Jordan, a peaceful oasis in The Middle East

Since its independence in May 1946, today one cannot describe the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan without noting the nation is virtually surrounded in every direction by border and refugee concerns. Jordan also defies the misconception that the entire Middle East is oil-rich simply because it does not have oil. It actually depends upon the importation of oil to fuel its existence which includes the exportation of potash from the Dead Sea and the mining of phosphate. However, what is the biggest source of revenue for this tiny desert country? Tourism!

Tourism is a major life-sustaining ingredient of the country. The antiquities of Petra and Jerash, the resorts of Aqaba and the Dead Sea together with the spectacular desert of Wadi Rum, made famous by the movie "Lawrence of Arabia", combine to make Jordan a unique and incredible destination for tourists. Under its benevolent king, King Abdullah II, the country's treasures have been opened for the enjoyment of visitors.

I now invite you on my photographic journey through a country filled with beauty from every angle. In pictures, you will also "meet with your eyes" a warm and friendly people.

Amman, the modern capital city of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, has a population of over 1.6 million people. Its history and that of Jeresh and the Jordan River Valley have had continuous human existence for 6,500 years.

King Abdullah Mosque is a very good example of Amman's modern architecture.

The Temple of Hercules at the Citadel overlooks the city of Amman.

As early as 2 B.C., during the time of the Roman Empire, Jeresh was a prosperous city as well as one of the great classical cities of the Roman Decapolis. A century later, during its Golden Age, when Hadrian visited the city, its population was 20,000 to 25,000 people.

Jerash once had a splendid Temple of Artemis, the goddess of the city, a Temple of Zeus, a Hippodrome, a theatre and a forum surrounded by colonnades. Located about 30 miles north of Amman and an easy day trip by car or bus, it is one of the most beautiful and best–persevered provincial Roman cities in the Middle East.

This Arch was built to commemorate the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian on his visit to the city in 129-30 A.D.

The well-preserved decorative leaf design of the Acanthus Plant on the columns of the arch show the influence of Greek architecture during this time.

The Ionic Colonnade extends a half mile from the North Gate and surrounds the oval Forum which was built in 2 A.D.

After its decline in importance in the 3rd century, Jerash became a wasteland. This was attributed to Constantinople becoming the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Jerash was buried in the sands of Jordan for over 1000 years. It has been only 70 years since the start of its restoration.

The Roman Theatre or Odeon was built in 90 A.D. It could seat 3000 spectators who would enjoy performances of drama, music, oratory and many kinds of sport. Even today, the acoustics of this open-air theater are excellent.

The circular arches in the podium acted as sound boxes for the acoustics.

During festival time, the elaborate stage was decorated with garlands.

This photo shows the close proximity of the ancient world and the modern Jordanian town.

Corinthian columns near the Temple of Artemis.

The 2nd century A.D. Temple of Zeus entrance blends with the modern Jordanian town. By the middle of the 5th century A.D., Christianity became the major religion and the Cathedral in Jerash was built with the stones of the earlier Roman city.

The main Roman road was called Cardo Maximus. Notice the ruts in the stones left by the chariot wheels.

The Nymphaeum in Jeresh was constructed in 191 A.D. The fountain was originally embellished with marble and painted plaster. Water cascaded into small basins from seven carved lion heads.

Today, the audience entertainment in the restored 2nd century Hippodrome features performances of the battle tactics of Roman soldiers and chariot races.

Petra was named one of the new "Seven Wonders of the World" in a ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday, July 7, 2007 (07-07-07). The guide book of Petra states, "It is one of the few places in the world where the hand of God and the mind of man have joined forces to dazzle the human imagination." More than 2000 years ago, the Nabataeans, a nomadic Arabian trading people began a settlement and carved their city out of colorful Nubian sandstone. It was subsequently abandoned by the end of the 8th century. Until as recently as the late 1960's, Petra was seldom visited. The people, the city and all that remains of this ancient civilization remain a mystery.

A walk through the Siq, a narrow passageway is the only entrance to the city which opens up to the magnificent al-Khaznek Treasury.

What was it used for? Was there really a treasure to be found? Why was the city abandoned? What happened to the Nabataeans and their magnificent civilization?

The archaeologists of today are at work year-round trying to find the answers to these questions?

The cataclysm of 30 million years ago that created the Great Rift Valley also created enormous mounds of granite and sandstone in Wadi Rum. From exposure to rain and wind, weird shapes have been sculpted in the sandstone creating one of the great natural landscapes of the world. Archeologists have discovered Neolitic flints near fresh water streams and believe tribes traveled on this desert route from the Arabian peninsula about 9000 years ago.

More recently, trading caravans and nomadic Bedouins used Wadi Rum as a gathering place in the desert.

Pictures and inscriptions left on the sandstone surfaces down through the ages indicate the area was rich in habitation.

One of the most unforgettable experiences one can have in Wadi Rum is to spend a night in a Bedouin Camp, sharing a meal and drinking mint tea under the starry desert sky.

The two most interesting and enjoyable aspects of my travels are meeting the people and tasting their foods. Jordan is no exception.

The country is a full spectrum collage of Muslims and Christian sects, a Bedouin tribal population and Palestinian refugees who, for over a half a century have established their roots. In this melting pot that has history going back to ancient civilizations, its people have come together to create a modern, dynamic country with a warm and welcoming attitude that provides comfort in a region where peace continues to evolve.

With this mixture in mind, it is hard to contemplate the great variety of foods to be enjoyed during a visit to Jordan. But one dish the Jordanians proudly call their own is mansaf. Being invited to a mansaf is being invited to a feast with a whole stewed lamb served on a bed of rice and shraq (very thin bread) covered with hot jameed (dried yoghurt) and sprinkled with snobar (fried pine nuts) served on a large platter.

I've only skimmed the surface of what one can see and do in Jordan. It is important that visitors experience first-hand this modern, safe and friendly country. King Abdullah II and his father have given Jordan a remarkable measure of peace, stability and economic growth in a region not unfamiliar with discord.

Jordan Tourism Board
www.seejordan.org
North American Office
6867 Elm Street
Suite #102
McLean, VA 22101
E-Mail: info@seejordan.org
Tel: (703) 243-7404
Fax: (703)243-7406

Jerash Festival
http://www.jerashfestival.com.jo
The Jerash Festival, held in July every year, transforms the ancient city into one of the world's liveliest and most spectacular cultural events. The festival features folklore dances by local and international groups, ballet, concerts, plays, opera, popular singers and sales of traditional handicrafts, all in the brilliantly floodlit dramatic surroundings of the Jeresh ruins.

Wadi Rum
http://www.wadirum.jo/
Royal Jordanian Airlines has scheduled flights departing the United States from New York, Chicago and Detroit. Check the website for other countries and locations.
www.rj.com.

Jordan Tourism Board Video