What is the official language in Jordan? Where is Jordan located on the world map and what is interesting about the country. Animal and plant life
Jordan is a country ideal for exotic travel. Here tourists will find magnificent and stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and colorful eastern cities. However, you can only get to know a country by visiting it. Our article will help future tourists understand what the real thing is, with all its amazing tourist discoveries, luxurious and purely oriental hospitality.
Geography
To find out where Jordan is, look at the world map. This country is located on the Arabian Peninsula. It borders Iraq and Syria, and Israel, Palestine and Egypt. There is access to the Dead and Red Seas.
Most of the country is desert; only in the west of Jordan are there hills. The highest point is Umm ed-Dami with a height of 1854 m, and the lowest is 427 m below the conditional level of the world ocean. The famous river flows on the border of Jordan with Israel.
The climate here is warm and dry, with little precipitation. Most of them occur between November and March. The holiday season in Jordan is considered to be spring, when it is not yet hot and you can enjoy a holiday on the coast, and autumn, when it is better to devote time to improving your health or, for example,.
Statehood
The full name of the country is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Its flag is a rectangular panel divided into 3 equal stripes of black, white and green. This is a symbolic designation of the three caliphates: the Abbasids, the Umayyads and the Fatimids respectively. On the right side of the Jordan flag there is a red triangle (the Hashemite dynasty), on which a white seven-pointed star is visible (the unity of the Arab clans).
The form of government in Jordan is a dualistic monarchy. This means that the king, together with a council of ministers, rules the country, and their power is mutually limited.
Administratively, the country is divided into 12 governorates, which in turn are divided into 52 districts.
Cities and resorts
The capital and largest city of Jordan is. It is located in the north-west of the country and surprises many tourists who have already traveled to the Middle East. Unlike neighboring Egypt and Syria, the Jordanian capital is a completely modern Arab city with new neighborhoods, fashionable shops, etc. However, the oriental flavor is still present here, expressed in the narrow streets of the old city, the abundance and, of course, the traditions of hospitable and welcoming Jordanians.
In second place in terms of attendance among the cities of Jordan is , whose photos often appear on the covers of tourist brochures. Its main distinguishing feature is its location: in fact, Aqaba is Jordan’s only holiday resort on the Red Sea. This attracts many foreign guests who want to relax on the beautiful, warm Jordanian beaches.
Other cities important for tourism are,. Each of them is interesting in its own way, and even a review of it will give you a lot of impressions and food for thought.
Population, religion and language
The vast majority of Jordan's population are Arabs. They make up 95% of the 6.2 million people. The remaining 5% are Chechens and Circassians, Armenians and Turks, Kurds and Assyrians. Nowadays, the country is home to many refugees from Iraq and Syria.
Islam is not the official state religion of Jordan, although the majority is Muslim. Christianity is also widespread (both Orthodox and Greek Catholics live here). Religious minorities include Ismailis and Baha'is.
As for the language, be prepared for the fact that in Jordan they speak mainly Arabic, which is the official language. English, which is also quite widespread, is also required to be studied in schools. Among the population of different parts of the country, you can often hear dialects of Arabic, which often sound like a completely different language - these are Ash-Sham, Ammiyya, Palestinian, Bedouin and various regional dialects.
Economy
Economically, Jordan is not the most successful country. Unlike its luckier “neighbors” – Saudi Arabia – there is an energy shortage here, and the unemployment rate is quite high. Jordan also has its advantages - the presence of historical monuments that attract tourists, and a free economic zone (the port of Aqaba). However, recently political instability has hampered the development of tourism, and GDP growth has slowed significantly.
The currency of Jordan is the Jordanian dinar. It is with them that tourists pay for excursions, in shops, restaurants, etc. Small purchases and payments for taxis can also be made in dollars. There are exchange offices on every street in major cities such as Aqaba and Amman.
What to see in Jordan?
The main value of the country for international tourism is not its luxurious beaches. Jordan has a rich history that stretches back centuries. The first Christians, and before that the Nabateans and Romans, left their mark on history here. Therefore, travelers who are interested in the past will find a trip to Jordan very interesting. The main historical monuments of the region and it are:
Holidays in Jordan
Tourists coming to this hospitable country have many different options for how to spend their precious vacation time:
- Admire in parks, reserves, deserts and wadis. Those who have seen other countries will appreciate the colorful and unique nature of Jordan.
- Study antiquities. This is the most common type of tourism, because on excursions in Jordan you can see a lot of interesting places and learn new facts about its rich history.
- Make a pilgrimage to holy places.
- Get healthier, having arrived to, or at the resorts of the Dead Sea, the waters of which are famous for their healing effects on the human body.
- Enjoy a beach holiday. In Jordan, this can be done in Aqaba and, where most of the beaches belong to, and therefore are equipped and comfortable, or on the Dead Sea coast, where tourists go to Amman Beach.
- Have an active rest– the country offers lovers of such a pastime magnificent and no less exciting snorkeling, desert safari in an off-road vehicle, hot air ballooning and paragliding, golf, paintball, horse riding and mountain trekking.
- Devote time to shopping and bring home the best ones.
Jordan Hotels
Accommodation in establishments across the country can generally be described as comfortable. The service here is pleasant and unobtrusive; in all hotels they speak English, and in some places you can even hear Russian spoken.
The choice of hotels is also quite wide: from the best 5-star resorts in Jordan to simple hostels and campsites, they can be found in the capital. The largest number of hotels is concentrated in the Dead Sea resorts and in Aqaba. The variety of services and level of comfort are excellent even in 3* and 4* establishments.
Nutrition
In the capital and major cities of Jordan, tourists will not have problems with food: here you can find European restaurants, steak houses, coffee shops, and chain eateries. If you decide to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the taste, be sure to try the following:
- delicious baklava with pistachios;
- crispy falafel;
- spicy mutabel;
- Arabic pizza manakish;
- first class shawarma.
Don't leave Jordan without tasting strong coffee, mint tea, the strong aniseed drink arak and local wines.
What to bring from Jordan?
The best gifts from Jordan will be those that reflect its flavor:
- colorful sand of Petra;
- crafts made from olive wood and ceramics;
- natural cosmetics from the Dead Sea;
- Bedouin silver jewelry;
- copper utensils.
When shopping, please note that on Fridays and Sundays many stores may be closed for religious reasons. And bargaining in Jordan is done completely differently than in neighboring Arab countries: sellers here do not push their goods, and the buyer will not be able to significantly reduce the price. In addition, in many stores the cost of goods is fixed.
Security in Jordan
Tourists do not have to worry about this issue: the situation in Jordan today is considered one of the safest for tourists in the entire Middle East. Despite armed conflicts in neighboring countries, it continues to maintain neutrality, and the Jordanian authorities are directly interested in both their own residents and guests of the country. Therefore, they provide all the necessary measures and travelers have nothing to fear even outside hotels and tourist areas.
The only thing that needs to be remembered is that Jordan is an Arab state with its own rules, laws and regulations that should be respected.
Visa and customs
Residents of the CIS countries who want to relax in Jordan can get it both in their homeland by contacting the embassy, and upon arrival, in. The latter option makes visiting Jordan very convenient and contributes to the development of tourism in the country. When going on vacation, be sure to study the list of permitted and prohibited items for import so as not to have problems at the border. It is also useful to know that Jordan has a tax-free system, under which you can return part of the money spent on the purchase. To do this, look for stores with the appropriate sticker and keep your receipts to present at customs.
Transport
The system of passenger transportation within the country has its own characteristics:
How to get there?
There are several ways to enter the country, which differ in duration, cost and level of comfort:
- direct flight from Royal Jordanian to one of the airports in the Kingdom of Jordan;
- by plane to Israel, from there by bus to Amman;
- by plane to Sharm el-Sheikh, then by ferry to Aqaba.
The official name of the state is Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Deserts and semi-deserts occupy 90% of its territory. Jordan borders Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the partially recognized State of Palestine. Jordan shares Dead Sea coastlines with Israel and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA)/partially recognized State of Palestine, and the Gulf of Aqaba coastline with Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
State symbols
Flag– approved on April 16, 1928. It consists of three equal horizontal stripes: black on top, white in the middle, green below. On top of them on the left edge is a red triangle, in which a white seven-pointed star is depicted. The horizontal colors of the Jordanian flag represent the Abbasid, Umayyad and Fatimid caliphates. The red triangle represents the ruling Hashemite dynasty, as well as the Arab resistance. The seven-pointed star has a double meaning: it symbolizes the first sura of the Koran, as well as the unity of the Arab clans.
Coat of arms– is a bronze shield topped with an emerging azure disk. Above the shield is an eagle with spread wings, resting on a disk; behind the disc are crossed flags of the Arab revolt, sabers, spears, bows and arrows; at the bottom, the shield is framed by three golden ears of wheat on the right and a green palm branch on the left, intertwined with the ribbon of the Order of the Renaissance, to which is attached the sign of the Order of the 1st degree; on the gold motto ribbon, at the bottom of the coat of arms, there is an inscription in black letters in Arabic: “Abdallah II ibn Al Hussein Bin Aun, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Seeking support and guidance from God”; The coat of arms is superimposed on a red silver-lined mantle with gold fringe, tied with gold cords, with gold tassels, and topped with a gold Jordanian royal crown.
The golden crown symbolizes the monarchy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Royal Hashemite Crown rests on a mantle symbolizing the Hashemite Throne. The dark red robe is lined with white silk, symbolizing self-sacrifice and purity. The robe is trimmed with gold fringe and, on both sides, tied with gold cords with gold tassels, so as to show a white silk lining. Each flag represents the flag of the Great Arab Revolt. The eagle symbolizes strength, courage and greatness. Its colors represent the banner and turban of the Prophet Muhammad.
Government structure of modern Jordan
Form of government– dualistic monarchy (a constitutional monarchy in which the power of the monarch is limited by the constitution, but the monarch formally and actually retains extensive powers. Executive power is in the hands of the monarch, legislative power is in the parliament). The Royal Armed Forces are under the control of the king.
Head of State- king.
Head of the government- Prime Minister, appointed by the King.
Capital- Amman. More than 60% of the country's residents live here.
Largest cities– Amman, Irbid and Zarqa.
Zarqa city
Territory– 92,300 km².
Population– 6,259,932 people. 95% of the population are Arabs. Other nationalities: Circassians (“Circassians”), Abazins, Abkhazians, Chechens, Armenians and Kurds. Jordanians of European descent and Arabs from Iraq and Syria live there.
State religion- Sunni Islam. Christians make up 6% of Jordan's resident population and occupy 20% of the seats in Parliament.
Currency– Jordanian dinar.
Official language– Arabic. English and French are widely spoken. Radio Jordan broadcasts programs in these languages.
Administrative division– 12 governorates. The governorates are headed by governors appointed by the king and subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The governorates are divided into 52 districts.
Education– compulsory education for 12 years. Those who choose higher education must complete their studies at school for 2 years, after which they pass the final exams, based on the results of which they enter either on a budget basis or on a paid basis due to a lack of points. There are more than 40 public and commercial universities in the country. The best university is in Amman.
Sport– The most popular sports in the country are football and basketball. Boxing, wrestling, equestrian sports, athletics, table tennis, swimming, shooting, archery, taekwondo, and fencing are popular. Jordan has competed in the Summer Olympics since 1980.
Tourism– tourists in Jordan are attracted by the beaches and coral reefs of the Gulf of Aqaba, the Dead Sea and one of the new seven wonders of the world – Petra.
Coral reefs
Economy. High unemployment. Jordan has significant deposits of phosphates, potash, limestone, marble, dolomite, kaolin, and salt. Previously, barites (barium salts), gypsum, uranium, copper, shale, and feldspar were found in Jordan. Industry is concentrated in the Amman area. Heavy industry sectors: oil refining, phosphate mining and cement production. They produce clothing, food and other consumer goods. Almost all of Jordan's electricity is produced by thermal power plants, most of which are oil-fired.
Agriculture is a traditional sector, but it does not meet the country's food needs. Main crops: grains, sesame, grapes, beans, wheat, legumes, tobacco, corn, tomatoes, melons, olives, grapes, citrus fruits, bananas.
Jordan exports tomatoes
Less than 10% of Jordan's land is arable, and the country is dependent on food imports.
The area of pastures is limited and is only sufficient for raising livestock. Artesian wells were dug to expand pastoralism. They mainly raise sheep and goats, cattle, camels, horses, donkeys, mules, and poultry.
Climate– dry and warm.
Nature
90% of Jordan's territory is occupied by desert plateaus; in the west of the country there are hills and mountains. The Jordan River separates Jordan and Israel. The highest point of the country is Jabal Ram (1734 m), the lowest is the Dead Sea (-486 m).
The Jordan Desert, which lies at the junction of the Syrian and North Arabian deserts, has a thin, dry soil cover. There is very little rainfall here. Water reserves have been found in several oases, the largest of which is Kars al-Azraq with Azraq National Park, located 80 km east of Amman.
Desert vegetation consists of drought-resistant annuals (xerophytes) and low-growing perennial grasses and shrubs (wormwood). Intensive livestock grazing has led to the degradation of vegetation cover.
The most fertile soils are located in the northwest, where fruits and vegetables are grown. In the south, the soil layer is less thick and the soils themselves are less fertile; Only grains can be grown on them. Natural vegetation varies from ancient oak forests in the northwest to scrubland in the south.
Jordan has exceptional biological diversity. It has everything: pine-covered mountains, mountains covered with lush vegetation, swampy lowlands and oases, the breathtaking landscapes of the Wadi Rum desert, the underwater world of the Red Sea Gulf.
Jordan's most important ecological treasure is the unique area along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. Here, at 410m below sea level, many small streams flow down from the surrounding hills, creating rushing waterfalls and an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. There are hot thermal springs here. Their healing waters have attracted people for thousands of years. On the shores of the Dead Sea, simple salt takes the form of various sculptures of incredibly bright colors.
Several large nature reserves have been created in Jordan. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) works to protect wildlife and natural habitats throughout Jordan.
Dana Nature Reserve
Located in the north to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. The area of the reserve is 308 km². It is distinguished by a large difference in altitude: the highest point is located at an altitude of 1200 m, the lower point is where the reserve faces the shores of the Dead Sea - 200 m below the level of the World Ocean. Thanks to this, Dana is considered the lowest located nature reserve on earth.
It includes Mount Rummana, as well as ancient treasures. There are 703 species of plants, 215 species of birds and 38 species of animals. Forested highlands, rocky slopes, sand dunes and rocky deserts are pleasing to the eye.
Mujib Nature Reserve
Mountain goats and caracals live here. Located in the picturesque Wadi Mujib gorge, which gently slopes into the Dead Sea at 400 m below sea level.
The difference in elevation throughout the reserve ensures a constant flow of water along the slopes and a rich biodiversity of local ecosystems.
Scientists have discovered 420 plants, 10 species of animals and 102 species of birds here. Herds of majestic and graceful stone goats (ibex) live here.
If you're lucky, you can meet a local predator here - one of the very rare representatives of the cat family: the caracal. Ears with black tassels give the caracal a resemblance to a small lynx.
Jordanian culture
The country's population is divided into sedentary and nomadic. The transitional group between them consists of semi-nomads. Each of these groups has its own characteristics in material and spiritual culture, in social and family life.
- settled rural population. They are mainly engaged in agriculture. Their houses are usually adobe or made of mud brick. The main food of the fellahs is vegetable and cereal stews, vegetables and unleavened flatbreads made from coarse wheat or barley flour.
The tools have remained almost unchanged since the Arab Caliphate: mihrat (a wooden plow-shaped tool with an iron plowshare), marr (triangular moth), minjal (short sickle), luh (threshing board) or muraj (threshing sleigh) with stone teeth. Fellahi grain flour is made using stone millstones, grapes are squeezed using special presses and olive oil is made.
Modern agricultural machinery is not widespread in Jordan.
The nomadic tribes of Jordan live mainly in the south of the country (in the Ma'an area) and in the east. Camel breeders are considered a kind of aristocracy of nomads. They take to themselves the proud title of “Bedouin” (desert dweller).
Jordanian clothing is similar to Syrian clothing. A notable difference from Syrian clothing is the headscarf called "khasa", which is worn by almost all men. Its ends usually hang down to the waist, there is a fringe along the edges, its color is usually white, with black or red cells.
Women's clothing is very colorful, even casual. Embroidery is a popular art in Jordan. Women's clothing is often decorated with very complex patterns, using bright and varied colors. The custom of covering one's face is falling out of use in cities, and in the countryside it was not popular before.
Modern culture is concentrated mainly in the city of Amman. Popular culture in Jordan has been heavily influenced by the West. European and American music and their films are popular among Jordanians. Amman has many shops with Western goods, hotels, and nightclubs.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Jordan
Ancient city of Petra
The ancient capital of Idumea (Edoma), later the capital of the Nabataean kingdom. Not far from Petra are the Ad-Dair rock temple and the tomb of Aaron.
Ad-Dair– Nabataean rock temple of the 1st century AD. e. It is a monumental building carved entirely out of rock. The dimensions of the temple are 50 m wide and about 45 m high. After the adoption of Christianity in the 4th century. the building was used as a monastery.
Petra was located at the crossroads of two important trade routes: one connecting the Red Sea with Damascus, the other connecting the Persian Gulf with Gaza off the Mediterranean coast. For hundreds of years, trade brought great wealth to Petra. But when the Romans opened sea routes to the East, the land trade in spices came to naught, and Petra gradually became empty, lost in the sands. These days, about half a million tourists come to Jordan every year to see Petra, whose buildings testify to its glorious past. Petra has been declared one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Al Khazneh (Petra)
Nabatean temple of the Hellenistic era. A monumental building carved entirely from rock in the 1st century. The order façade of the building is 40 m high and 25 m wide. According to one version, the temple was built by the Nabatean king Arethas IV Philopatra as his own tomb.
Ancient residence of the caliphs of Quseir Amr
Palace complex of the 8th century, including a hall with three naves for audiences and adjacent baths. It stands in the middle of the desert, east of Amman. The hall is decorated with frescoes, the best of which is the image of the “Great Blind”: a beautiful young woman with a diadem, necklace and bracelets sits in a beautiful pose against the backdrop of the arcades.
Archaeological finds at Um er Rasas (Kastron Mefaa)
Wadi Rum (Valley of the Moon) Protected Area
It belongs to rocky deserts and occupies an area of 74,180 hectares. The desert is inhabited by reptiles (lizards, snakes) and larger animals. The desert is a national park in Jordan. Of interest are the sights, rocks (for climbers), jeep safari tours and rock paintings, many of which have not yet been sufficiently studied.
Other sights of Jordan
Historical landmarks
Gadara
Ruins of ancient Gadara
An ancient fortified city in Eastern Palestine, now the hill of Umm Qais (Mukes) in Jordan. In the 3rd century BC. e. Greeks and local residents Hellenized during the reign of the Seleucids settled here. Gadara was the birthplace of the famous Greek poets Menippus (3rd century BC), Philodemus and Meleager (1st century BC). The city was destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th century AD. e.
El Karak
The city developed around a Crusader fortress, rising at an altitude of about 1000 m above sea level. The famous El Karak Castle is located here.
Religious sites
Macheron
The ancient Jewish fortress was located in one of the most secluded oases, east of the Dead Sea, on the Moab Highlands. It withstood enemy sieges and assaults many times. But it went down in history not as an impregnable fortress, remarkable militarily, but as a prison where John the Baptist was held and executed.
According to the Gospel, Jesus Christ was baptized in the waters of the river. Christians treat the Jordan as a sacred river; Since the Byzantine era, there has been a widespread belief that the water of the Jordan heals diseases.
Nevo (mountain)
A mountain in western Jordan, east of the northern tip of the Dead Sea. Its height is 817 m above sea level.
According to Deuteronomy, from this mountain the Lord showed Moses the entire Promised Land.
Beach attractions
Dead Sea (Sea of Salt)
An endorheic salt lake between Israel, the Palestinian National Authority and Jordan. The water level in the Dead Sea is 427 m below sea level and is falling at a rate of approximately 1 m per year. The lake coast is the lowest landmass on Earth. The Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, with salinity reaching 340-350%. A person can lie peacefully on the surface of the Dead Sea.
Lot's Cave
According to the Book of Genesis, it was here that Lot and his daughters found shelter in a cave after Sodom was destroyed by the Lord. The cave is located on a mountain in close proximity to a small spring and opens directly onto the Dead Sea.
The pillar of salt worn away by the winds, towering not far away, is the very same pillar into which Lot’s wife turned, who violated the command of the Lord not to look back when fleeing from Sodom.
Today there is a monastic complex, consisting, in addition to the Sacred Cave, of a Byzantine church with a mosaic floor, in one of the inscriptions on which the name of Lot is mentioned, as well as a number of services, living quarters for monks and pilgrims and several tombs. The monastery was founded and operates here long before archaeologists came across their famous finds in these places, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, and established their authenticity.
Story
Ancient Jordan
Jordan is a very ancient country. The remains of Homo erectus, Neanderthals and ancient Homo sapies were discovered here. Agriculture began to develop during the Neolithic period (8500-4500 BC).
During the Chalcolithic period (4500-3200 BC), copper began to be smelted in Feinan. Frescoes from this period were discovered in the village of Telelat Al-Ghasul.
During the Bronze Age (3200-1200 BC), settlements developed rapidly, along with architecture, tools, art, and trade. During the Late Bronze Age, the territory of Jordan came under Egyptian influence.
Around 1300 BC e. the territory east of the Jordan River, the countries of Moab and Aman (Ammon), were captured by the Jewish tribes of Reuven, Gad and half the tribe of Menashe. Here they built fortified cities and developed cattle breeding. Until the 1st century AD e. these places were inhabited by Jews, and Transjordan was part of the Jewish state. Archaeologists have found many historical monuments confirming the Jewish settlement of these lands during this period.
During the Iron Age (1200-332 BC), the territory of Jordan was divided among the Jews, Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites. The main part of the events of the Old Testament dates back to this period. Southern Jordan had a highly developed agriculture.
Jordan in ancient times
During this period, Jordan is the site of clashes between the Nabataean civilization, with its capital in Petra, first with the Greek (after the conquests of Alexander the Great), and then with Ancient Rome (63 BC - 323 AD). In 106, most of what is now Jordan became a new province of the Roman Empire called Stony Arabia. At this time, the cities of Philadelphia (Amman), Jarash, Gadara, Pella, and Irbid reached their peak.
Ruins of Jerash
During the Byzantine period (324-634), trade and agriculture continued to develop. Christian churches are being built, many of them decorated with mosaics.
Medieval Jordan
By 635, most of the Middle East was under the control of the Arab Caliphate, and the spread of Islam quickly began.
During the period of the Crusader invasion (1099-1268), numerous fortresses were built on the territory of Jordan. The Lordship of Transjordan is created, one of the most important vassals of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Since 1263, the territory of modern Jordan came under the control of the Mamluks, who rebuilt and strengthened the fortresses. In 1400, the Mamluks stopped the invasion led by Tamerlane.
But over time, the Mamluk Empire weakened, and in 1516 control of Jordan passed to the Ottoman Empire.
Ottoman period in Jordan
The Ottoman period was very long: from 1517 to 1918. Sultan Selim I conquered the so-called Greater Syria (modern Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, Syria). Since 1851 Jordan was ruled by several governors who created a police force to provide security and a bureaucracy to monitor the implementation of laws and the collection of taxes. These were years of great change: the road network developed, a notable event was the extension of the Hijaz Railway, which was built along the Muslim pilgrimage route, from Damascus to Medina.
After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the territory of Jordan came under the control of the Arab government in Damascus, which declared Faisal, son of Sherif Hussein, king of Syria. King Faisal's reign ended after the League of Nations gave France the mandate to govern Syria in 1921.
British Mandate
The British made a promise to Sherif Hussein to put his sons in charge of their mandate territories, and they kept their promise. After being expelled from Damascus, King Faisal received the throne in Baghdad, becoming King of Iraq. Faisal's elder brother Abdallah settled in Jordan in 1921, claiming to restore his family's power in Damascus. In March 1921, Abdallah met with Winston Churchill in Jerusalem, and it was then decided that Abdallah would become the emir of Transjordan.
Independence
During the Arab-Israeli War of 1947-1949. Transjordan occupied and in 1950 annexed the Pre-Jordan region (West Bank), including East Jerusalem, and then renamed itself the Kingdom of Jordan. The Kingdom included the eastern bank of the Jordan River, which was the main territory of Transjordan before the war, and the captured western bank. This was the case until the Six Day War in 1967.
Six Day War
Israeli paratroopers at the Western Wall
War in the Middle East between Israel and Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Algeria (from June 5 to June 10, 1967).
In this war, Israel achieved victory in a matter of days, capturing the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. The Green Line of 1949 became the administrative boundary between Israel and the new territories.
King Hussein of Jordan
The unambiguous official annexation of East Jerusalem by Israel occurred on November 30, 1980, when the Jerusalem Law was passed, declaring East Jerusalem to be the sovereign territory of Israel and the entire city to be its “single and indivisible capital.”
In total, Israel gained control of an area 3.5 times larger than its pre-war area.
In the 1980s, Jordan formally renounced its claims to territory west of the Jordan "in favor of the future Arab state of Palestine."
From 1952 to the present, Jordan has received economic assistance from the United States.
In February 1999, King Hussein died. His son Abdullah ascended the throne. Abdullah II continues to pursue Hussein's political line.
King Abdullah II bin Hussein of Jordan
The king promotes the development of civil liberties, the modernization of Jordan's education system and the country's information and communications industry. He took part in the development of legislation that guarantees women a full role in the socio-economic and political life of the kingdom. Condemns terrorism.
Ancient Jordan occupies a strategic position in the Middle East. For many centuries, Jordan was the scene of wars between Arabs and Christians (Crusaders). Now Jordan is a prosperous country in which thousands of unique archaeological and historical monuments have been preserved. Additionally, Jordan has some excellent beach and spa resorts.
Geography of Jordan
Jordan is located in the Middle East. Jordan borders Saudi Arabia in the east and southeast, Syria in the north, and the Palestinian Authority and Israel in the west. In the west of the country there is the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba (it belongs to the Red Sea). The total territory of Jordan is 92,300 sq. km, and the total length of the state border is 1,619 km.
Almost 90% of Jordan's territory is desert. Moreover, more than 50% of the country is the Arabian Desert. However, in the west of Jordan there is arable land and even forests. The highest point in Jordan is Mount Jabal Ram, whose height reaches 1,734 m.
In the west of Jordan flows the Jordan River, which separates this country from Israel.
Capital of Jordan
The capital of Jordan is Amman, which is now home to more than 2 million people. According to archaeological finds, on the site of modern Amman, a human settlement existed already in the 13th century BC.
Official language
In Jordan, the official language is Arabic, which belongs to the Semitic group of the Afroasiatic language family.
Religion
About 90% of Jordan's population is Sunni Muslim, and another 8% of the population is Orthodox Christian.
Government of Jordan
According to the 1952 Constitution, Jordan is a constitutional monarchy (officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan), with the King as the head of state.
The source of legislative power is the bicameral Parliament (National Assembly). It consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The king has the right to dissolve parliament. The members of the House of Representatives are appointed by the King himself.
Jordan consists of 12 governorates (governors).
Climate and weather
In the north-west of Jordan the climate is subtropical Mediterranean, and in the rest of the country it is tropical desert. In Jordan, the average air temperature is +17.5C. The warmest average air temperature in Jordan is observed in August - +33C, and the lowest in January (+4C). The average precipitation is 273 mm per year.
Sea in Jordan
In Jordan, the coastline of the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba (as we know, this gulf belongs to the Red Sea) is only about 27 kilometers. However, the beaches of the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba are very popular among tourists. It is believed that the Dead Sea contains many substances that are beneficial to the human body.
Rivers and lakes
About 90% of Jordan's territory is occupied by deserts (the largest of them is the Arabian Desert). Only in the west of the country does the Jordan River flow, which separates it from Israel. It is believed that it was in the Jordan River that Jesus Christ was baptized.
Story
People appeared on the territory of modern Jordan back in the Neolithic era. It was then that agriculture began to develop in Jordan. In ancient times, Jordan was part of several kingdoms (for example, the Kingdom of Edam).
In the 3rd century BC. Jordan is part of the Nabataean kingdom, whose capital was Petra. In 106, Ancient Rome conquered Jordan.
In the 7th century, Jordan was already part of the Arab Caliphate. In the 11th century, Jordan became a battlefield between the Arabs and the Crusaders. It was the Crusaders who formed the Principality of Transjordan on the territory of modern Jordan.
In addition, in the Middle Ages, Jordan was invaded by the Egyptian Mamluks, and then by the Tatar-Mongols. In 1516, Transjordan became part of the Ottoman Empire. Only in 1918 did Jordan manage to secede from the Ottoman Empire. The Principality of Transjordan was formed, although it was actually under British control. Only in 1946 did the Principality of Jordan gain independence. This state was then renamed the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
In 1955, Jordan became a member of the UN.
Jordanian culture
Jordan is a Muslim country, and this, of course, characterizes its culture. But there are also Christians in this country who, for example, celebrate Christmas and Easter, but these holidays are not official in Jordan.
Official holidays in Jordan are Labor Day (celebrated on May 1), Independence Day (celebrated on May 25), Arab Revolt Day and Army Day (June 10), and King Hussein's Birthday (celebrated on November 14).
Kitchen
Jordanian cuisine is a traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. Traditional foods in Jordan include eggplant, peas, lentils, beans, bread, meat (lamb, beef, poultry), dairy products including yogurt and cheese. Most Jordanian restaurants offer a mixed menu (Arabic and European dishes).
Alcoholic drinks in Jordan are served in most local restaurants and bars, except during the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, foreign tourists can only drink alcohol in hotels.
Traditional Jordanian dishes:
Meze – various snacks;
- Mensaf – lamb stew with yogurt sauce;
- Makloubat – chicken with spices (cinnamon, allspice, cardamom and nutmeg);
- Kibbi – fried lamb or beef with onions and cinnamon;
- Baklava.
The national soft drink in Jordan is Arabic coffee. As for alcoholic beverages, thanks to Christians, excellent wine has been made in Jordan for many centuries. In addition, this country makes arak (a liqueur somewhat similar to Greek ouzo).
Attractions
The official authorities of Jordan claim that this country has about 20 thousand monuments of archaeology, history, culture and architecture. Therefore, it is difficult for us to choose the best ones. However, the top ten best attractions in Jordan, in our opinion, include the following:
- Fortress Mountain in Amman
- Ancient amphitheater in Amman
- Ajlun Castle
- Iraq al-Amir Palace
- Mount Nebo, from where God showed the Prophet Moses the Promised Land
- Roman triumphal arch in Jerash
- Ruins of Umm al-Jimal
- Tomb of the Nabataean kings in Petra
- "Mountain of Sacrifice" in Petra
- Shobak Crusader Castle
Cities and resorts
The largest Jordanian cities are Zarqa, Irbid, Al-Salt, Al-Mafraq, and, of course, Amman.
Jordan has access to the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, so it is not surprising that the country has several beach resorts. On the Red Sea coast is the resort of Aqaba, where you can relax 12 months a year. However, there are beach resorts in Jordan on the Dead Sea coast. Jordanian spa resorts are located on the Dead Sea coast.
Tourists come to Jordan not only for beach and spa resorts. Many people are interested in the sights of this country. Thus, in Jordan there is the ancient city of Petra, which was once the center of the Nabataean kingdom.
Souvenirs/shopping
Tourists from Jordan usually bring sand-decorated bottles, cotton scarves, various jewelry, Bedouin knives, local musical instruments (“narghilas”), tobacco, rugs and carpets (including prayer rugs), Jordanian traditional clothing, ceramics, and , of course, Arabic coffee.
Office hours
Banks:
Sun-Thu: 08:00-15:00
Jordan is a Middle Eastern country, where holidays are becoming more popular for Russians every year. It’s not surprising: Jordan successfully combines the advantages of Egypt and Israel, and is famous for its excellent hotel service and many unique attractions.
Why go
Jordan is a strong competitor to Israel and Egypt. This country has both the Red and Dead Seas, it is warm and sunny every day; The endless desert is fraught with ancient sights known throughout the world. The last and, perhaps, most important trump card is that prices for tours to Jordan are consistently low. You can safely go to hotels in Jordan with a group of young people or a family with children; older couples will also enjoy holidays at Jordanian resorts.
How to get there
Jordan is located in the Middle East. Its closest neighbors are Israel (in the west), Egypt (in the southwest), Saudi Arabia (in the southeast and east). The border divides the Dead Sea roughly in half between Jordan and Israel. All resorts in Jordan are very far from the “hot spots”.
Most often, tourists fly to Queen Alia International Airport or King Hussein Airport. The plane flies from Moscow in about 4 hours, in - 3.5 hours. There are buses from both airports that take you to the city center.
Tours to Jordan
Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow are given.
Currency
The currency in Jordan is the dinar, divided into 100 piastres. For 100 dollars you can get about 70 Jordanian dinars. The royal family, which is highly revered in Jordan, is depicted on coins and banknotes. Dollars and euros are used only in resort towns; it is better to immediately exchange currency at the airport.
Visa
Russian tourists do not need to obtain a visa in advance to visit Jordan; it is issued at the airport. The main condition is a passport valid for another 6 months from the date of departure from Jordan. The cost of the visa fee is about $70. With such a visa, a tourist can stay in the country for 30 days.
Resorts
The most popular places where tourists most often come are the capital, the resort on the Red Sea, ancient Petra and hotel complexes on.
Hotels
The largest selection of hotels is in, where you can find both a luxurious hotel and a modest guesthouse. There are several hotels on the Dead Sea with good infrastructure. The beach tourism center offers a wide range of hotels, including well-known international lines.
Attractions
Place number 1 for all tourists who come to Jordan is the ancient city of Petra, the capital of the Nabataean kingdom. The entire city was carved out of the sandy rocks before the birth of Christ. Petra is included in the list of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
You can get to Petra by bus (3 hours from or) or by car. Entrance to the territory of Petra is paid, about 50-90 dinars. The winding path through the Siq Canyon is unlike any other place on earth - the rocks changing their color, bizarre shadows and figures amaze the imagination.
The most famous photograph from Petra is the Al Khazneh Palace, the ancient treasury. It is he who can be seen in Steven Spielberg's film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Petra is especially beautiful at night - thousands of candles light up around.
Excursions include trips to the ancient city of Petra, neighboring Egypt and Israel.
Souvenirs
From Jordan, tourists bring oriental sweets and coffee, Dead Sea cosmetics, ceramics, and jewelry (for example, a dalleh pendant - a small golden coffee pot). Popular souvenirs are Nabatean glass vases and sand paintings. You need to bargain in the market.
Kitchen
The cuisine of Jordan is similar in tradition to Lebanese, Egyptian and Israeli. It’s worth trying flatbreads with hummus, chicken in pita bread, and falafel.
Jordan's most famous drink is sage tea. By the way, you can buy sage and bring it home. People in Jordan like to drink sweet coffee, adding cardamom beans to it. Dates and baklava are served with tea and coffee.
Alcohol
There is no ban on alcohol consumption in Jordan, except for reasonable restrictions on drinking in public places. The easiest place to buy alcohol is in the city, which is a duty-free zone. At other resorts, alcohol is served in bars and restaurants, and can be purchased in some grocery stores.
During Ramadan, all bars and liquor stores are closed. This does not apply to some establishments in tourist areas - a special tourist license for the sale of alcohol is issued for them. There are no differences between the daytime and nighttime prices of alcohol in Jordan.
Local alcohol is of very poor quality, so we recommend that alcohol lovers pay attention to familiar European brands.
Safety
Jordan has very troubled neighbors - Israel, Iraq, Syria and others. Surprisingly, the level of tourist safety in this country is maintained at a high level. The main resorts where tourists (including Russians) go - to, to the Red Sea - are far removed from all war zones in neighboring countries. The only thing tourists should be afraid of is the ubiquitous pickpockets in the bazaars.
Good to know
- Jordan time in summer is no different from Moscow time, and in winter it is 1 hour behind.
- The plane flies from Moscow in about 4 hours, in - 3.5 hours.
- differ from Russian ones, they most often have three holes. The adapter can be purchased locally.
- Friday is a day off in Jordan, but many establishments are closed on Sunday.
- JordanPass is a single ticket to the country's attractions. It can be pre-registered online.
- Jordan is a Muslim country, so women are not recommended to appear in public places wearing shorts, clothes with open sleeves or low necklines.
Jordan is a small country, but its landscapes are very unusual and attractive. The landscape of Jordan combines mountainous terrain with steep cliffs and desert areas, the famous coastline and the rich underwater world of Red.
Every year, hundreds or even thousands of pilgrims flock to Jordan to set foot on the holy land, where events described in the Bible and other religious works unfolded many years ago.
One of the main attractions of Jordan is. The rocks attract mountaineering enthusiasts who want to conquer them, while other tourists can enjoy the calm grandeur of the open spaces.
You can talk about the Dead Sea for hours; it’s unlikely that anyone has not yet heard about its healing properties. Being located at the lowest point on the globe, this body of water hides enormous potential for healing opportunities. People come here from all over the world with skin, cardiovascular, joint and other diseases. Many clinics are happy to accommodate patients and provide them with the necessary procedures.
Healthy people can be advised to visit the Red Sea and try themselves as a diver. This will provide an excellent opportunity to admire delicate corals, schools of mischievous fish and a variety of marine plants. But even if you don't risk going underwater, don't be discouraged. The water in the Red Sea is so clean and transparent that even from the surface of the water, everything that is at the bottom will be clearly visible. The only seaside resort in Jordan is.
Fans of excursion holidays should visit the Kisar Omra Castle. This is a large structure from the first half of the 8th century. Inside, the ceiling and walls are covered with frescoes, and some rooms are completely decorated with mosaics. The building is under constant supervision and is protected by UNESCO.
You can also travel along the ancient Crusader route and see many ruins of outposts and military forts, the largest of which are Shobak and Kerak.
The entire infrastructure of Jordan is aimed at tourists who come here to visit local attractions and historical sites, enjoy the sea and sun, or improve their health.
Tours to Jordan from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities
Tours to Jordan are in great demand among Russian tourists, so travel agencies offer a wide selection of different packages: excursions, beach holidays or combined tours.
The cost of the trip may vary depending on the season, but the most expensive tours will be to Jordan for New Year and Christmas. Sometimes you can buy a last-minute ticket.