Jordan should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Although Jordan is a country with a rich history that goes back to the beginning of time, it was not recognized as an independent nation until 1946. It is geographically located at the crossroads to Middle East. All three continents, Asia, Europe and Africa had to pass through Jordan’s borders. Because Jordan is in such a central location, it was able to absorb and share many cultures over the centuries. Let me now discuss the many aspects of Jordanian cultural life.
Understanding Jordan’s history is essential to understanding their culture. Jordan’s past has witnessed many people from different backgrounds move into new territories. The Paleolithic Period (500,000-17,000 BCE) is the first evidence of Jordanian people. We have not yet found documents that prove Jordan traded with Egypt or Mesopotamia until the early Bronze Age. Later, Jordan fell under the control of Babylonian Empire, The Persian Empire and Umayyad Empire. Jordan didn’t become an official entity until after the fall Ottoman Empire. Winston Churchill invent Jordan in 1921. It was then under British colonial rule. Britain trained and organized the Arab Legion, one the greatest Arab armies ever formed. The effectiveness of this Legion in 1948 was such that they captured large swathes of land and most of Jerusalem. King Abdullah was the leader of the new country. He was a British tribe leader. King Abdullah was able to establish a better relationship towards Israel during his reign, despite power struggles with Egypt. King Abdullah was finally assassinated at a Mosque in July 20, 1951.
After King Abdullah’s death, King Hussein was king of the kingdom for 40 years. In January 1999, he lost his battle with cancer. Hussein made significant progress in Jordan’s development while he was in power. Certain countries, including the United States, Israel, Britain, provided resources, military arms, and humanitarian aid. Other Arab countries considered this a disadvantage, but it was necessary for Jordan’s progress. More than 30 nations from around the world participate in an annual joint military competition/exercise held by Jordan.
One of the most interesting things about these conquerors is that a nomadic tribe gave up their way of living and settled down. The Nabateans were the name of this tribe, which settled in Petra. It is Jordan’s most popular tourist site. You can buy souvenirs in any region of the country. The Nabateans, skilled craftsmen who built the entire city from sandstone cliffs, are the reason this area is so popular. Decorations were used to decorate houses, churches, ministries, and places for worship.
Jordan’s art is one of its most inspiring and famous features. Irbid is home to the largest concentration of art, as well as Amman and Madaba. Jordan has a lot of classic Muslim art. The entire structure is decorated with intricate geometric patterns throughout the mosques. You can find mosaic, pottery, embroidery and other forms of art that are highly sought-after.
Mosaic is an ancient form of art in which small pieces made from colored ceramic are pressed into a plaster. The size and type of the design they are creating can make it take years. The Byzantine Umayyad Period, from the fifth through the eighteenth century AD saw a lot of Mosaics. This art is used to show people and places on maps. They are also useful for detailing the history for scientists. Madaba is regarded as the home of mosaics. An institution was established in 2018 to keep people learning this particular art form.
Weaving, a form of weaving, has been popular in the Middle East since centuries. These were weaved by nomadic Bedouin tribal members as they traveled. These colors were popular for weaving: orange, red, green, and black. As these tribes settled down, modernization brought about a decrease in travel and women stopped weaving. The Jordanians realized that dyeing was an art form and began to work towards saving it. The Bani Hameeda Project was created with the support of other organizations. This project promotes weaving among women and provides income to both rural and urban women.
Glass blowing is another dying art form in Middle East.
This is because it takes a lot of energy and time to learn the art. To create the art, you need to start with a clump or glass. Next, make a hole in your pipe. This art form slowly moves from Hebron (the northernmost city) to Amman. These bottles are also used for sand-filled glass bottles. Jordan is home to over 20 natural shades of Sandstone. There are no dyes required because of the variety of colors. Some believe Mohammed Abdullah Othman, the founder of this technique, was the first and only person to do it.
Jordanian cuisine should be a top choice for travelers to the region. It is widely regarded as one of the finest Arabic dishes in the region. You are not required to bring anything to an invitation to a party or house. Your host is the person who invited you and will provide all you may need. It is customary to eat whatever the host prepares. Mansaf is the national dish and a Bedouin speciality. This dish is made with seasoned lamb and is served in dried yogurt. This dish will be served on large plates with plenty of rice and sprinkled generously with nuts. This dish is best served only on special occasions such anniversaries or weddings.
The Jordanian embroiderer is a valuable art form that centers around embroidery and has seen an increase in fashion industry. They can make beautiful jackets as well as the more popular wedding and ball gowns using skilled needlework and Middle Eastern treasured fabrics. These gowns can be seen at five-star hotels for weddings or other events at any hour of the day. This is because of the simple fact that it comes from the same place. Traditional Jordanian girls were judged on their skills. Embroidery is now a common household item, and has been able to be used to make curtains and cushions. Traditional colors include purple, pink, and maroon. There are also additions of bright green, gold, and orange. You will find common images such as flowers, feathers and triangles.
Jordanian people are approximately six and a-half million. Arabic is the main language and Islam is the most popular religion. Ramadan is the most widely celebrated holiday among all Islamic followers. Ramadan is usually 30 days long and falls on a ninth month in Islam’s calendar. This means that Ramadan changes from year-to-year. This time can be used to reflect on your life, to visit a mosque, to pray five days a day, and to connect with God. It is strictly forbidden to consume, chew gum, eat, or drink during daylight hours. Public sex must be done in long sleeves. Even foreigners are required to follow certain rules in certain countries. If they don’t, they may face heavy penalties. These rules are not enforced in Jordan, which is more progressive.
Laylat Al-Qadr refers to the time when Prophet Muhammad recited the Quran’s first verses. It occurs on the tenth and last day Ramadan. People can attend mosques, read the Quran, ask for forgiveness and go to mosques. Eid Al-Fitr marks Ramadan’s end. Celebrations take place across the country on day seven when the sun has set. People enjoy large gatherings and share their food. Shia Muslims and Sunni Muslims have different views on Ashura. Sunnis celebrate the rescue of Moses and his followers from the Egyptian Pharaoh on Ashura. Shia Muslims, on the other hand, see this day in mourning. It is believed that this day marks the date when Prophet Mohammad’s grandson was killed in 680 A.D.
As can be seen, nearly all major holidays in Jordan have an Islamic origin. The Ottoman Empire brought Islam to Jordan. However, this does not mean other religions are not allowed within the borders. Jordan is unique because it is located near Israel, Palestine, and other Arab countries. Jordanians are very open to the idea of different religions, such as Christianity or Judaism. Jordanians believe that religion is as important as belief in God. People are well aware that Islam and Christianity believe in the same god, but they worship him differently.
It is common for people to greet one another when they pass by, as well as a Mosque and Christian church right next to each other. Jordan is a Muslim nation but still adheres to Islamic values. They are also some of most lenient Muslim countries. One example is the fact that Islamic law gives women half the inheritance as men. This law does not apply to Muslims in Jordan only, but to all religions.
Separation of the sexes remains a very common Islamic law in Jordan. Both men and women stay in their respective groups, and interact only with family members or spouses. The women of Saudi Arabia, for example, still cover their heads.
The Jordanian culture has deep historical ties. Jordan is a crossroads where many cultures intersect. Jordan is the Holy Land’s center and has strong ties to Islamic traditions, customs, Judaism, and Christianity. The preservation of traditional art forms such as weaving, mosaics and glassblowing is a key part of the Holy Land. They are also gaining popularity in the 21st Century. Jordan is also making strides in conserving ruins such the Roman city, Nabatean capital of Petra, as well as Ottoman castles. These are just a few examples of what Jordanians have done to show their history and identity.
