gammoh, Acting CEO Jordan Investment Board PO Box 893 Amman 11821 Jordan Email: [email protected] www.jordaninvestment.com Jordanian Embassy in UK 6 Upper PhillmoreGdns Kensington London W8 7HB www.jordanembassyuk.gov.jo

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• The City of Jerash
• Hadrian’s Arch of Jerash Jordan
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Despite that Jordan’s culture is extremely influenced by the western traditions, it has in common Arabic and Islamic characteristics, which shape a lot of Jordanians’ behaviors, traditions and customs. It is also affecting the daily life activities of people, who are known with their generosity and lovely attitude. Because of Jordan’s location at the intersection of the three continents (Africa, Asia, and Europe) of the ancient world, it has become a global meeting place for multiple cultures in the present as in the past. This is evident in several respects like the traditional clothing and music. As you can see that Jordan is influenced by its neighbors especially in clothing and music, it also has imported potion of interests from other distant cultures as in sports like football and basketball, where they are coming from Europe and United States.

Most Jordanians live in the capital city of Amman , where you can see the impact of western cultures especially from Europe and America on the daily life, and this is reflected in music, the arts, filmmaking, cinema, fashion and many other forms of entertainment. Amman is one of the most famous modern cities in the region. This is reflected in the major malls which offer many international brands in addition to international hotels that provide a sign of urban life.

English is widely spoken in Jordan and can be understood from the majority of people live in Amman and tourist cities. It’s also used as the second official language in Jordan. Lately number of foreigners form western countries have been moving to Amman and consider it as the second home. Not only tourism but also international trade with neighbors like Egypt, Syria and Turkey had great impact on culture in Jordan.

This all has made Jordan’s culture a great mix and meeting place of many characteristics that shaped life in there. Although Jordan’s people still famous for hospitality, generosity, traditional Arabic home design, eastern attitude, Bedouin weddings, Arabic traditional meals like Mansaf, keeping up with ethical street rules and neighbor’s rights, and lifelong parenting and family cohesion.

Would you like to see more?! .. Check our  Jordan Tours offers at  Jordan Tour Packages

Jordanian Food Culture: Everything You Need to Know

Where I am from in the United States, meals are very much defined bay time. Breakfast is eaten from the time one wakes up until around 11:00 AM, lunch is usually from 12:00  – 2:00 PM and dinner is usually from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. There are certain breakfast foods, lunch foods, and dinner foods, and although there is the occasional “breakfast for dinner,” certain foods are associated with a specific meal, and therefore a specific time of day.

This is not how meals are defined in Jordan. In Jordan, breakfast is the first meal of the day, lunch is the largest, and dinner is the last. Breakfast is usually pita bread, oil and zatar (thyme), plain yogurt, cheese, and jam. Lunch, regardless of the time of day, is usually the largest meal and often consists of rice and meat, whether mutton (sheep), chicken or beef. Dinner is the last meal of the day and is usually eaten fairly late at night and consists of either the same items eaten for breakfast or leftovers from lunch.

“In Jordan , meals are intimate, social affairs with everyone eating from the same communal platter.”

Another difference I noticed, and have actually come to embrace, is the way in which meals are eaten. In the United States, eating utensils are used at every meal, whether spoons, forks, or knives. Most people eat from an individual plate, not touched by anyone else.

In Jordan, people rarely eat from individual plates and rarely use forks or knives, and, sometimes, depending on the meal, there are no spoons. At almost every meal, each person is given a piece of bread, which she uses as a utensil to grab from the large, communal platter of food placed in the middle of the table or floor. Most meals are supplemented with sides of plain yogurt and a salad made with diced cucumbers, tomatoes and green peppers mixed with lemon juice. Meals are intimate, social affairs with everyone eating from the same communal platter. To me, this highlights how closely intertwined food is with community and social ties in Jordan.

Jordanian Food Culture: Popular Dishes in Jordan

Mansef is the national dish of Jordan and is usually eaten on Friday (the holy day in Islam). Some families eat it every Friday, while others, like my host family, eat it one Friday a month. The dish itself consists of a layer of bread covered with a mixture of rice, almonds, and meat, usually mutton. A sauce made from a fermented, dried goat yogurt called sharab is poured over the meat and rice. In this meal, no utensils are used and there is usually no additional bread. One uses her hands to tear off pieces of meat and scoop the rice, which is then squeezed to remove the excess sharab.

My advice – go easy on this dish the first time, especially if you are sensitive to dairy. Also, if you are lucky enough to get the platter with the sheep’s head, try the tongue.

Maglooba is a rice and chicken dish, with fried cauliflower, eggplant and potato. The word ‘maglooba’ is Arabic for flipped.

My host mother makes this by first boiling the chicken, and then frying the cauliflower, eggplant, and potatoes. When finished, she sprinkles the bottom of a pot with rice and then places the eggplant in the middle, the potatoes around the edges, and the cauliflower in between. Next she puts the chicken and then the rest of the rice. She cooks it together on the stove and then when finished, flips the contents of the pot onto a large platter. This meal is eaten with sides of yogurt and salad and is consumed with a spoon.

Fasuli Akhdar

Fasuli Akhdar is not exclusively a Jordanian dish, but is one of my personal favorites. It is a tomato-based soup with green beans and meat. Each person is given a bowl of the soup and eats from a communal platter of rice.

Koosa is another one of my favorite dishes so far and is also the most extensive dish to create, taking around three days to make. The word Koosa is Arabic for zucchini, which is stuffed with rice and meat and then cooked. It is sometimes eaten with chicken necks.

Rashouf is a sharab-based soup with hummus and lentils. To serve this food, bread is placed on a platter and the soup is spooned over the bread. My advice: like with Mansef, if you are sensitive to dairy, go easy on this dish the first time.

Mlukheea is a Palestinian soup. It is is a spinach-like vegetable that is boiled with meat.

Jaj Bi Batata

Jaj Bi Batata is fried potatoes and onions baked with chicken. This dish is eaten with bread.

Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup is also a popular dish. Sometimes this is prepared with chicken broth, so vegetarians and vegans should ask the server if it contains meat. This is oftentimes served spooned over bread or eaten by itself.

Oozi is a chicken and rice dish, in which the chicken has been marinated in lemon and lime.

Kibbseh is also a chicken and rice dish, eaten with yogurt and salad. The rice is often cooked with peas and carrots.

Kanafa is a dessert item made with a certain type of dough and either goat cheese or custard.

Baklowa is a dessert made with syrup, nuts and phyllo dough.

Ka’ak are cookies dipped in tea.

Shy is Arabic for tea and is served at the end of every meal. It is usually served brewed with sage and mint, but sometimes in the winter, or to celebrate a newborn baby, it is brewed with cinnamon and topped with coconut. People with diabetes should be cautious of the amount of tea they drink because it is usually made with quite a bit of sugar.

Gahwa Sooda or Gahwa Arabiia

Gahwa Sooda or Gahwa Arabiia is black coffee served to guests as a sign of hospitality. The coffee contains no sugar and tastes very bitter. Despite this, you should drink the first glass and when the host comes over to give you another serving, simply take the cup and tilt it slightly from side to side to indicate that you do not want another. You may also be served Nescafe or Gahwa, which is usually Turkish coffee.

Jordanian Food Culture: Survival Arabic Food Phrases

shukran / le shukran — thank you / no thank you

Hathi alwajba kanit kateer zakia — This meal was very delicious

Ana  shibaana, alhumdulallah — I am full, Thank God (for women)

Ana  shibaan, alhumdulallah — I am full, Thank God (for men)

Saha / Sahtain — translates directly to “to your health / to your health twice.”

After thanking your host, she may respond by saying saha / sahtain.

You should respond by saying Ala gelbik (to a woman) or Ala gelbak (to a man), which means “to your heart.”

Ayndi hassassea bi ______ — I have an allergy to ______

Ana nabaatiiya — I am a vegetarian (for women)

Ana nabaatii — I am a vegetarian (for men)

Kooli! — Eat!

If eating a home cooked meal with a family, you will be asked to eat more even after you say you are full. This is just how some people in Jordanian culture show hospitality to their guests. My advice would be to stop eating when you are 70 percent full.

That way when you are asked to eat more, you can do so without feeling uncomfortably full and simultaneously not offend the person who prepared the meal.

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Have you traveled to Jordan? What were your impressions? Email us at [email protected]  for information about sharing your experience and advice with the Pink Pangea community. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Jordanian Food Culture: Everything You Need to Know photo credit: Toby Cox and Unsplash.com.

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2 thoughts on “ Jordanian Food Culture: Everything You Need to Know ”

Woou!!amazing,i think i will have great time working with the Jordan peolpe

This is awesome. I work with your Dad and he is very thrilled for you.

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