jordan on line

Government Ministries

2009-02-22T11:00:00.004+02:00

Government Ministries & Entities

Ministry of Agriculture
National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension
Agricultural Credit Corporation
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Ministry of Awqaf Islamic Affairs and Holy Places
Awqaf Properties Development Corporation
General Ifta' Department
Zakat Fund Directorate
Directorate of Awqaf Investment Promotion and Development
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Ministry of Culture
Royal Cultural Center
Department of The National Library
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Ministry of Education
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Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
Natural Resource Authority

Ministry of Labor
Social Security Corporation
Vocational Training Corporation
The Investment Unit for Social Secuirty Corporation
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Ministry Of Municipal Affairs
Cities and Villages Development Bank

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Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation
Department of Statistics
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Ministry of Political Development
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Ministry of Public Sector Development

The national institute for training
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Ministry of Public Works and Housing
Housing and Urban Development Corporation
Government Tenders Directorate
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Ministry of Social Development
National Aid Fund
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Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Department of Antiquities
Jordan Tourism Board

National Museum / HE Minister of Tourism is the President of the National Museum.
Baptism Site Commission / HE the Minister of Tourism is the Head of The Baptism
Site Commission.
Applied University of Jordan for tourism / HE Minister of Tourism is the President
of the board members.
Karak Castle Plaza Board / HE Minister of Tourism is the President of the Karak
Castle Plaza Board.
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Ministry of Water and Irrigation
Water Authority
Jordan Valley Authority
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Other Entities

Amman Chamber of Commerce

Amman Chamber of Industry

Amman Stock Exchange

Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority

Audit Bureau

Central Bank of Jordan

Central Electricity Generation Company

Civil Service Bureau

Department of Press and Publications

Deposit Insurance Corporation

Development and Employment Fund

Economic Social Association of Retired Servicemen and Veterans

Electricity Distribution Company

Electricity Regulatory Commission

Executive Privatization Commission

Higher Council for Youth

Higher Media Council

House of Representatives

Joint Procurement Department

Jordan Chamber of Commerce

Jordan Chamber of Industry

Jordan Food & Drug Administration

Jordan Information Center

Jordan News Agency

Jordan Post

Jordan Radio and Television Corporation

Jordan Securities Commission

King Abdullah II Center for Excellence

Legislation and Opinion Bureau

Municipality of Greater Amman

National Electricity Company

National Information Technology Center

Orphans Fund Development Foundation

Royal Jordanian

Royal Jordanian Geographic Center

Royal Scientific Society RSS

Securities Depository Center

Supreme Judge Department

Telecommunications Regulatory Commission

The Ports Corporation

The Senate

investment in jordan

2009-02-22T10:46:00.002+02:00

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amman malls

2009-02-22T10:42:00.002+02:00

list of amman malls with abreaf informations

Al-Mukhtar Mall
Tel No.
0096265150000
Fax
0096265164060
Web Site
http://www.mukhtar-mall.com/
E-mail
mailto:info@mukhtar-mall.com

C-Town SuperStore
Tel No.
009625814129
Address
Amman-7th Circle
Details
It is a company or a market that provides foodstuff, soft drinks, clothes and almost everything shoppers think of. CTown has several branches across the Kingdom, among which are Jabal Al Hussein and the 7th Circle.

Mecca Mall
Tel No.
0096265527946
Fax
0096265527918
E-mail
mailto:%20info@kurdigroup.com
Details
Inaugurated in the year 2003, Mecca Mall is named after the street it is located in, Mecca Street, Western Amman. It encompasses a number of restaurants, cafes, bazaars, shops, and international clothing brands, in addition to entertainment facilities and cinema theaters. The mall witnessed a remarkable expansion in the year 2006, singling it out as the largest of its kind in the Kingdom.

Abdoun Mall
Tel No.
0096265920246
Fax
0096265527918
E-mail
info@kurdigroup.com
Address
Hashimieen Street-Southern Abdoun-Zahran District

amman hotels

2009-02-22T10:36:00.003+02:00

list of amman hotels with websites and telephones

Capri Hotel Suites
Tel No.
0096265511282
Fax
0096265519959
P.O.Box
2498 ÚãÇä 11821
Web Site
http://www.caprihotelsuites.com/
E-mail
rihab@kaloutigroup.com
Address
Um Uthainah, Sa’ed Bin Waqas Street

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS
Tel No.
0096264641361
Fax
0096264645217
P.O.Box
11180 ÚãÇä
Web Site
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hd/ammha
Address
Jabal Amman, 3rd Circle

Holiday Inn
Tel No.
0096265528822
Fax
0096265529944
P.O.Box
941825 ÚãÇä 11194
Web Site
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/hd/ammma
Address
Amman-Al Madinah Al Munawarah Street

DAROTEL HOTEL
Tel No.
0096265622200
Fax
0096265602434
P.O.Box
9403 ÚãÇä 11191
Web Site
http://www.darotel.com/
E-mail
info@darotel.com
Address
Amman-Shemeisani

Radisson sas hotel
Tel No.
0096265607100
Fax
0096265639679
Web Site
http://www.radissonsas.com/
E-mail
info@rezidor.com
Address
Amman-3rd Circle

hawa amman FM

2009-02-22T10:31:00.003+02:00

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IMPORTANT NUMBERS

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IMPORTANT NUMBERS in jordan

First Aid and Ambulance 199
Police 191
Fire Brigade 199 or 461-7101
Civil Defense Emergency 199
Civil Defense Department 566-1111
Rescue Police 192
Blood Bank al-Bashir Hospital 474-9122
Highway Police 534-3402
Traffic Police 190
Traffic Accidents 190
Traffic Operation Administration 190
Public Security Department 196-111
Amman Municipality 463-6112
Amman Municipality Complaints 535-9970
Hotel Complaints 461-3103
Price Complaints 566-1176
Water Authority 568-0100
Water Supply Complaints 477-7131
Sewerage Office Complaints 489-1892
Public Transport Complaints 506-3554
Electricity Emergency 475-0982
Jordan Electric Power Company 585-8615
Telephone Information Directory 121 or 195
International Dialing Service 0132
Central Amman Telephone Repairs 139
Royal Jordanian Flight Information 445-3200
Queen Alia International Airport 445-2700

JORDAN ZIP CODES

2009-02-22T10:18:00.002+02:00

JORDAN ZIP CODES

Location Zip code

AMMAN CENTRAL 11110
AL -ABDALI 11190
AL - SUWAIFIYAH 11185
JORDAN UNIVERSITY 11942
AL-JUBAIHA 11941
TLA" ALI 11953
JORDAN HOTEL 11180
AL-WEHDAT 11152
MARKA 11134
EL-MUHAJREIN 11115
JABAL -AL-HUSSAIN (W) 11192
AL - HUSSAEN (E) 11121
AL - WEIBDEH 11191
AL -HASHMI AL-SHMALI 11123
AMMAN CITY CENTER 11118
AL -MAHATTAH 11131
ZAHRAN 11183
JABAL AMMAN 11181
AL-HASHMI AL-JANOUBI 11120
JABAL AL - NASER 11140
SUWALEH 11910
DHAHIYAT AL-YARMOUK 11954
AL-MQABALAIN 11623
KHREBET AL-SUQ 11621
AL-YADUDAH 11610
JABAL AL - TAJ 11141
AL - SHIMAISANI 11194
TAREQ 11947
AL- ZUHUR 11163
ABU ALANDA 11592
AL-MADINA AL-RIYADHIYAH 11196
JABAL AL - JUFAH 11145
HAI AL- MAZARI 11133
AL-QUWEISMEH 11593
DHAHIYAT AL-AMIR RASHED 11831
UM AS -SUMMAQ & KHULDA 11821
SHAFA BADRAN 11934
APPLIED SCIENCE UNIVERSITY POST OFFICE 11931
ABU NUSSAIR HOUSING POST OFFICE 11937
HAI-NAZZAL 11171
JABAL AL- NUZHA 11124
HAI AL - MANARA 11143
CITY TERMINAL of R.J. POST OFFICE 11187
ABU ALIA / TAREQ POST OFFICE 11946
AL-BURJ POST OFFICE /AMMAN 11184
QASER AL-ADEL POST OFFICE 111105
PRIME MINISTERY POST OFFICE COUNTER 11111
PARLMENT HOUSE P.O 11101
JABAL AL - QUSUR 11122
LICENCE AUTHORITY P . O . 11130
JEBEL AL - NAZEEF P . O . 11161
SALYAH 16663
AL -RAM 16665
AL - GIZA 16010
UM - QUSIR 16173
NA'UR 11710
AL - RAWDAH 17129
UM EL - BASATIN 17138
AL - HUSSAIN MEDICAL CITY 11855
AL - MUWAQQAR 16310
IRAQ AL - AMIR 11874
ALIA HOUSING 11731
DABOUQ POST OFFICE 11822
MARJ AL-HAMAM 11732
DHAHIYAT AL AMIR HAMZAH 11733
AL - ABDALI 11531
AL - FAISALIYEH /MADABA 16384
AL - LUBBAN 11652
HUSBAN POST OFFICE 17127
AL- MUSHAQQAR 17198
AL - RAWNAQ 11844
BADER AL -JADIDEH 11891
BAYADER WADI AL -SEER 11814
SAHA'B 11511
SAHAB INDUSTRY POST OFFICE 11512
WADI AL SEER 11810
UM RUMMANEH 16194
UM -AL- RASAS 16610
UM EL- AMAD 16197

City Codes

2009-02-22T10:12:00.003+02:00

City Codes and Middle East Country Codes

City Codes Middle East Country Codes

AMMAN 06
AQABA 03
IRBID 02
JERASH 04
KARAK 03
MA'AN 03
MAFRAQ 04
RAMTHA 02
SALT 05
SWEILEH 06
ZARQA 05

Country Code City Codes

Algeria 213 Adar 7 GMT +1
Bahrain 973 GMT +3
Comoros 269 +3
Djibouti 253 +3
Egypt 20 Alexandria 3
Cairo 2 +2
Iraq 964 Baghdad 1
Kerbela 32
Mousil 60 +3
Kuwait 965 +3
Lebanon 961 Beirut 1
Cellular phone 3 +2
Libya 218 Tripoli 21 +2
Mauritania 222 N/A +0
Morocco 212 Casablanca n/a
El Jadida 334
Rabat 77 +0
Oman 968 +4
Palestine 972 Gaza Strip 7
West Bank 2 +2
Qatar 974 +3
Saudi Arabia 966 Alkhobar 3
Dammam 3
Daharan 3
Jeddah 2
Makkah 2
Riyadh 1 +3
Sudan 249 Khartoum 11
Atbara 21
Elobeid 81
Jedaraf 441
Kassala 41
Kosti 71
Modurman 11
Port Sudan 31
Sennar 61
Shetnzi 616
Wadmedani 51 +2
Syria 963 Damascus 11 +2
Tunisia 216 Tunis 1
Ben Arous 1
Ariana 1
Bizerte 2
Beja 8
Zaghouan 2
Jendouba 8
Le Kef 8
Siliana 8
Sousse 3
Kairouan 7
Kasserine 7
Monastir 3
Sidi Bouzid 6
Mahdia 3
Sfax 4
Gafsa 6
Gabes 5
Tozeur 6
Kebili 5
Medenine 5
Tataouine 5
Nabeul 2
Cellular phone 9 +1
UnitedArabEmerites 971 Abu Dhabi 2
Ajman 6
Al Ain 3
Aweir 58
Dubai 4
Fujairah 70
Khawanij 48
Ras Al Khaimah 77
Sharjah 6
Umm Al Quwain 6 +4
WesternSahara 021 +0
Yemen 967 Sana`s 1
Zabid 3 +3

Schools in Jordan

2009-02-22T10:08:00.002+02:00

list of
Schools in Jordan

Name
Telephone

King's Academy
4300230
American Community School
5813944
Modern American School
5816861
Amman Baccalaureate School
5411572
Amman Academy
5358534
International Community School
5521070
Modern Montessori School
5535190
The Baptist School
5535073
National Orthodox School
5666416
National School for Girls - Ahliyyah
4621549
Amman National Schools
5411067
Ecole Française d’Amman
5826830
International School of Choueifat
4291133
Modern Montessori School
5535190
International Academy
65412109
Amman National School
5411067
Whitman Academy
5525094
Jordan International Schools JIS
5682079
Sands National Academy
5376660
Jubilee School
5238216
Bishop's School of Amman
4653877
Al- Aqsa School For Girls
4776396
Al- Aqsa Secondary School
4639376
Al- Bayan Private School
5716963
Al- Ittihad Schools
5660351
Al- Tarasanta Schools
4622366
International Manhal Schools
5153751
Islamic Scientific College
4641133
Mashreq In’tl Schools
5537735
Modern Educational Academy
5865620
National Academic Schools
5681120
Queen Noor Al Hussein School
4776754
Rosary Sisters Schools
5664157

royal jordanian

2009-02-22T09:59:00.002+02:00

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Irbid, Arabella,

2009-02-22T09:52:00.003+02:00

Irbid, Arabella, the ancient city of the Aramics, now the 2nd city of Jordanian Arabs. Lies in midst of the country side that used to be a legendary scene of vast wheat fields in the nothern region of Jordan.

The "Bride of the North" Jordanians call it well meaning that they consider it the "Pride" of their north as well. It has most of Jordan universities.

Before Islam, Irbid was famous for some of the best wines in the ancient world. Made from rich transparent and honey-toned, green, red, or black grapes. Nourished by extremely fertile deep-brown soil, growing under beautiful horizons, dominated by an assuring presence of Jabal El-Shiekh, the all seasons snow tipped mountain of the Middle East. Warmed by the pleasant sun of a lovely mediterranean moderate climate.

After Islam Arabella became known as Irbid, and continued with the wheat but took to great olive oil instead of wines. However, Irbid has her claim to Islamic fame and glory, In her rich long history, written with blood and sacrifice. Irbid takes a fare share in thrilling epics of longing heroes, and memory dwelling laments of poets.

No worthy historian managed to leave Irbid - the ancient Arabella of the Aramics' - unmentioned, because of the Yarmouk battle, a decisive heroic battle that took place across the banks of the Yarmouk river some 30 kilometers to the north of Irbid.

Yarmouk battle, was between the new young power, Islam, against the ancient world dominating superpower, Rome. It is a landmark of the history of both, Rome and Islam, and a landmark in the history of Irbid, as well.

The outcome of Yarmouk battle changed the course of history. A small Muslim Arab army, brave with young faith, defeated the huge Roman army, hundreds of times the man and fire power, but far much less in moral values. From there, Roman empire went down into the dark ages, and Islam began its legendary spread-out.

Thousands of years of history are evident in the fertile soil of Irbid, so deep in her sacrificial tones, that some citizens of Irbid believe it is the blood of martyrs that gives their soil its deep brown and scarlet mix of colors.

However, the visitor unaware of history will just find a modern city bursting with business and hiding its history behind busy daily life and modern vitality.

Irbid is the city which holds a world record in the number of internet cafes per capita ! No street anywhere in the whole world has internet cafes more than Irbid's University street, particularly in the section between Naseem circle and University circle. Some quite luxurious Internet cafes can be found there too.

Irbid has accomplished a surprise transformation into a bursting modern commerce city, crowded with businesses, industries, and offices, after 1991. But the academic character of Irbid is still strong with Yarmouk university, and four other universities in her vicinity.

The growth of Irbid in the second half of the 20th century is nothing but admirable: From a small town of the Ottoman, to a country-side hub, to an academic center, to a full modern city, all in 50 years. in the 21st century, Irbid is doing even better.

True to her ancient name, Arabella, Irbid is quite involved in Arab affairs. There is hardly a major event in the history or current affairs of Arabs that has no fingerprints left on Irbid. One just has to be sensitive, and find the right people for good insiders insights.

Alas ! unlike ancient Arabella, the modern Irbid has abandoned pride in rich wheat fields and deep fertile soil, which were once earned her the title: " The Grains Reservoirs of the Empire", and accepted a modern "reality of the concrete".

In an environmental disaster, huge fields of the best and most fertile soil are now covered with concrete buildings, and asphalt streets, under the sprawling and crowded noisy modern city, busy with commerce and catching up with high-tech endeavors.

MIHSHI MALFUF

2009-02-22T09:41:00.002+02:00

MIHSHI MALFUF BI ZAYT (MEATLESS CABBAGE ROLLS

Serving Size : 6
Categories : Vegetarian

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
--- -----RICE AND CHICK PEA
STUFFING----------------
1 1/2 c Chopped spring onions
1/4 c Olive oil
1 c Long grain rice
1 c Canned chickpeas -- drained
1/2 c Finely chopped parsley
1 c Chopped, peeled tomatoes
1/2 ts Ground allspice
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
-----TO FINISH-----
24 Cabbage leaves
3 Garlic cloves
1 t Salt
1 t Dried mint
1/4 c Lemon juice
1/2 c Olive oil

Gently fry spring onion in 1/4 cup olive oil for 2-3
minutes. Turn into a bowl and add remaining stuffing
ingredients, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Remove leaves from cabbage carefully so as not to tear
them, counting larger leaves as 2. Par-boil cabbage
leaves in boiling water until limp enough to handle,
cooking leaves in 2 to 3 lots. Drain in a colander.

Cut out larger part of centre rib in each leaf and cut
larger leaves in half down centre. Line base of a
deep pan with ribs and any torn leaves.

Place a generous tablespoon stuffing on base of each
leaf, roll up once and tuck in sides to contain
filling. Roll to end of leaf. Repeat with remaining
ingredients.

Crush garlic with salt and blend in crumbled, crushed
mint and lemon juice.

Pack rolls flap side down in lined pan, sprinkling
some of the garlic-lemon mixture and olive oil between
layers of rolls. Invert a plate on top of the rolls
to keep them intact during cooking. Add enough cold
water to just cover rolls and put lid on firmly.

Bring to the boil on medium heat, reduce to low and
simmer gently for 45 minutes. Remove from heat and
leave aside for 30 minutes. Serve lukewarm or cold.

Baklawa

2009-02-22T09:30:00.002+02:00

Title: Baklawa 'be'aj'
Categories: Desserts
Yield: 40 Servings

1 lb Phyllo dough sheets
3/4 c Unsalted butter; melted
1/2 c Chopped pistachio nuts, opt.

MMMMM------------------------NUT FILLING-----------------------------
2 Egg whites
1/2 c Caster sugar
2 c Coarsely ground walnuts
2 c Coarsely ground almonds
1 ts Rose water

MMMMM------------------------ALTAR SYRUP-----------------------------

2 c Granulated sugar
1 1/2 c Water
1 ts Lemon juice
1 ts Orange flower water
1 ts Rose water

Stack 10 sheets phyllo on a flat surface, keeping remainder
covered with a dry, then a damp tea towel.

Brush top sheet of stack with butter, lift sheet and replace on
stack buttered side down. Brush top with butter, lift top two sheets
and turn over on stack. Repeat until all 10 sheets are buttered,
lifting an extra sheet each time. Top and bottom of finished stack
should remain unbuttered.

With kitchen scissors cut buttered stack of phyllo into
approximately 10 cm (4 inches) squares. Stack and cover. Prepare
remainder of phyllo. Depending on size of phyllo sheets, you may have
fewer than 10 left at the end. Halve sheets if necessary to give 10
layers.

Beat egg whites until stiff and beat sugar in gradually. Fold in
nuts and rose water.

Butter top of phyllo square and place a tablespoonful of nut
mixture in the centre. Gently squeeze into a lily shape, with four
corners of square as petals and filling in centre.

Place in a buttered 25 x 33 cm (10 x 13 inch) baking dish. Repeat
with remaining ingredients, placing finished pastries close together
in dish.

Bake in moderate oven for 30 minutes, reduce to slow and cook for
further 15 minutes.

Meanwhile dissolve sugar in water over heat, add lemon juice and
orange water and bring to the boil. Boil for 15 minutes, stir in
rose water and cool.

Spoon cool thick syrup over hot pastries. Leave until cool and
sprinkle pistachio nuts in centres of pastries if desired.

Note: If you are not used to working with phyllo pastry, then it
is advisable to fill and shape the first lot of buttered squares
before going onto the nest lot. The butter firms fairly quickly and
it could be difficult to shape the pastries if the buttered sheets
are left for a time.

MMMMM

hayat FM

2009-02-19T11:41:00.001+02:00

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jordan TV

2009-02-19T11:29:00.002+02:00

watch jordan TV online

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jordanians songs

2009-02-19T11:18:00.003+02:00

STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES WITH MEAT WARIQ
dawaly MIHSHEE

2 c. rice, washed
1 1/2 lb. coarse ground lamb
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. allspice
1 lamb bone
100 fresh grape leaves
1/3 c. lemon juice
1 tbsp. salt
Water

Mix all stuffing ingredients well.

Pour boiling water over fresh grape leaves to soften them slightly.

Then take each leaf and put about 1 tablespoon of stuffing on leaf in shape of small log.

Begin to roll folding over sides.

Roll tightly and squeeze. Arrange each stuffed leaf in pot in which you have placed a lamb bone on the bottom to give flavor.

Continue to arrange in rows and layers until process is complete.

Put 1 tablespoon of salt on top and 3 cups cold water.

After pot begins to boil add 1/3 cup lemon juice and put a dish on top to weigh leaves down.

Cover and let simmer on very low heat about 30- 35 minutes

jordanians songs

2009-02-19T11:08:00.002+02:00

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you can listen life to his songs
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abu mahjoob jokes

2009-02-19T11:02:00.002+02:00

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JORDAN HOSPITALS

2009-02-19T10:49:00.003+02:00

JORDAN HOSPITALS : Hospitals in Jordan Guide

Ministry of Health
PO Box 86 Amman
Tel +962 6 607144

Jordan Medical Association
P.O. Box: 941070 Amman, Jordan
Fax: +962 6 5686435

Jordan Nurses and Midwives Council,
PO Box 10076, Amman, Jordan
Tel: +962 6 689468

Jordan Dental Association:
PO Box 1326, Amman 11118, Jordan
Tel: +962 6 566 5520 Fax: 6 569 6479

Jordan Physiotherapy Society:
PO Box 510489, Amman 11151
Tel: +962 6 84084 Fax: 6 682299

AMMAN SURGICAL HOSPITAL

ash@net.com.jo
www.1stjordan.net/ash
Jabal Amman 3rd Circle
P.O. Box 815447
Amman 11180 Jordan
Tel : (962) 6 - 4641261
Fax : (962) 6 - 4641260

Aqaba Hospital, Aqaba, Jordan Tel: 2465-Aqaba (50 beds).

Ashrafieh Hospital, Jabal El-Ashrafieh, Amman, PO Box 10005, Jordan Tel: 75111.

El-Mafraq Hospital, El-Mafraq, Jordan Tel: 213/176/El-Mafraq (50 beds).

El-Ramtha Hospital, El-Ramtha, Jordan Tel: 338 El-Ramtha (13 beds).

Fuhesis Hospital, Fuhesis, Jordan (118 beds).

Government Hospital, Zerka, Jordan Tel: 03 83323 (90 beds).

Jerash Hospital, Jerash, Jordan Tel: 90-Jerash (50 beds).

Jordan University Hospital, University Road, Amman. PO Box 13046,

Karak Hospital, Karak, Jordan Tel: 98-Karak (60 beds).

King Hussein Hospital, Salt, Jordan Tel: 2957 (100 beds).

Ma’an Surgical Hospital, Ma’an, Jordan (78 beds).

Princes Basma Hospital, Irbid, Jordan Tel: 3665/7 (168 beds).

Tafileh Hospital, Tafileh, Jordan Tel: 90-Tafileh (32 beds).

Other Links :

Acdima BioCentre

http://www.japm.com/

Shmaisani Hospital

http://www.cns.com.jo/company/shmi_hos/default.htm

The Center of Advanced Surgery for Women

http://www.menthar.com/

Universal Hospital Service

http://www.uhs-jo.com/

Jordan Hospital- JCI accredited hospital, Queen Noor Str. between Abdali and 4th Circle-Amman
Speciality Hospital -University Street near the Royal Cultural Center-Amman
Ebn Haitham Hospital - Amman
Al-Khalidi Medical Center-between 3rd and 4th Circles-Jabal Amman-Amman
Arab Medical Center-5th Circle-Amman
Jordan University Hospital-University Street-Amman
Istaklal Hospital-Dakhlia Circle-Jabal Hussein-Amman
Jerusalem Hospital-Amman
Al-Israa Hospital-Sweileh-Amman
Italian Hospital-Amman
King Hussein Military Hospital-Medical City-Amman
Farah Maternity Hospital-3rd Circle-Jabal Amman-Amman
Al-Amal Maternity Hospital-Dakhlia Circle-Jabal Hussein-Amman
Palestine Hospital-University Street near Dakhlia Circle-Amman
Bashir Government Hospital-Amman
King Hussein Cancer Center-University Street-Amman
Islamic Hospital-Abdali-Amman
Shmaisani Hospital-Shmaisani-Amman
Princess Basma Hospital-Irbid
Jordanian Red Crescent Hospital-Amman
King Abdulla University Hospital (KAUH)-Irbid
.

Islam in jordan

2009-02-19T10:40:00.002+02:00

Islam and Muslims in jordan

Islam and Muslims

The Arabic word Islam means peace, submission and obedience. The religion of Islam is the complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God as revealed to His Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A Muslim is one who believes in God and Strives for total reorganization of his life according to His revealed guidance and the saying of the Prophet. He also works for building human society on the same basis. "Mohammedanism" is a misnomer for Islam and offends its very spirit. The word "Allah" is the proper name of God in Arabic. It is a unique term because it has no plural or feminine gender.

continuity of Message

Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and guidance, which Allah revealed to all Prophets:
Say, we believe in Allah and that which has been revealed to us, and Ismael and Issac and Jacob and the tribes and that which was given to Moses and Jesus and to that other Prophets, from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to him we submit. (Qura'n 3:83).
The message which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is Islam in its comprehensive, complete and final form.

The Five Pillars of Islam

There are five pillars of Islam

The declaration of faith: To bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His messenger to all human beings till the day of judgment. The Prophet hood of Muhammad obliges the Muslims to follow his exemplary life as a model.

Prayers: Daily prayers are offered five times a day as a duty towards Allah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah and inspire man to a higher morality. They purify the heart and prevent temptation towards wrong-doings and evils.

Fasting the month of Ramadan: The Muslims during the month of Ramadan not only abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset, but also from evil intentions and desires. It teaches love, sincerity and devotion. It develops a sound social conscience, patience, unselfishness and will power.

Zakat: To pay annually 2.5% of one's net saving on which a year has passed as religious duty and purifying sum to be spent on poorer sections of the community.

Pilgrimage to Makkah: it is to be performed once in a lifetime, if one can afford it financially and physically.

Besides these pillars every action, which is done with awareness that it fulfills the will of Allah, is also considered an act of worship. Islam enjoins faith in the Oneness and Sovereignty of Allah, which makes man aware of the meaningfulness of the Universe and of his place in it. This belief frees him from all fears and superstitions by making him conscious of the presence of the Almighty Allah and of man's obligations towards Him. This faith must be expressed and tested in action.
Faith alone is not enough. Belief in one god requires that we look upon all humanity as one family under the universal omnipotence of god- the creator and nourisher of the all Islam rejects the idea of a chosen people, making faith in god and good action only way to heaven. Thus, a direct relationship is established with god, without any intercessor

Ramadan in Islam

Ramadan is the (month) In which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to making. Also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong) so every one of you Who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting.
But if any one is ill, or on a journey.
The prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later.

When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell closed and the devils are chained. The period of Ramadan does not occur at fixed time of year, but is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Since the Islamic calendar is a lunar one, months are determined according to various positions of the moon. This means that over a period of a limited number of years, Islamic fasting covers the four major seasons of the year and circulates back and forth between summer and winter through autumn and spring in a rotating manner. Hence the Muslim enjoys the moral experience of Fasting on several levels and variant climates, sometimes in the winter of short and cold days, sometimes in the summer of long and hot days, sometimes in between.

Fasting is one of the five obligatory pillars of Islam. It teaches the Muslim self-restraint and is compulsory for every Muslim, male or female who is mentally and physically fit. It is obligatory for children when they reach the age of puberty and discretion, at about 14. However, children under this age are often encouraged to start fasting little by little so by the time they reach property, they will be both mentally and physically able to fast. Those who are exempt form fasting are children under age, the insane, the aged who can not physically fast, the sick and travelers who are 50 miles or more from home, also expectant mothers and mothers who suckle their children if fasting endangers their health or the health of their infants.

In other religions and dogmas, philosophies and doctrines, the observer of fasts abstains from certain kinds of food or drinks or material substances, but he is free to substitute for that and fill his stomach with the substitution which is also of a material nature. In Islam, one abstains from things of material nature, food, drink, smoking, etc, in order to have spiritual joys and moral nourishment. While the Muslim empties his stomach, he fills his heart with love and sympathy, his spirit with piety and faith, and his mind with wisdom resolution. The purpose of fasting in other religions and philosophies is invariably partial. It is either for spiritual aims or physical needs or intellectual cultivations, but never for all combined. In Islam it is for all these gains and many other purposes, social and economic, moral and humanitarian, inner and outer, local and national all combined together.

Fasting in Islam is not a divorce from life, but a happy marriage with it, not a retreat but a penetration with spiritual armaments, not a negligence but a moral enrichment. it does not break but Harmonizes, does not dissolve but transfuses, does not disintegrate but bridges and redeems. It is a shield from committing sins. A fasting person learns patients

Man: the Free Agent

Man is the highest creation of god. He is equipped with the highest of potentialities. He is left relatively free in his will, action and choice. God has shown him The right path, and the life of prophet Muhammad provides a example man's success and salvation leis in following both. Islam teacher the human personality and confers equal rights upon all without any distinction of race, sex or color.
The law of god. Enunciated in the qura'n and exemplified in the life of the prophet . is supreme in all cases. It applies equally to the highest and the lowest, the prince and the peasant, the ruler and the ruled.

Qura'n and Hadith

The qura'n is the last revealed word of god and the basic source of Islamic teachings and laws. The Qura'n deals with the bases of creeds, morality, history of human relationship in all aspects.Comprehensive teaching on which, can be built sound systems of social justics, economics, politics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and international relations, are important contents of the holy qura'n
Muhamed (PBUH) himself was an unlettered man who could not read or write. Yet , the holy qura'n was committed to memory and writing by his followers, under his supervision, during his lifetime
The original and completed text of the qura'n is available to everybody in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed. Translations of the meaning into many languages are widely used.
HADITH, the teaching, sayings and actions of prophet Muhamed, meticulously reported and collected by his devoted companions, explain and elaborate the qura'nic verses

God's Attributes

If the Creator is eternal and everlasting, then His attributes must also be eternal and everlasting. He should not lose any of His attributes nor acquire new ones. If this is so, then His attributes are absolute. Can there be more than one Creator with such absolute attributes? Can there be for example, two absolutely powerful Creators? A moment's thought shows that this is not feasible.

The Quran summarizes this argument in the following verses:
God has not taken to Himself any son, nor is there any god with Him: For then each god would have taken off that which he created and some of them would have risen up over others. And Why, were there gods in earth and heaven other than God, they (heaven and earth) would surely go to ruin.

Islamic way of life

Islam provides definite guidelines for all people to follow in all walks of life. The guidance it gives is comprehensive and includes the social, economic, political, moral and spiritual aspects of life. The Qura'n reminds man of the purpose of his life on earth, of his duties and obligations towards himself, his kith and kin, his community, his fellow human beings and his creator. Man is given fundamental guidelines about a purposeful life and then he is left with the challenge of human existence before him so that he might put these high ideals into practice. In Islam, man's life is a wholesome, integrated unit and not a collection of fragmented, competitive parts. The scared and secular are not separate parts of man: they are united in the nature of being human.

Historical Perspective

Muhammad (blessing and peace by upon him) was born in the year 570 A.C. in the city of Makkah in Arabia. He came of noble family; he received the first revelation at the age of forty. As soon as he started preaching Islam, he and his followers were persecuted and had to face sever hardships. He was, therefore, commanded by God to migrate to Madinah, another city in Arabia. During a short span of 23 years, he completed his mission of prophet hood and died at the age of 63. He led a perfect life and set an example for all human-beings as his life was the embodiment of the Qura'nic teachings.

Islam Rational Appeal

Islam in its clear and direct of expressing truth has a tremendous amount of appeal for any seeker of knowledge. It is a solution for all the problems of life. It is a guide towards a better and complete life glorifying, in all its phases, God, the Almighty Creator and Merciful Nourisher.

Number of countries with over 50% Muslim population is 58.
In view of the growth in population and worldwide trend of conversions to Islam, the Muslim population is believed to have risen above 1,2 billion.

Islam - The Solution of Modern Problems

The brotherhood of Man:

A major problem which modern man face is that of racism. The materially advanced nations can send man to the moon but they cannot stop man from hating and fighting his fellow man. Islam, over the last 1400 years, has shown in practice how racism can be ended. Every year, during Hajj, the Islamic miracle of real brotherhood of all races and nations can be seen in action.

The Family:

The family which is the basic unit of civilization is disintegrating in all western countries. Islam's family system brings into a fine equilibrium the rights of man, wife, children and relatives. Islam nourishes human unselfishness, generosity and love in a well-organized family system.

Un-fragmented View of Life:

Human beings live according to their view of life. The tragedy of secular societies is that they fail to connect the different aspects of life. The secular and the religious, the scientific and the spiritual seem to be in conflict. Islam puts an end to this conflict and brings harmony to man's vision of life

The Believers Attitude

In order to be a Muslim i.e., to surrender oneself to God, it is necessary to believe in the oneness of God, in the sense of His being the only Creator, Preserver, Nourisher, etc.. But this belief - later on called Tawhid Ar-Rububiyyah is not enough. Many of the idolaters knew and believed that only the supreme God could do all this. But that was not enough to make them Muslims. To Tawhid ar-rububiyyah one must add tawhid al'uluhiyyah i.e., one acknowledges the fact that it is God alone who deserves to be worshipped, and thus abstains from worshipping any other thing or being.
Having achieved this knowledge of the one true God, man should constantly have faith in Him, and should allow nothing to induce him deny truth.
When faith enters a person's heart, it causes certain mental states, which result in certain actions. Taken together these mental states and actions are the proof for true faith. The prophet said, "Faith is that which resides firmly in the heart and which is proved by deeds".
Foremost among those mental states is the feeling of gratitude towards God, which could be said to be the essence of Ibada (Worship).
The feeling of gratitude is do important that a non-believer is called "kafir", which means "one who denies a truth" and also "one who is ungrateful".
A believer loves, and is grateful to God for the bounties He bestowed upon him, but being aware of the fact that his good deeds, whether mental or physical, are far from being commensurate with Divine favors, he is always anxious lest God should punish him, here or in the Hereafter. He, therefore, fears Him, surrenders himself to him and serves Him with great humility. One cannot be in such a mental state without being almost all the time mindful of God. Remembering God is thus the life force of faith, without which it fades and withers away.

Baptism jordan

2009-02-19T10:34:00.003+02:00

Baptism
The Baptism site was called in the Biblical time as Bethany beyond the Jordan. Located at or around the natural hill at Tell el Kharrar where John the Baptist lived, preached and baptized,

the village of Bethany beyond the Jordan was explicitly mentioned in the Bible, John 1:28
“Bethany beyond the Jordan where John was Baptized”, while John 10:40 mentions an incident when Jesus escaped from hostile Pharisees in Jerusalem and “went away again across the
Jordan to the place where John at first baptizing”.
The region of Bethany beyond the Jordan witnessed many significant associations with ancient
prophets and biblical personalities including Moses, Joshua, Elisha. The main mound at tell
el-Kharrar has long been calls Elijah’s Hill, or tell Mar Elias in Arabic. It has been identified
as the place from which Prophet Elijah ascended to heaven in a whirlwind on a chariot
and horses of fire after having parted the water of the River Jordan and walked across it
with his successor the Prophet Elisha.
In the Roman periodtThe Bethany area Known as Betennaboris.
The 6th century AD Byzantine Madaba mosaic map of the Holy Land labels it as “Ainon” where now is Saphsaphas.
(The name “Saphsaphas” comes from the Arabic word for willow tree).
Starting with a small hill where Elijah ascended to heaven in the fiery chariot, this vally cross over the ancient road between Mount Nebo and Jericho and ends by the River Jordan, where churches dedicated to John the Baptist were later built.

language in jordan

2009-02-19T10:30:00.002+02:00

language guide to the tourists

Jordan Language

Nothing pleases Jordanians more than meeting a foreigner who can speak their language, or even a few words, so it's very well worth the try.

How to pronounce

i /as in/ see ya /as au in/ Soraya ai / as in /eye
ay/as in /may aw /as in /away kh/as in the Scottish/loch
gh /as in the Parisian /r dh /as in/the

Double consonants: try to pronounce them twice as long. An apostrophe ' indicates a glottal stop.

Greetings

Hello/As-Marhaba, ahlan (reply)/Marhabtayn, ahlayn
Peace be with you/As-salam alaykum (reply)/ Walaykum as-salam (and to you peace)
Welcome/Ahlan wasahlan (reply)/ahlan fikum
Good morning/Sabah al-khayr (reply)/Sabah an-nur /Sabah al-wurd (a morning with the smell of flowers)
Good man/Mabsut or woman/mneeha
Please/min fadlak (to a man)/min fadlik (to a woman)
After you/Tafaddal (to a man)/ Tafaddali (to a woman)/Afaddalu (to more than one)
Sorry/Afwan or mutaasif or asif (for a man)/Afwan or mutaasifa or asifa (for a woman)
Thank you (very much)/Shukran ( jazilan)
Thank you, I am grateful/Mamnunak (to a man)/Mamnunik (to a woman)
Thanks be to God/AI-hamdu li-Iia
God willing (hopefully)/Insha alla
Yes/Naam or aiwa
No/La
congratulations!/Mabrok! (reply)/Allah yubarak fik
What is your name?/Shu ismaK? (to a man)/Shu ismik? (to a woman)(replay)My name is.../Ismi.
Where are you from?/Min wayn inta? (for a man)/Min wayn inti (for a woman)
(replay)I am from: England/Ana min Ingiltra Germany/Ana min Almania
United States/Ana min Amerika
Australia/Ana min Ustralia
Do you speak English?/Btihki inglizi (reply) I speak: English/Bihki inglizi (or) German/Almami (or) French/Fransawi
I do not speak Arabic/Ma bihki arabi
I do not understand/Mish fahim
What does this mean?/Ya'ani esh?
Repeat, once more/Kaman marra
Do you have...?/Andkum...?
Is there any...?/Fi...?
There isn't any.../Ma fi... or fish
Never mind/Ma'alesh
It is forbidden.../Mamnu'a

Vocabulary General

embassy/sifara
post office/maktab al-barid
stamps/tawabi'a
bank/bank
hotel/otel/funduq
museum/mathaf
ticket/tadhkara
ruins/athar
passport/jawaz as-safar
good/kuways
not good, bad/mish kuways
open/maftuh
closed/musakkar,mughlik
today/alyaum
tonight/hadhi-I-layla
tomorrow/bukra

Dining Out

restaurant/mata'am
food/akl
fish/samak
meat/lahma
milk/halib
bread/khubz
salad/salata
delicious/zaki
coffee/kahwa
tea/shai
cup/finjan
with sugar/bi sukkar
without sugar/bidun sukkar
wine/nibid
beer/bira
mineral water/mai ma'adaniya
glass/kubbaiya
I am a vegetarian/Ana nabbati (for a man)/nabbatiya (for a woman)
the bill/al-hisab

jordan

2009-02-19T10:27:00.002+02:00

general information about jordan

Measurnments

Jordan employs the metric system. Length is counted in meters, distances in kilometers, weight in kilograms and volume in liters.
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters (cm) 1 foot = 0.30 meters (m)
1 yard = 0.91 meters (m)
1 mile = 1.61 kilometers (km) 1 acre = 0.40 hectares (ha)
1 ounce = 28.35 grams (g)
1 pound = 0.45 kilograms (kg)
1 British ton = 1016 kilograms 1 American ton = 907 kilograms
1 imperial gallon = 4.55 liters (I) 1 American gallon = 3.79 liters (I)

Business Hours

Government offices:
Open 8 a.m.—3 p.m.. Closed Friday and Saturday. During Ramadan: 9:30 a.m.—2 p.m.
Businesses:
Open winter (November-April) 8-8:30 a.m.—1-1:30 p.m., 3-3:30—6:30 p.m. and summer (May-October) 4-4:30—7:30 p.m. Most businesses close on Fridays and some close Sunday all-day or half-day. Some travel agencies stay open during lunch break. During Ramadan: 9 a.m.—3/6 p.m.
Banks:
Open 8:30 a.m.—3:00 p.m., closed Friday and Saturday all day, and Thursday and Sunday afternoons. During Ramadan 9 a.m.—1/2 p.m.
Museums:
Generally open 8 a.m.—5 p.m., closed Friday. consult Museum section below, as times vary.
Shops:
Open winter 9 a.m.—6:30/7p.m., summer 9 a.m.—8/9 p.m. Most shops close in the afternoon for about two hours, any time between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Most shops close Friday, except for the Amman downtown suq, and some close Sunday. During Ramadan: 9 a.m.—1 p.m. and after the break of fast, most will reopen until 9 or l0 p.m.

Tipping

In Jordan, you will certainly not be pressed near as much as other countries for what is known in Arabic as “baqsheesh,” but it is nonetheless a good idea to leave a small tip.

The better hotels and restaurants may add a 10 percent service charge to your bill, but waiters do not always get this. Other establishments expect you to leave a tip for all staff or give something to those that worked for you most.

Taxi-drivers are generally not tipped, but it is customary to pay the nearest round figure to the price on the meter. Anywhere else, tip according to will, bearing in mind that tips are always appreciated.

Post offices:

Post offices are open in winter 8 a.m.—5 p.m., summer 7 a.m.—7 p.m., and during Ramadan 8 a.m.—3 p.m. Postal services in Jordan are generally reliable.

Hitching

You can walk and hitch everywhere in the country except in the security area at the Dead Sea and between the Jordanian and Israeli checkpoints on the King Hussein Bridge. It is relatively easy to get picked up by cars, unless you are in a very remote area. Drivers will often expect a small contribution towards their petrol, especially if you travel with them a long way. From Amman, you can hitch from the Seventh Circle to anywhere in the south and west, from Suwaylah for west and north and from the road to Zerqa to the north and east. Women should not hitchhike on their own. Summertime is not recommended for hitching but if you have to hitchhike in the summer, at least ensure that you are well equipped to cope with the heat and the sun.
Departure tax is l0 JD at the airport, 6 JD in Aqaba going to Egypt, and 4 JD at the land borders going to Syria, Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Territories. If you have not renewed your visa you will also have to pay .

Visa

Visa may be issued on arrival to Jordan. Groups over 5 persons do not need to pay for the visa, group arrangement must be through Jordanian travel agent.

health in jordan

2009-02-19T10:24:00.002+02:00

Medical Services and health in jordan

Medical Services

All treatment, including emergency treatment, must be paid at the time of service. A certificate of treatment will be issued to enable you to claim back the expenses from your insurance. It is therefore wise to buy health insurance from your travel agent before traveling.

Generally speaking, Jordan has good medical care and there is a medical center or clinic in every town and village. Amman has a large number of hospitals and high quality specialists.

Outside Amman, there are hospitals in Aqaba, Ma'an, Kerak, Madaba. Zerqa, Irbid and Ramtha and there are clinics with a small number of beds in the Jordan Valley.
There are three classes of hospital beds and prices are standardized.

If you come from a country infected by epidemic diseases such as cholera and yellow fever you will have to show a certificate of inoculation. It is advisable to be inoculated for hepatitis (Gamma Globulin), polio, tetanus and typhoid. Jordan is one of the cleanest countries in the region, but it is advisable to take some precautions, at least until your system adjusts.

Hotels rated 4-Star and up have their own filtering systems and their tap water is safe to drink. Elsewhere you should use bottled water, which is widely available, and outside hotels, cheap. All purchased fruit and vegetables should be washed thoroughly. During the warmer months, avoid salads and cold meats that have been sitting for a long time at hotel buffets.

jordanian currency

2009-02-19T10:20:00.002+02:00

customs and the jordanian currency

Customs

Some personal items such as cameras, clothes, and even typewriters are exempt from duty. Regulations also exempt 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine and 200 grams (7 oz.) of tobacco and up to 200 cigarettes.

Electrical equipment, from household goods to personal computers, cars, etc., is subject to duty, which can be very high. However, if you intend to take taxable goods with you when you leave, you may ask the customs officials to enter details of these goods in your passport to avoid paying tax. Upon exit, you will be asked to show that your goods were tax exempted.

The Jordanian Currency

The currency is called the Jordanian Dinar (JD) and it is divided into 1,000 fils or 100 kirsh. There are paper notes of 50, 20, 10, 5, 1 and 0.5 JDs, copper coins of 1000, 500, 250 fils, silver coins in 100, 50 and 25 fils and in copper coins of 10 and 5 fils.

Since the 1988 devaluation of the Jordanian Dinar, Jordan has become a relatively cheap country for Westerners to visit.
1 US$ = 0.7 JD 1 £ = 1.05 JD

1 Yen = 0.65 JD 1 € =0.90 JD

You can exchange foreign cash or traveler's checks in any bank in Jordan, but traveler's checks will be charged a commission (amount varies from bank to bank). When you change traveler's checks, you will be asked to show your sales receipts for the checks, despite the fact that you are not supposed to keep them together.

There are authorized moneychangers in Amman, Aqaba and Irbid, and generally speaking, you get better deals at moneychangers downtown. Exchange rates between banks and moneychangers vary slightly. Hotels of 3-stars or more will also change money but at a less favorable rate.

Credit cards are accepted in several hotels, restaurants and shops; the most widely accepted being American Express, Visa, Diners Club and Mastercard. You can also use your cards to draw cash (up to 500 JDs) at any bank linked with your credit card network at no extra charge. The automatic cash machines outside some banks in Amman may be used.

Loss Of Belongings

Report any lost belongings to the nearest police station and ask for a certificate of loss for insurance purposes. If you lose your passport, you should also contact your embassy/consulate as soon as possible.

Public Holidays in jordan

2009-02-19T10:18:00.002+02:00

Public Holidays in jordan

Fridays and Saturdays are weekly holidays when most government offices, and many other offices are closed.

Banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays as well. Some airline offices and travel agents stay open to offer a reduced service and some shops also stay open. Some businesses take Sunday as a half-day or a complete holiday.

Fixed Public Holidays

1 January/Christian New Year
15 January/Tree Day (Arbor Day)
30 January/ King Abdullah's Birthday
22 March/Arab League Day
1 May/Labor Day
25 May/Independence Day
10 June/Arab Renaissance Day, commemorates the Arab Revolt, and also Army Day
11 August/King Hussein's accession to the throne
14 November/King Hussein's Birthday
25 December/Christmas Day

Holidays That Are Not Fixed

Muslim holidays follow the lunar calendar, moving back each year by 11 days.
The first two holidays in this list last three days, during which Friday services are found. The remaining holidays in the list are one-day public holidays.

Ayd Al-Fitr is the feast that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.
Ayd AI-Adha: the feast of sacrifice, which falls at the end of the month of the pilgrimage to Mecca (HaJ). It commemorates Abraham's offering of Isaac for sacrifice. Families who can afford to slaughter a lamb share the meat with their poorer co-religionists. The richer the family, the more lambs it slaughters and distributes to the poor.

lst of Muharram: Muslim New Year Mawoulid An-Nabawi: the Prophet Mohammed's Birthday.
Ayd Al-Isra wa AI-Miraj: the feast celebrates the nocturnal visit of Prophet Mohammed to heaven.
Although Ramadan is not a good month to come to Jordan for business, it is a great time to enjoy local customs and the special atmosphere that the shared hardship of fasting creates among Muslims. You should avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during the hours of fasting because it is illegal and can provoke strong reactions.

At sundown, everyone breaks the fast with “iftar” and then relaxes until long into the evening. Just before dawn, the last meal is eaten before the next day's fasting resumes. Huge amounts of food and sweets are prepared and devoured after dark. As a result most people look exhausted at work the next day and government officials may often use this as an excuse to provide a much-reduced service.

Christian Holidays

Easter: If you happen to visit Jordan during Easter, bear in mind that the local Protestant and Catholic churches celebrate Easter at approximately the same time as the local Greek Orthodox. Three out of every four years the timing will vary, usually by a week but for one year by a whole month. Eastern (Orthodox) Christians regard Easter as a more significant feast than Christmas.

If you plan to visit Jordan during Christmas, don't be put off by the fact that this is a predominantly Muslim country. Thanks to Western commercialism and the local foreign community, Christmas and the New Year are celebrated in some splendor. There are also many opportunities for children to enjoy themselves during these times.

shopping in jordan

2009-02-19T10:14:00.002+02:00

Shopping
Markets in jordan

A typical Middle Eastern market is the downtown “suq,” where you can buy almost anything.

Shopping areas in Amman are less crowded now, with new neighborhoods developing and establishing their own shopping areas.

The following areas should cover almost all your shopping needs: downtown, Emir Mohammed Street (from Third Circle to the City Centre), Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq Street (known as Rainbow Street), Wasfi Tell Street, better known as Gardens Street (from Safeway to AI-Waha Circle) and the shopping areas of upmarket Suwayfiyya and Shmaysani Bargaining is gradually losing ground in Jordan as more and more shops have fixed prices. You should, however, certainly attempt it in souvenir shops and in the suq downtown.

Ceramics: For mugs, plates, bowls, cups and tiles, try Boys' Town and AI-Shami Bazar in Amman. Pottery Workshops, has some of the most artistic (and pricey) ceramics. Other artisans are to be found in Madaba.
Pottery: The common pattern of pale-colored pottery with Arabic script designs is produced mainly in Amman. Silsal Pottery as well as at AI-Aydi, the Noor AI-Hussein Foundation Its products are on sale at the workshops, and at the airport duty-free shop.

Visit Bani Hamida House near First Circle, Jebel Amman. They sell a variety of rugs ranging from the famous Bedouin-made rugs to modern design. Open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Friday. AI-Aydi also has a large stock of Bedouin rugs in authentic patterns and colors and there are a number of shops in Madaba where many are actually produced.

Hebron hand-made glass: Look out for carafes, bowls, jars, vases and mugs made in Jordan by a family originally from Hebron who now live and work in Amman, from the traditional dark-blue glass, there is also clear glass, light brown, green and yellow. It is sold at AEAydi, where you will find a variety of colors, but many souvenir shops also stock it. For the best prices, go to the workshop in Na'ur where you can see the glass-blowers at work.

Basketry: Produced in Mukhayba, north of the Jordan Valley. Available at AI-Aydi, where you will find some of the finest new and old pieces, and at the museum shop in Umm Qais.
Gold: Cheaper here than in the West and there is a huge variety available in the suq downtown. Know has branches in Shmaysani, Gardens Street, on the main street in Jebel Al-Hussein, on the main road between Fifth and Sixth circles as well as downtown. Zalatimo is another famous brand.

Their shop is in the Amra Hotel shopping arcade and they also sell at the airport.
Wood inlaid with mother of pearl: In most souvenir shops, you will find boxes with Dome of the Rock designs, mirror and picture frames and sometimes chairs and chests of drawers.

Olivewood: From kitchen utensils to Christmas Nativity scenes, eggs and other miscellaneous kitsch. On sale all over the country as well as in the West Bank where it is produced.
Copperware: Stocked at most souvenir shops.

Antiques

Try AI-Afghanf (tel: 625992, 635758, 676670). Branches in Jebel AI-Luwaybida, opposite Khalaf Supermarket, AI-Hawuz Circle, and Jebei AIHussein. Only some items are antique. Art: See Art Galleries.

Export Procedures

There are no export restrictions except for antiquities, i.e. items more than 100 years old. Shopkeepers can post your purchases to the US and Europe.

Eat and drink in jordan

2009-02-19T10:09:00.003+02:00

Where To Eat and drink in jordan

Where To Eat

Amman has many restaurants that serve top quality Arabic food. When Jordanians go out to eat they expect at least the same high standard of cooking that they would have at home. Unfortunately, the same is not the case with the foreign cuisine available locally. Here, quality varies and it is very rarely exceptional, even though Amman has a host of Italian, Far Eastern and 'continental' restaurants.

Although it is difficult to generalize about the standards of restaurant hygiene in Jordan as a whole, it is safe to say that Jordan is one of the cleanest countries in the region as far as food is concerned. Nonetheless, if you have not had vaccination shots before traveling, it may be wise to enquire about the reputation of an eating establishment before you make use of it and to go easy with uncooked vegetables.

When you are faced with a buffet meal, check the freshness of the salads and cold meats and refrain if they look as if they have been sitting there for a while. The restaurants listed are generally known to be safe choices in this respect.

There are no vegetarian restaurants in Jordan but vegetarians will have a real feast with Arabic food (most of the many appetizers are suitable). Where available, fish makes an excellent alternative to meat dishes for a main course. You can also have excellent vegetarian meals in Amman's Italian restaurants.

The recommendations that follow include a guide to price, based on the average cost of meal with appetizer and main course per person and either have gardens or air conditioning. Establishments without summer facilities are indicated.

Outdoor eating starts in May and ends at the end of October. Jordanians tend to eat late, with lunch at around 2 p.m. and dinner at 9 p.m. However, restaurants do open earlier, at 12:30 p.m. for lunch, and at 7:30 p.m. for dinner.

All the restaurants listed below serve alcohol except for lower range restaurants. During Ramadan, many restaurants close for the whole month because they are not allowed to sell alcohol and their profits are low. Those that do open serve food only after sunset when the fast is broken; some of these offer fantastic Ramadan specials.

Drinking

Most restaurants and hotel bars in Amman and outside serve alcohol except during Ramadan when alcohol sales and drinking are banned. Jordan has its own beer, the excellent Amstel, brewed locally under license. A big bottle costs just over 1JD to buy in a shop, but anywhere between 50-200% above that amount in bars and restaurants.

Wine is imported from the "Holy Land," Tunisia, Cyprus and France. The best of the Palestinian wines are the Domaine de Latroun wines, especially the Pinots and Sauvignons, as well as the Caregnano. Alcohol can also be purchased at many grocers and supermarkets. Safeway stocks the widest selection in foreign wines.

Jordan has a rapidly developing fine art scene and, to a lesser degree, theatre and poetry that are indigenous to the country and the Middle East region. Music, ballet and film are imported and, this being a relatively poor and small country, are very costly to operate and therefore appear irregularly and often under sponsorship.

Many of the cultural activities in Amman take place at the Royal Cultural Centre, which comprises theatres, conference and exhibition halls. The foreign cultural centers are very active in organizing lectures, exhibitions, film shows, occasional plays and recitals promoting the work of Jordanian and other Arab artists and intellectuals, as well as their own nationals.

tawfeek el nemry

2009-02-18T12:00:00.002+02:00

tawfeek el nemry
old jordanian singer
listen life

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listen to qura'n

2009-02-18T11:56:00.002+02:00

listen to qura'n life in this web site

http://www.listenarabic.com/quran/

Baba Ghanouj

2009-02-18T11:47:00.002+02:00

Baba Ghanouj from Jordan
baked eggplant with tahini

Ingredients

3 large Eggplant

3/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste*)

1/2 cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons minced or pressed garlic

1 teaspoon cumin Pinch of Cayenne

1 teaspoon salt

Garnish with one of the following,

if desired:

6 or 8 chopped black olives Thin layer of olive oil

Chopped parsley Directions

Description

Broil or barbecue the Eggplants,

turning often,

until the skin is blackened and blistered,

about 20 minutes.

Let them cool for about 10 minutes and then peel the skin from the Eggplant.

OR...

Bake the Eggplants in a 350° oven for about 45 minutes.

Cool for about 10 minutes,

then cut the Eggplant lengthwise and scoop out the meat.

Puree the Eggplant and all other ingredients in a blender or food processor.

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish, if desired.

Serve with pita bread wedges, radishes and green onions.

magloba Upside-Down

2009-02-18T11:26:00.004+02:00

magloba Upside-Down recipe
slices of eggplant with rice

Ingredientssalt & salt water

1 medium Eggplant olive oil Eggplant and 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)

1 ½ pounds Lamb (traditional choice) or Beef cubed ½ cup finely chopped Onion

1 to 2 cloves garlic (minced) pepper ground allspice ground nutmeg dash of cinnamon water meat / Lamb / Beef

2 cups long-grain rice

½ to 1 teaspoon saffron

¼ to ½ teaspoon turmeric vegetables carrot slices

2 fresh tomatoes (cut in wedges)

2 lemons (cut in wedges) sprigs of parsley

¼ cup toasted almonds. DirectionsCover with salt water

Directions

1 medium Eggplant, sliced, and soak for 30 minutes.

Drain and pat dry.

In a large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven,

heat 2 tablespoons olive oil,

add and fry: sliced Eggplant and 2 medium carrots,

peeled and sliced Remove and set aside.

In same oil, brown:

1 ½ pounds Lamb (traditional choice) or Beef,

cubed ½ cup finely chopped Onion,

1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced Add:

2 teaspoons salt,

½ teaspoon pepper,

¼ teaspoon ground allspice,

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, dash of cinnamon,

1 ½ cups water Bring to a boil,

reduce heat and simmer, covered, until meat is tender,

about 30 minutes for Lamb,

and 45 to 60 minutes for Beef.

Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan,

boil 3 cups water.

Remove from heat and add:

2 cups long-grain rice, ½ to 1 teaspoon saffron or ¼ to ½ teaspoon turmeric.

Cover and soak for 10 minutes.

Drain and set rice aside. When meat is tender,

drain and reserve broth.

Place browned vegetables over meat in saucepan.

Arrange Eggplant and carrot slices attractively.

Top with soaked rice,

carefully leveling it.

Add enough water to reserved broth to make 3 cups.

Slowly pour over rice. DO NOT STIR! Return to heat,

bring to a boil and then simmer,

covered, until liquid is absorbed,

about 15 minutes.

Turn off heat and let stand, covered, 15 more minutes.

Invert saucepan on a large attractive platter,

at least 2 to 3 inches in diameter larger than the saucepan. Let stand 10 minutes more while preparing:

2 fresh tomatoes, cut in wedges, 2 lemons,

cut in wedges, and sprigs of parsley.

Carefully remove pan so rice does not lose shape of pan.

Sprinkle with ¼ cup toasted almonds.

Lay tomato and lemon wedges and parsley sprigs around edges of the platter.

Pass a bowl of plain yogurt to spoon over top.

Squeeze lemon over Makhlubbi to taste.

Serve with pita bread and sliced cucumbers in olive oil and vinegar.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRY

2009-02-18T11:24:00.002+02:00

EXCHANGE RATES
OF THE JORDANIAN DINAR

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRY

EXCHANGE RATES
OF THE JORDANIAN DINAR

US Dollar 0.7130

Sterling Pound 1.1342

Deutche Mark 0.4996

Swiss Franc 0.6204

French Franc 0.1450

Japanese Yen 0.7111

Deutch Guilder 0.4462

Italian Lira 0.0442

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRY

Because the territory of Jordan wasn't blessed with the oil reserves of many other Middle Eastern Nations, the people of Jordan have had to rely on hard work and imagination to have a progressive economy. The current foundation for Jordan's Economy is based on four sectors; they are the Agriculture, Industrial, Tourism, and Construction sectors.

The biggest employer in the private sector is agriculture. The major agriculture products in Jordan are tobacco, olives, and fruits and vegetables. Nearly all of the tobacco and fruits and vegetable that are produced locally are also consumed locally. The Olive industry is perhaps growing the most quickly due to improved farming techniques where farmers are attempting to use more diverse places to plant olive groves. The government has also undertaken several projects to improve the irrigation system through water exploration and usage. Through these projects the government hopes to decrease the need for importing grain from western nations.

Jordan's Industrial sector relies on the "fertilizer" and "mining and quarrying" industries. From two large phosphate plants a large potash plant Jordan supplies its own needs for fertilizers and exports large quantities of fertilizer as well. The fertilizer industry provides Jordan with its most important cash export. Jordan also has a strong mining and quarrying industry. This industry provides the stone and cement for all of Jordan's building needs.

The tourism sector is an extremely important asset in Jordan's economy. It is a main supplier of cash income for the Jordan economy. Through its many natural and ancient sites Jordan provides a visual feast for visitors worldwide. The government is currently attempting to develop and modernize tourist sites in Jordan.

The last important economic sector is the construction sector. The Construction sector not only provides current employment for manual laborers and investment into the economy, but indicates future economic growth. Many of the current construction projects consist of factories, hotels and other buildings that will provide employment for other Jordanians

jordananian food and hospitality

2009-02-18T11:18:00.001+02:00

Traditional Meals
There is a history of hospitality and rich cultural traditions that come with your dish

Gastronomic Adventure

Within Jordan, mealtime is not merely a biological function, but, rather, a time of celebration. In culinary terms, Jordan has many influences from Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine, and as such enjoys one of the world's most sophisticated and elaborate cuisine's. The rich Jordanian food coupled with the famous Jordanian hospitality creates an atmosphere of festivities each time a meal is served.

There is a wide variety in the Jordanian style of cooking. The authentic Jordanian cuisine can range from grilling (shish kababs, shish taouks) to stuffing of vegetables (grape leaves, eggplants, etc.), meat, and poultry.

Also common in the Jordanian style of cooking is roasting, and/or preparing foods with special sauces. No matter what the style of cooking, Jordanian cuisine promises to satisfy anybody's taste buds.

Mealtime in Jordan is not merely a biological function, but, rather, a social event. Jordanians are generally grouped during meal time and are presented with food in a collective manner.

The food was displayed with grand recipients- such as Mansaf, freekie, and stuffed or whole lamb. The guests would stand as a communal group and share from the one large portion. Today, the food has remained the same, but people have adapted to portion control and individualized food presentation. The same grand recipient is presented. However, guests fill their personal plates with the portion needed. The use of modern utensils in food handling is the norm.

Food is a very important aspect within the Jordanian culture. In most villages, meals are a community event with the immediate and extended family present. In addition, food is commonly used by Jordanians to express their hospitality and generosity. Jordanians by nature are very hospital people and, often, it is presented within minutes of a person's invitation to a local house.

It is with pride that Jordanians serve family, friends, and guests in their homes; no matter how modest their means.

A 'Jordanian invitation' means that you are expected to bring nothing and eat everything.

Most popular in Arabic cuisine, in general, are the appetizers, also known as mezze or muqabalat. On most occasions, the mezze layout is such a grand presentation and so satisfying that it could be considered a feast in itself.

The most common and popular of the appetizers is hummous, which is a puree of chick peas blended with Tania (pulped sesame seeds), lemon, and garlic. Fool Moudames is another well-known appetizer. A workers meal, today it has made its way to the tables of the upper class. A successful mezze must of course have koubba maqliya. Koubba is a deep fried oval-shaped ball with a meat and bulgar wheat paste as its crust and an aromatic filling of minced meat and pine nuts in the middle.

Of course, when we discuss Jordanian food, we have to mention- at length- the most distinctive Jordanian dish, Mansaf.

Mansaf is a Bedouin dish and often symbolizes an occassion. Mansaf consists of Arabic rice, a rich broth made from dry sour milk (jameed), and either lamb or chicken. Whether Jordnains are celebrating a graduation, an engagement, or a wedding- Mansaf is commonly served. In addition, Mansaf is also served during condolences and as a means to patch up ties with others.

Mansaf on the menu is the greatest symbol in Jordanian culture for generosity. The level of generosity is determined by the amount of lamb presented. Utensils are not commonly used when eating Mansaf. Guests feast from the communal dish using their hands. Due to the fact that it symbolizes a social community gathering. The grand presentation is placed in the middle of the dinning setting.

No matter what your preference, Jordanian cuisine will most definitely offer you something to please your taste.

There is so much more to Jordanian food than mere ingriedients. There is a history of hospitality and rich cultural traditions that come with your dish. Bon Appetite.

wakeel show

2009-02-17T11:58:00.001+02:00

wakeel show

watch besaraha ma3 el wakeel
daily

http://www.wkel.jo1jo.com/cam/

شاهد برنامج مع الوكيل بصراحة ( محمد الوكيل )

صوت وصوره على الهواء مباشره

(HCST)

2009-02-17T11:56:00.001+02:00

The Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST)

Aims and Functions

The Higher Council for Science and Technology aims mainly to build and evolve a national scientific and technological base in support of economic, social and cultural development in the kingdom. The prime objective of the HCST is to make science and technology a major element in the overall development of Jordan.

The HCST forms the base for science and technology research, development and implementation in Jordan. It is a policy-making body that coordinates strategy and funds scientific and technological research, services and activities. In addition, the council represents the country, coordinates policies and concludes agreements with regional and international institutions involved in the field of science and technological research, aid, planning and development.

Legal Status

The HCST has total financial and administrative independence. Legally, it is represented by the Attorney General in all matters and judicial proceedings related to its acts. The council has the legal right to draw up draft laws and regulations, plus the power to ratify proposals to provide financial aid to national scientific and technological projects and programs.

Detailed Objectives

To stimulate science and technology in Jordan, the Higher Council for Science and Technology aims to:

1. Develop human resources, with emphasis on science and technology, by preparing and qualifying educators.

2. Create a proper environment for the development of science and technology in Jordan, by establishing research and development centers.

3. Develop agriculture, by optimizing land use and increasing arable land.

4. Develop natural and mineral resources, by better development and management of water resources.

5. Develop enabling technologies, by strengthening renewable energy, solar and thermal/wind technologies through local manufacturing.

6. Protect the environment, by setting up standards to safeguard land, water and air.

7. Develop health sciences and medical care, by increasing the use of modern medical technologies.

8. Encourage the use of information technology, by establishing management information systems.

9. Invest in the fields of biotechnology and bio-engineering, by utilizing genetic engineering technologies in agricultural and animal products.

10. Promote Jordan s a regional center of excellence on the basis of science and technology, by supporting science and technology experts.

The Higher Council for Science and Technology consist of the following sectoral departments:

Industry and Energy
Agriculture and Life Sciences
Mineral Resources
Health and Environment
Information Technology
Economics and Finance
Water
Communications and International Relations
Education and Human Resources

Organizations Involved In Science and Technology

Science and technology activities have a great impact on the development of the industry, agriculture and services sectors, notably by increasing effectiveness and productivity. Many public entities help formulate, plan, implement and assess science and technology policy.

HCST is involved in the industrial and agricultural sectors through science and technology policy formulation, planning and assessment. It is also involved in the services sector, through its existing or proposed centers. Several private institutions are involved in science and technology activities in the above-mentioned sectors.

Science & Technology

2009-02-17T11:53:00.002+02:00

Science & Technology
The Higher Council for Science and Technology
The Royal Scientific Society

Overview

With its relatively limited natural resources, Jordan relies heavily on the human element for its economic and social progress. Due to the quality of the services provided in the country and its wealth of educated and talented people, Jordan is achieving internal success and is also able to export human expertise and skilled manpower to other countries in the region. In order to tap Jordan's human talent, the promotion of science and technology is at the top of both public and private sectors' priority lists. The Higher Council for Science and Technology, the Royal Scientific Society and the R&D programs supported by various private companies are key components of Jordan's science and technology sectors.

Education: Jordan has traditionally placed great emphasis on education, and its ratio of university graduates to total population matches that of many developed countries. Jordan has five public universities, 12 private universities and 57 community colleges.

Since the 1950's, Jordan has made intensive efforts to develop its indigenous science and technology capabilities, using its young, highly skilled labor force. Past development plans have aimed at integrating and upgrading the country's scientific capacity, and increasing the efficiency of the services and commodity-producing sectors.

Jordan's interest in forming a governmental body to oversee policy, planning and development of the sector began in the early sixties, with the establishment of the Scientific Research Council in 1964. The Council supported research and represented Jordan at regional and international levels. In 1977, the Council was abolished and in its place the Directorate for Science and Technology was set up, with a view to linking scientific activities to development objectives.

Jordan's ability to undertake scientific research was enhanced with the creation of private and public scientific institutions, of which 193 are involved in science and technology. Of these institutions, 82 have laboratory facilities totaling 379 laboratory units.

In 1988, the Higher Council for Science and Technology was formed to unify and supervise the development of research and the administration of science and technology in Jordan, coordinate national policy, and create a national scientific and technological base that would assist and develop existing institutions.

Labor

2009-02-17T11:50:00.002+02:00

Labor

Jordanian Youth Organization

Labor

Jordan has a complex labor market that simultaneously exports and imports labor. Forty-two percent of the country’s population is under 15 years of age. While Jordan has been as exporter of skilled labor to other Arab countries, notably to the oil-rich Gulf area, foreign labor has a high turnover rate because much of it is involved in seasonal work. This is especially true for Arab workers from neighboring countries such as Syria and Egypt, whose nationals are exempted from residence permits. Unemployment is a major problem that faces consecutive Jordanian governments. It is now at its highest level.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jordanian Youth Organization

Jordan River Foundation
Website: www.jordanriver.jo
Email: jrf@jrf.org.jo halah@jrf.org.jo

Jordan Association for Family Planning and Protection
Email: jafpp@nol.com.jo
Arab Women Organizations
Website: www.awo.org.jo

Builders of the Future Forum
Email: buildersfuture94@yahoo.com

El Hassan Youth Award
Website: www.hyaward.org.jo

Family Guidance and Awareness Center
Website: www.ngoglobalforum.org

Haya Cultrual Center
Website: www.hayacenter.qtech.com.jo

Information and Research Center – King Hussein Foundation (IRC/KHF)– Email: indesk@irckhf.org.jo

The Jordanian Hashemite fund for Human Development
Website: www.johud.org
Email: johud@nic.net.jo

Jordanian Women Union
Email: jwu@go.com.jo

Mizan Law Group
Email: mizan@nets.jo

National Centre For Human Resources Development
Website: www.nchrd.gov.jo
Email: hrd@nchrd.gov.jo

Noor Al Hussein Foundation
Website: www.nooralhusseinfoundation.org
Email: nhf@nic.net.jo

Princess Basma Youth Resource Center
Website: www.zenid.org.jo
Email: info@zenid.org.jo

SOS Children’s Village Association of Jordan
Website: www.sosjor.org
Email: sosjor@nets.com.jo

The Young Entrepreneurs Association
Website: www.yea.com.jo
Email: yea@nol.com.jo

Young Women Christian Association
Email: ywcanat@go.com.jo

Young Women Muslim Association For Special Education
Email: kareh@nets.com.jo
ymcsedu@nets.jo

The Education System

2009-02-17T11:46:00.002+02:00

The Education System
Jordan is a relatively young country that places great emphasis on education. Out of a population of 4.2 million, approximately 1.3 million Jordanians, nearly one-third of the entire population, are students.

Universities in Jordan

The Education System

After the nursery and kindergarten years, the education system in Jordan comprises a 12-year comprehensive program divided into two cycles: basic and secondary.

The basic cycle runs from grades 1-10 and is free and compulsory for all Jordanians. At the end of grade 10, the grades of each student for the previous three years (8th, 9th, and 10th) are calculated to determine in which secondary stream that student can continue. Usually, the student’s wishes are taken into account, but the final decision rests with the Ministry of Education.The secondary cycle of two years is divided into two main streams. The first is the comprehensive secondary education stream that ends with a general secondary education examination, the Tawjihi, and consists of a common core curriculum and optional specialized academic or vocational courses. The second is the applied secondary educational stream, which consists of specialized vocational courses; these prepare skilled labor through apprenticeship programs run by the Vocational Training Corporation or the Ministry of Education.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Higher Education

Jordan’s community colleges offer specialized two- or three-year programs in various areas of study. All community college students have to pass a comprehensive government exam at the end of their studies.Community colleges tend to offer practical education geared towards professions such as education, commerce, computer studies, medicine, pharmacology, hotel management, interior design, social work, nursing, and midwifery.

Five public universities, one public four-year university and twelve private universities offer university education in Jordan.

Universities in Jordan

Jordan University
Tel: 9626-5355000 Fax: 96263555511
Website: www.ju.edu.jo

Yarmuk University
Tel: 96227271100 Fax: 96227274725
Email: webmaster@yu.ed.jo

Mu'tah University
Tel: 96264617860 Fax: 96264654061
Website: www.mu'tah.jo

University of Science and Technology
Tel: 96227295111 Fax:96227095123
Website: www.just.edu.jo

The Hashemite University
Tel: 96253826600 Fax: 69253826613
Email: huniv@amara.nic.gov.jo

Al Al Bayt University
Tel: 9626-4871101 Fax: 6926-4871232
Email: info@alalbayt.aabu.edu.jo

Al Balqaa Applied University
Tel: 96253557519 Fax:9625-3557518
Website: www.bau.edu.jo

AL Hussein Bin Talal University
Tel: 6923-2133020 Fax: 9623-2133025

Arts and Culture

2009-02-17T11:42:00.002+02:00

Arts and Culture
Darat al-Funun
Dar al-Landa
4 Walls
Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts

Arts and Culture
Darat al-Funun
http://www.daratalfunun.org

This Museum consists of three buildings in Amman. According to the museum's website "its programs maintains a constant focus on the visual arts, the Darat al Funun strives to be a haven for all the arts"; Darat al-Funun views itself as a home for all the artist of the Arab world. It offers features such as concert, lectures, and a summer academy. Currently featured at the Dar al Funun is the work of Dr. Hisham Khatib in an en exhibit tittled Palestine and Jordan 1500 -1900.

Dar al-Landa

Created in 1998 as a gallery of the arts, its main goals are to protect the creative rights of the artist and to make contact with Arab and International art and culture groups. With a mission of being a positive force in the community the museum is currently offering services to children in the community. For example its facilities are turned into a public library for a couple hours a day and its new program 'Project Human' will focus on providing free classes to children in drawing, sculpture, pottery, and music.

4 Walls
http://www.4walls.org

The 4 Walls is located in the Sheraton Hotel Amman. Its atmosphere is inviting to people of all ages, and it serves as a culture center to promote the history and culture of Jordan. Throughout the month of March the museum will run its 'New Vision" Exhibit.

Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts
http://www.nationalgallery.org

This museum was founded in 1980, it is currently one of the major art museums in the middle east . "It's goal is to encourage cultural diversity, disseminate artistic knowledge and promote art from the Islamic and Developing worlds" To date it houses collections of over 800 works from Africa, Asia, and South America.

Ministry of Agriculture

2009-02-17T11:38:00.002+02:00

Ministry of Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture generally follows a free-enterprise system in the agricultural sector, with some price controls.

It sets minimum and maximum prices for retail produce sold to the consumer, while seeking to maintain a fair price for the farmer.

The ministry does not intervene in the farmers' choice of produce to be planted, although when there is an abundance of one item and a shortage of another, the ministry issues guidelines advising farmers of market needs. Agricultural imports are controlled by a monthly or quarterly plan according to local market needs; exports, however, are not controlled.

The Agricultural Marketing Organization, a semi-official body whose chairman of the board is the Minister of Agriculture, conducts research and studies on internal and external markets.

jordan agriculture

2009-02-17T11:36:00.003+02:00

Horizontal Expansion of agriculture
Water Sources
Water Usage

Horizontal Expansion

Improvements in agricultural techniques and the implementation of development projects have expanded Jordan's arable land area considerably. Since 1986, the government has provided state land for private sector development in the arid southeast. Underground aquifers are tapped via central pivot irrigation, adding over twenty thousand hectares (48,900 acres) of fertile land to the kingdom's agricultural base.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Water Sources

Jordan ultimately depends largely on rainfall to meet most of its domestic, agricultural and industrial needs: rainfall increases surface water levels as well as feeds renewable underground sources. But recent climatic changes have reduced rainwater levels from 12,252 mcm in 1987/88 to 7,609 in 1989 /90. This drop had an adverse effect on surface water and renewable groundwater resources, thus adding to chronic shortages. Other sources of water come from non-renewable (fossil water) reservoirs--such as the Disi reservoir on the Jordanian-Saudi border--and treated waste water (a trickle of actual needs).

The Jordan and Yarmouk rivers are both major sources of surface water for Jordan, but both had become highly undependable due to upstream diversion and overpumping by Syria and Israel, leaving Jordan with the rest. Until the peace treaty Jordan had not been able to tap these sources fully because the three riparian states did not have a water-sharing agreement, due to the technical state of war that existed between Jordan and Israel.

The King Talal Dam is Jordan's largest above-ground water reservoir, but it faces two problems. Erratic surface water levels often reduce trapped levels to below the total capacity of 86 mcm. Pollution from factories that dump untreated waste into tributaries leading to the dam is raising salinity and chemical and metal levels.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Water Usage

In 1995, the 983 mcm of water consumed was distributed among the three main sectors as follows:

Agriculture and pastures; 737 mcm, or 75 percent of the total
Households: 215 mcm, or 22 percent of the total
Industry: 30 mcm, or 3 percent of the total
back to top

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Peace Dividend and Future Prospects

The 1994 Jordan-Israel peace treaty annex restores to Jordan an additional 215 mcm per year, or about 30 percent of Jordan's renewable water resources before the treaty. The additional water is to be drawn primarily from the Yarmouk and Jordan Rivers, with 50 mcm from additional sources to be agreed upon within one year of the treaty's implementation. A new pipeline bringing water to Jordan from Lake Tiberias in northern Israel bas been inaugurated. It will carry 30 million cubic meters of water annually to the King Abdullah Canal in the Jordan Valley, for domestic and agricultural use. These measure should alleviate some of Jordan's water shortage in the various previously mentioned sectors.

jordan agriculture

2009-02-17T11:30:00.003+02:00

Terrain and Climate

Jordan comprises three distinct physiographic regions, each with its own climate.

1. The highlands are mountainous and hilly regions whose altitude ranges from 600-1600 meters (1969-5249 feet) above sea level, and comprise the vast majority of Jordan's arable land. The climate in the highlands, although generally wet and cool, varies according to location and altitude. Average temperatures in Amman, for instance, range from 8.1 degrees Celsius (46.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in January to 25.1 degrees Celsius (77.2 degrees Fahrenheit) in July. Fruit trees, vegetables and cereals are planted in the rainfed highlands.

2. The Rift Valley (the Ghor), which runs down the entire length of Jordan west of the highlands, reaches over 400 meters (1312 feet) below sea level at the Dead Sea. The Rift Valley has fertile soil and is relatively rich in water resources. It is also endowed with warm weather all year round, which makes for ideal farming conditions. Temperatures average from 14.9 degrees Celsius (58.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in January to 31.3 degrees Celsius (88.3 degrees Fahrenheit) in July.

About half of the agricultural produce of the kingdom is grown there, and the government and private sector continue to work together to effectively employ capital-intensive, water-saving techniques such as drip irrigation, pivot irrigation and plastic hot-houses. Jordan produces an annual average of three crops in the Ghor, which is the source of most of Jordan's tomatoes, cucumbers, citrus fruits, melons, cabbage, bananas, aubergines, potatoes and onions.

3. The semi-arid region of east Jordan forms nearly two-thirds of the country. This steppe-like region of low rainfall is home to the bedou (nomadic bedouins) of Jordan, the traditional sheep and goat herders who provide meat for the rest of the country. The desert climate is extreme, reaching the 40s C. (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer, while bitterly cold dry winds are the standard in winter.

jordan agriculture

2009-02-17T11:28:00.004+02:00

jordan agriculture

Jordan's limited Arab land depends on rain for irrigation, and seasonally fluctuating agricultural production create a heavy reliance on agricultural imports, though Jordan does manage to export some agricultural produce.

Most agricultural produce (over 60%) is grown in the Jordan Valley, located below sea level in a warm, temperate year-round climate offering ideal conditions for planting vegetables and fruit. The highlands also contribute to agricultural production, but more in cereals and field crops, and seasonally, to a lesser extent, in fruits and vegetables. The semi-arid region’s agricultural production is negligible.

The Jordanian government's policy is to encourage the private sector to invest, produce and trade according to principles of comparative advantage in agriculture.

Adoption of modern technology, tested under local conditions, can bring about the necessary shift in horticulture to boost production and diversify export markets beyond the Middle East.

The sector offers good opportunities for investments, especially in key areas such as production and export of cut-flowers, agricultural inputs, vegetable seeds, advanced irrigation systems, and a variety of agro-industries. While some investment has been made in these areas, more is required to meet local and regional demand. The World Trade Organization mechanism and the establishment of the Single European Market have provided the impetus for increased intra-regional trade based on opening markets and adopting principles of comparative advantage.

At the same time, the Middle East peace process has the potential of developing a competitive market that would enhance trade, production and investment within the countries of the region. It is expected that as both developments pave the way for fair competition, Jordan will be able to divert resources to increase agricultural production, based on its comparative advantage

Rise of the City-States

2009-02-17T11:25:00.002+02:00

Rise of the City-States

By about 3200 BC, Jordan had developed a relatively urban character. Many settlements were established during the Early Bronze Age (c. 3200-1950 BC) in various parts of Jordan, both in the Jordan Valley and on higher ground

. Many of the villages built during this time included defensive fortifications to protect the inhabitants from marauding nomadic tribes still inhabiting the region. Water was channeled from one place to another and precautions were even taken against earthquakes and floods.

Interesting changes took place in burial customs during this period. At Bab al-Dhra, a well-preserved site in Wadi Araba, archeologists have discovered over 20,000 shat tombs with multiple chambers. These tombs are thought to have contained the remains of 200,000 corpses. There also charnel houses of mud-brick containing human bones, pots, jewelry and weapons. The hundreds of dolmens scattered throughout the mountains of Jordan are dated to the late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze ages. It is possible that the dolmens are evidence of new peoples from the north bringing with them different burial traditions.

Spectacular advances in urban civilization were taking place during this period in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where writing developed before 3000 BC. Although writing was not really used in Jordan, Palestine and Syria until over a thousand years later, archeological evidence indicates that Jordan was in fact trading with Egypt and Mesopotamia during the Early Bronze Age.

From 2300-1950 BC, any of the large, fortified hilltop towns constructed during the Early Bronze Age were abandoned in favor of either small, unfortified villages or a pastoral lifestyle. Archeologists do not know for sure what prompted this shift, but it is possible that many cities were destroyed by an earthquake. It is clear, however, that a sharp climatic change at this time resulted in less rainfall and higher temperatures across the Middle East. The predominant theory is that many of these Early Bronze Age towns were victims of changes in climate and political factors which brought an end to a finely-balanced network of independent "city-states."

During the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1950-1550 BC), people began to move around the Middle East to a far greater extent than before. Trading continued to develop between Egypt, Arabia and Greater Syria, resulting in the refinement and spread of civilization and technology. The creation of bronze out of copper and tin resulted in harder and more durable axes, knives and other tools and weapons. It seems that during this period large and distinct communities arose in parts of northern and central Jordan, while the south was populated by a nomadic, Bedouin-type of people known as the Shasu.

A new and different type of fortification appeared at sites like Amman’s Citadel, Irbid, Pella and Jericho. The towns were surrounded by ramparts made of earth embankments. The slope was then covered in hard plaster, making it slippery and difficult for an enemy to climb. Pella was enclosed by massive walls and watchtowers.

It was once thought that during the 18th century BC much of Syria, Jordan and Palestine were overturn by a military aristocracy from northern Mesopotamia known as the Hykos, who went on to conquer much of Egypt and help overthrow the Middle Kingdom there. Now, however, archeologists believe that the Hykos – a Greek form of the ancient Egyptian hkaw haswt, which means "rulers of foreign lands" – were from Jordan and Palestine is usually blamed on the Egyptian armies pursuing the Hykos, although there is little direct evidence of Egyptian involvement.

The Egyptian Pharaoh Tuthmosis III, who acceded as ruler in 1482 BC, succeeded in settling many of the internal disputes which had diverted Egypt’s attention away from the outlying northern areas. He carried out at least 16 military expeditions and set up an empire in Canaan (Palestine, Jordan and Syria) after the successful conclusion of a seven-month siege of the combined Canaanite forces at Megiddo, in northern Palestine. Tuthmosis installed rulers of his choice in major towns and introduced a system of Egyptian influence existed throughout Jordan and Palestine during this period. In the north, meanwhile, the Egyptians fought a series of inconclusive battles against the kingdoms of the Mitannians and Hittites for control of Syria.

The relative peace brought by the Egyptians encouraged international trade, especially with the Mediterranean and Aegean. Pottery from Mycenaean Greece and Cyprus is found throughout Palestine and Jordan. Originally it probably contained fine oils and perfumes, but it was also used as elegant tableware or buried with the dead. In this relatively optimistic and prosperous period, a large number of new towns and temples were constructed.

The Late Bronze Age was brought to a mysterious end around 1200 BC, with the collapse of many of the Near Eastern and Mediterranean kingdoms. The main cities of Mycenaean Greece and Cyprus, of the Hittites in Anatolia, and of Late Bronze Age Syria, Palestine and Jordan were destroyed. It is thought that this destruction was wrought by the "Sea Peoples," marauders from the Aegean and Anatolia who were eventually defeated by the Egyptian pharaohs Merenptah and Rameses III. One group of Sea Peoples were the Philistines, who settled on the southern coast of Palestine and gave the area its name.

The Israelites may have been another cause of the Late Bronze Age devastation in Palestine. Although the archeological record does not always agree with the Biblical narrative, it is certain that the Israelites destroyed many Canaanite towns including Jericho, Ai and Hazor.

‘Ain Ghazal

2009-02-17T11:22:00.002+02:00

‘Ain Ghazal

The largest Neolithic site in Jordan is at ‘Ain Ghazal ("spring of the gazelle") near Amman. Since 1982,

a series of excavations have unearthed a stone village of great importance. At one point, a community of 1,500 to 2,000 people may have lived in the vicinity of ‘Ain Ghazal, making it one of the largest of over 150 Neolithic villages discovered so far in the Middle East. ‘Ain Ghazal displayed sophisticated social organization and planning, as its large number of buildings was divided into three distinct districts. The houses were rectangular with several rooms, and some of them had plastered floors.

Faunal and floral remains discovered at the site indicate that ‘Ain Ghazal was located favorably in relation to a variety of different ecological zones. This provided an abundance of food and a protein-rich diet that include a variety of meat and vegetables. A diverse array of bones found at ‘Ain Ghazal indicates the strong possibility that goats and cattle may have been domesticated. By taking advantage of favorable environmental conditions, the residents of ‘Ain Ghazal were able to diversify their food supply, thus safeguarding against famine. Bountiful harvests also allowed some segments of the society to pursue activities other than food production.

For instance, it seems as though Neolithic man practiced ancestor veneration and engaged in burial rites for the dead. This is indicated by the discovery of human skulls reworked with plaster over the cheekbones and nose, and with bitumen in the eye sockets. Examples of these have been found at sites in Jordan (‘Ain Ghazal), Palestine and Syria.

‘Ain Ghazal appears to have been a major center of artistic production during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period, larger and more significant than its contemporaries – Jericho, on the West bank, and Beidha, to the north of Petra. Over 100 animal and human figurines have been discovered at ‘Ain Ghazal. Even more impressive is the discovery of human statues and busts made from plaster, with colorful features perhaps designed to resemble individuals.

Recently, archeologists finished restoring what may be one of the world’s oldest statues. Found at ‘Ain Ghazal, the relic is thought to be 8000 years old. The statue is just over one meter high and is of a woman with huge eyes, skinny arms, knobby knees and carefully depicted toes.

Moab and the Mesha Stele

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Moab and the Mesha Stele

The Kingdom of Moab was located between the Zarqa Valley and Wadi Mujib, and extended from the desert to the Dead Sea.

Moab is best known from the Mesha Stele, a stone which records the Moabite King Mesha’s successful rebellion against the kings of Israel in the ninth century BC.

The overall theme of Mesha’s account is that he liberated Moabite territory from the Israelites by capturing occupied cities north of the River Arnon (Wadi Mujib). The stele states that the Moabite rebellion took place during the reign of the Israelite King Ahab, who was at that time distracted by the Aramaeans’ capture of Ramoth-Gilead. It is reasonable to assume that, as Moab was a vassal state of the Israelites at that time, King Mesha did not possess a large and well-trained army. However, the advances of the Aramaeans gave them the opportunity to reconquer their territories without strong opposition.

According to the stele, within a few years King Mesha captured a number of cities, including Dhiban, Madaba, Nebo, and other towns along the King’s Highway. Mesha made Dhiban into his capital city, and built a royal citadel and a "high place" for the god Chemosh there. He also had a basalt rock shaped and inscribed there with an enduring record of his rebellion against the Israelites.

There are vast discrepancies between the account recorded on the Mesha Stele and the biblical narrative. According to the Bible’s brief depiction of the scenario, after the death of King Ahab (c. 869-850 BC), the Moabites rebelled against King Jehoram, who responded by mounting a counter-offensive with the assistance of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Together the two armies approached Moab from the south, avoiding Moab’s strong northern defenses.

After seven days of marching, they ran out of water, and the two kings consulted Prophet Elisha, who foretold that rain would soon fill the dry stream beds. Indeed, when the rain came, it carried so much dirt that it was colored bright red in the early morning light. The Moabites saw the water and assumed that their enemies had turned against each other, causing the water to run red with blood. They considered it an opportune moment to attack, but were heavily defeated by the Israelites, who destroyed their towns and land.

The Bible says that the Moabite armies retreated to the city of Kir-hareseth (modern Karak), where King Mesha offered his eldest son as a sacrifice to Chemosh, the god of Moab. For some reason, this terrified the Israelites, so they withdrew from the city and returned to their own country.

It is understandable that the biblical account would downplay the defeat of the Israelites, while the Mesha Stele perhaps exaggerates the victories of King Mesha. The Mesha Stele is the longest original inscription dating from the Biblical period to be found so far in Jordan, and it continues to intrigue scholars even today. Copies of the original can be found at the Madaba Museum and at the Jordan Archeological Museum near the Citadel in Amman. Unfortunately, the original was broken soon after it was unearthed in Dhiban in 1868 by a German missionary, Frederick Klein, who was journeying from Salt to Karak. It seems that local tribesmen who owned the rock broke it into many pieces by placing it on a fire and then dousing it with water, perhaps attempting to win more money for their property. Fortunately, an imprint of the stone was taken before the Mesha Stele was destroyed.

Amman history

2009-02-17T11:16:00.001+02:00

Amman history

The seven hills of Amman are an enchanting mixture of ancient and modern. Honking horns give way to the beautiful call to prayer which echoes from the stately minarets which grace the city

. Gleaming white houses, kabab stalls and cafes are interspersed with bustling markets – known in Arabic as souqs – and the remains of civilizations and ages long past. Sunset is perhaps the best time to enjoy Amman, as the white buildings of the city seem to glow in the fading warmth of the day. The greatest charm of Amman, however, is found in the hospitality of its residents. Visitors of Amman – and the rest of Jordan, for that matter – are continually surprised by the genuine warmth with which they are greeted.

Amman is built on seven hills, or jabals, each of which more or less defines a neighborhood. Most jabals once had a traffic circle, and although most of these have now been replaced by traffic lights, Amman’s geography is often described in reference to the eight circles that form the spine of the city. First Circle is located near downtown, and the series extends westward through Eight Circle.

History

Amman has served as the modern and ancient capital of Jordan. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a 1994 excavation uncovering homes and towers believed to have been built during the Stone Age, circa 7000 BC. There are many Biblical references to the city, which by about 1200 BC had become the Ammonite capital of Rabbath-Ammon. The Ammonites fought numerous wars with Saul, David and others.

The history of Amman between the end of its Biblical references (around 585 BC) and the time of the Ptolemies is unclear. We do know that the city was renamed Philadelphia after the Ptolemaic ruler Philadelphus in the third century BC. The city later came under Seleucid and also Nabatean rule, but the Roman general Pompey’s annexation of Syria in 64 BC and capture of Jerusalem one year later laid the foundations for the Decapolis League, a loose alliance of ten free city-states under overall allegiance to Rome. Philadelphia was part of the Decapolis, as were other Hellenized cities in Jordan including Gerasa (Jerash), Gadara (Umm Qais), Pella and Arbila (Irbid).

Under the influence of Roman culture, Philadelphia was replanned and reconstructed in typically grand Roman style with a colonnaded street, baths, an amphitheater and impressive public buildings.

During the Byzantine period, Philadelphia was the seat of a Christian bishop, and several expansive churches were built. The city declined somewhat during the late Byzantine years, and was overrun by the Persian Sassanians in 614 AD. Their rule was short-lived, however, collapsing before the Arabian armies of Islam around the year 635. The name of the city then returned to it Semitic origin of Ammon, or "Amman." It remained an important stop on the caravan routes for many years, but eventually trade patterns shifted and dried up the lifeblood of Amman. The city declined to little more than a provincial village for many centuries.

Amman’s "modern" history began in the late 19th century, when the Ottomans resettled a colony of Circassian emigrants there in 1878. Many of their descendants still reside in Amman. During that time and the early decades of the 20th century, neighboring city of Salt was more important as a regional administrative and political center. However, after the Great Arab Revolt secured the state of Transjordan, Emir Abdullah bin al-Hussein made Amman his capital in 1921.

Since then, the city has grown rapidly into a modern, thriving metropolis of well over a million people. Amman’s growth has been driven largely by political events in the region, and especially by the Arab-Israeli conflict. After the wars of 1948 and 1967, successive waves of Palestinian refugees ended up in Amman. Moreover, the city’s population was further expanded by another wave of immigrants arriving from Iraq and Kuwait during the 1990-91 Gulf Crisis.

Sites of Interest

Most of Amman’s noteworthy historical sites are clustered in the downtown area, which sits at the bottom of four of Amman’s seven hills, or jabals. The ancient Citadel, which towers above the city from atop Jabal al-Qala’a, is a good place to begin a tour of the city. The Citadel is the site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon, and excavations here have revealed numerous roman, Byzantine and early Islamic remains. The most impressive building of the Citadel, known simply as Al-Qasr ("the Palace"), dates back to the Islamic Umayyad period. Its exact function is unclear, but it indicates a monumental gateway, an audience hall and four vaulted chambers. A colonnaded street also runs through the complex. To the north and northeast are the ruins of Umayyad palace grounds.

Close to al-Qasr lie the remains of a small Byzantine basilica. Corinthian columns mark the site of the church, which is thought to date from the sixth or seventh century AD. About 100 meters south of the church is what is thought to have been a temple of Hercules, today also known as the Great Temple of Amman. The temple was built in the reign of the emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD), and is currently under restoration.

Also on Citadel Hill, just northwest of the Temple of Hercules, is the Jordan Archeological Museum. This small museum houses an excellent collection of antiquities ranging from prehistoric times to the 15th century. There is an exhibit of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a copy of the Mesha Stele (see Moab and the Mesha Stele for explanation) and four rare Iron Age sarcophagi. Museum hours are 09:00-17:00 daily except Tuesdays. On Fridays and official holidays the museum is open from 10:00-16:00.

Two small museums are built into the foundations of the Roman Theater. The Jordan Folklore Museum is in the right wing of the theater and displays a collection of items showing the traditional life of local people. At the other end of the theater stage, the Museum of Popular Traditions displays traditional Jordanian costumes, including fine embroidery and beautiful antique jewelry. It also houses several sixth-century mosaics from Madaba and Jerash. Both the Museum of Popular Traditions and the Jordan Folklore Museum are open daily 09:00-17:00, and close on Tuesday.

To the northeast stands the small theater, or Odeon, which is still being restored. Built at about the same time as the Roman Theater, this intimate 500-seat theater is used now as it was in Roman times, for musical concerts. Archeologists think that the building was originally covered with a wooden or temporary tent roof to shield performers and audiences from the elements.

Heading southwest from the theater complex, Philadelphia’s chief fountain, or Nymphaeum, stands with its back to Quraysh Street. Much of the fountain, which was completed in 191 AD, is hidden from public view by private houses and shops. The Nymphaeum is believed to have contained a 600 square meter pool, three meters deep, which was continuously refilled with fresh water. Jordan’s Department of Antiquities is currently excavating the Nymphaeum, and ultimately hopes to restore the site to its original structure by 2010.

From the Nymphaeum, the short stroll to the King Hussein Mosque bustles with pedestrians, juice stands and vendors. The area around the King Hussein Mosque, also known as al-Husseini Mosque, is the heart of modern downtown Amman. The Ottoman-style mosque was rebuilt in 1924 on the site of an ancient mosque, probably also the site of the cathedral of Philadelphia. Between the al-Husseini Mosque and the Citadel is Amman’s famous gold souq, which features row after row of glittering gold treasures.

Parliament

2009-02-17T11:10:00.002+02:00

Upper House of Parliament
Lower House of Parliament
The 15th Jordanian Parliament

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Members of the Jordanian Upper House of Parliament

Zeid Rifai

Taher Masri

Ali Abul Ragheb

Faisal Fayez

Fayez Tarawneh

Adnan Badran

Marouf Bakhit

Marwan Hmoud

Marwan Dudin

Rajai Muasher

Layla Sharaf

Kamel Ajlouni

Riad Shakaa

Mohammad Hamdan

Marwan Kamal

Hisham Tal

Yousef Dalabih

Nader Thuheirat

Salwa Masri

Hammad Abu Jamous

Saadeddin Jumaah

Aqel Biltaji

Mohammad Wahsh

Saleh Qallab

Roweidah Maaitah

Hakem Qadi

Amjad Majali

Farouq Qasrawi

Salem Turk

Abdul Hafez Kaabneh

Michel Hamarneh

Daoud Hanania

Khalil Fanatsah

Haidar Murad

Fawwaz Abu Tayeh

Ayed Adaileh

Wijdan Saket

Abdul Hamid Shoman

Issam Bdeir

Nawal Faouri

Samih Momani

Turki Haddad

Fakhri Abu Taleb

Mohammad Adwan

Mohammad Shawabkeh

Mohammad Khreisat

Ahmad Ajarmeh

Jaafar Hneiti

Manaf Hijazi

Kheireddine Hakooz

Ibrahim Zu’bi

Abdul Majid Thneibat

Ahmad Abu Rbeiha

Haifa Abu Ghazaleh

Janet Mufti

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Lower House of Parliament
The 15th Jordanian Parliament

AMMAN
FIRST DISTRICT
1. Khalil Hassan Atiyyeh
2. Jaafar Abdullat
3. Hasan Mahmoud Safi
4. Azzam Hneidi

SECOND DISTRICT
1. Hamzah Mansour
2. Mohammad Selmi
3. Hassan Al Kouz
4. Mohamamd Hussein
5. Selmi Al Kouz
6. Yousef Qarneh

THIRD DISTRICT
1. Mamdouh Abbadi
2. Ahmad Safadi
3. Abdul Rahim Biqai
4. Yousef Bustanji
5. Tareq Khouri (Christian)
FOURTH DISTRICT
1. Khalaf Abdul
2. Karim Raqqad
3. Hamad Saleh Abu Zeid
4. Nidal Hadid

FIFTH DISTRICT
1. Mohammad Abu Hdeib
2. Ahmad Adwan
3. Samih Bino (Muslim/Circassian-Chechen) SIXTH DISTRICT
1. Nassar Qeisi
2. Lutfi Mahmoud Hasa
3. Munir Sobar (Muslim /Circassian-Chechen)

SEVENTH DISTRICT
1. Adnan Khalaf Sawaeer

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IRBID
FIRST DISTRICT
1. Rasmi Mallah
2. Qassem Bani Hani
3. Abdullah Mustafa
4. Gharaibeh
5. Mohammad Zanati
SECOND DISTRICT
1. Abdul Ra’uf Rawabdeh
2. Husni Shayyab
3. Raji Haddad (Christian)
THIRD DISTRICT
1. Aser Sharman
FOURTH DISTRICT
1. Ahmad Bashabsheh
2. Hashem Shboul

FIFTH DISTRICT
1. Salah Zu’bi
2. Yehya Obeidat SIXTH DISTRICT
1. Yaseen Bani Yaseen

SEVENTH DISTRICT
1. Khalid Bakkar EIGHTH DISTRICT
1. Sharaf Haiajneh
NINTH DISTRICT
1. Mahmoud Mheidat

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BALQA
FIRST DISTRICT
1. Mahmoud Kharabsheh
2. Hazem Al Nasser (Christian)
3. Yaseen Zu’bi
4. Bassam Manasir
5. Mubarak Abbadi
6. Sleiman Ghneimat
7. Fakhri Eskandar (Christian)
8. Ad Daoud SECOND DISTRICT
1. Mahmoud Ahmad Adwan
THIRD DISTRICT
1. Khalid Satri FOURTH DISTRICT
1. Mohammad Khalil Aqel

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KARAK
FIRST DISTRICT
1. Abdul Hamid Dhneibat
2. Abdul Fattah Maaytah
3. Abdul Ghanem Zreiqat (Christian) SECOND DISTRICT
1. Abdul Hadi Majali
2. Michel Hijazin (Christian)
THIRD DISTRICT
1. Atef Tarawneh
2. Yousef Sarayreh FOURTH DISTRICT
1. Jamil Hshoush

FIFTH DISTRICT
1. Ali Dalaeen
SIXTH DISTRICT
1. Nasr Hamaideh

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MAAN
FIRST DISTRICT
1. Tawfiq Kreishan
2. Adel Ibrahim Meshri SECOND DISTRICT
1. Wasfi Rawashdeh
THIRD DISTRICT
1. Hani Nawafleh

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ZARQA
FIRST DISTRICT
1. Deifallah Qallab Omoush
2. Fawwaz Hamad
3. Hamdallah
4. Merza Boulad (Muslim/Circassian-Chechen)
5. Bassam Haddadin (Christian) SECOND DISTRICT
1. Musa Barakat Zawahreh
2. Musa Rashid Khalaileh
3. Farhan Nouman Ghweiri
THIRD DISTRICT
1. Nawwaf Meqbel Zyoud FOURTH DISTRICT
1. Marzouq Habarneh
2. Mohammad Al Haj
3. Mohammad

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MAFRAQ (excluding Northern Badia)
1. Abdul Karim Feisal Dughmi
2. Tayseer Shdeifat
3. Ibrahim Mohammad
4. Omoush
5. Mefleh Rafali

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TAFILEH
FIRST DISTRICT
1. Ibrahim Eteiwi
2. Abdul Rahman Hanaqtah
3. Mohammad Abdul
4. Rahim Awwad SECOND DISTRICT
1. Mohammad Ismael Saudi

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MADABA
FIRST DISTRICT
1. Yousef Suleiman Abu Sleih
2. Riyadh Salameh Yaqoub (Christian)
3. Mohammad Abul Hayyeh
SECOND DISTRICT
1. Falak Jamaani

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JERASH
1. Mohamamd Zreiqat
2. Mefleh Rheimi
3. Ahmad Otoum
4. Sleiman Salameh Khalaf

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AJLOUN
FIRST DISTRICT
1. Najeh Momani
2. Mohammad Qudah
3. Rida Khalil Haddad (Christian) SECOND DISTRICT
1. Ayman Shwayyat

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AQABA (excluding the Southern Badia)
1. Ziad Shweikh
2. Mohammad Badri

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BADIA
NORTH BADIA
1. Habes Shabib
2. Saed Srour
3. Sowan Shurufat CENTRAL BADIA
1. Saleh Jbour
2. Mejhem Khreisha
3. Mohammad Shraa
SOUTH BADIA
1. Awwad Zawaideh
2. Sanad Neimat
3. Abdullah Haroun Jazi

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Seats allocated for women by quota
1. Insaf Khawaldeh- 16.5 per cent- Second District, Tafileh
2. Hamdieh Nawwaf Qweider- 12 per cent- Sixth District, Karak
3. Reem Abdul Razzaq- 11.3 per cent- Third District, Zarqa
4. Tharwat Salameh Amr- 11 per cent- Second District, Karak
5. Nariman Rousan- 9.1 per cent- Fifth District, Irbid
6. Amneh Gharaghir-Third District, Balqa

culture of jordan

2009-02-15T20:47:00.004+02:00

MARRIAGE, FAMILY, AND KINSHIP in jordan

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.

amman city

2009-02-15T20:26:00.003+02:00

Places To Visit in amman city

AL Kahf (The Cave)

Located in Al-Rajib village – old name Al Raqeem - 10km southeast of downtown Amman, the Cave is believed to be the one mentioned in Surat Al-Kahf in the Holy Quran. It is likely that the story mentioned in the Quran had taken place during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (408-450 AD) after the spread of Christianity in the region and ultimately became the official religion of the Roman Empire

Herakel Temple

This Temple dates back to the period in which the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius reigned (161 – 180 AD). It resembles in style Artimus Temple in Jerash. The picture points to the process of restoring and setting up the Corinthian columns that had been erected in front of the Temple, which has been preserved and restored

Nuigees Tomb

Sometimes called Nweijees Palace, the Tomb is located 100m south of the intersection of Tariq Rd. and Amman-Zarqa highway. This Roman tomb dates back to the second century and is built on an area of 12 square meters with arches extended above the roof. In Roman times, tombs were the burial places for rich families

The Roman Amphitheater

The Theater is located at the foothill of Jabal Al-Joufeh in downtown Amman. A note written in Greek found at one of its structures contends that the Amphitheater was built in recognition of Emperor Hadrian who paid Amman a visit in 130 AD to inaugurate the road stretching from Basra, through Jerash and Amman, to the Red Sea .The Amphitheater is divided into three sections each separated by a space of 2 meters. It can hold as many as 6 thousand spectators

Iraq Al-Amir

Qasr Al- Abd is located in Iraq Al- Amir, 35 km west Amman. It dates back to the Hellenistic period - second century BD. The place was built by Hercanus during the reign of Seleucus IV. On top, the Palace is adorned with protruding statues of eagles and lions, some facing each other, others facing backward. The Palace, which has a northern and southern entrance, is of two levels. The ground level was used as storage and quarters for guards, however the top level was not completed because Hercanus committed suicide before he got to finish building upon learning of the threats posed by Seleucus’ armies

Amman

2009-02-15T20:22:00.002+02:00

An Arab city whose ancient roots stretch back and deep in history;
to 8,000 years BC, Amman,

throughout the ages stood a witness to the alternating fortunes of great civilizations that had risen and fallen, leaving in their wake imprints that stand today as living testaments to the city’s ancient heritage. Amman has its share of ancient caves and round walls made of giant rocks that were once dedicated by early settled humans as temples to the worship of their favorite deities of the sun, the moon and the stars,

such as the round cave found on the side of Jabal Amman overlooking Wadi Saqra. The Heksus who ruled Egypt, left their marks here when they crossed paths with the city, carrying with them the seeds of ancient Egyptian civilization. Those were followed by the tribes of the ancient “Giants”,

and then the tribes of Bani Ammon (Sons of Ammon or the Ammonites) who gave the city its name- Rabbat Ammon, which means the capital, or the sovereign domain of Ammonites. With time, Rabbat was dropped and Ammon was transformed into Amman.
The city of the Ammonites came under the control of the Assyrians followed by the Babylonians, and in the 4th century BC,

the Greeks. In the year 284 BC, the city fell to the Ptolemaists under Ptolemy Philadelphus who then built a new city on the ruins of the ancient one and gave it a new name derived from his own: Philadelphia – meaning the city of brotherly love. Philadelphia joined the Decapolis - the league of the Ten Roman Cities in the region - when it came under the control of the Romans in the 1st century BC.

It was during the Ghassanid reign that Amman acquired the present form of its name. In the following centuries the city flourished under the rule of the Umayyad and the Abbasid dynasties, yet it also suffered several earthquakes and disasters that wreaked havoc on the city and caused major destruction.

The year 1887 marked the arrival of the first wave of Circassian Muslims, namely the Shabsough tribe, which emigrated from the Caucuses Mountains and took up residence at the foot of Jabal Al Qal’ah (Citadel Mountain). That area, to this day, is still known as the Shabsough Quarter. The characteristics of a Circassian town dominated the City’s feel and look until WWI.

The first municipal council for the City was established in 1909, and the City was made the seat of a district in 1914. Its population then numbered some 300 families – 1500-2000 persons, however the City’s thriving commercial activities drew large numbers of merchants from various cities such as Sult, Damascus, Nablus, Yafa and Jerusalem. During WWI, Amman gained added importance when it became a mobilization center for the Ottoman war effort due to its proximity to Al-Hijaz railway station.

With His Majesty King Abdullah II assuming the mantle of leadership, the forward march that was started by the Founding King, Abdullah I, persisted under the late King Talal, and infused with great momentum under the late King Hussein, continues today unabated; a march towards stability and greater prosperity, and bringing our glorious Arab nation together.

When speaking of Amman of the present, and that of the future as envisioned, it is a story of vast ambition that looks beyond material limitations; for the story of Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom, embodies a unique example of man’s endurance and challenging spirit, and his magnificent ability to perform under extraordinary circumstances.

The city has been deeply impacted by the exceptional circumstances that dominated the region during the past few decades, which overwhelmed city-planners and gave rise to haphazard and rapid construction. Amman, and the population increased to about 2.2 million in 2004 , has undergone an exceptional expansion and population growth within a relatively short period of time, thus placing greater demands on city planners and services in all areas.

The City Hall of the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) lies in the center of town, surrounded by public squares and parks. The City has a staff of 18,000 employees serving the needs of a population spread over an area of 1400 km2.
GAM is divided into 27 administrative regions each has full staff of employees. As far as the administrative bodies of the City are concerned, GAM Council is made up of 47 members and headed by the Mayor. The Council is divided into 14 various committees.

GAM has several service departments working diligently to keep the City functioning, clean and presentable. The Municipality is also keen on supporting cultural and artistic activities as it sponsors many festivals and events throughout the year.
This is Amman. Though a city that dwells not near seashore nor is bisected by a major river, yet a city always embracing and welcoming. An Arab capital; faithful to its ancient roots and Arab heritage; recognized for its indomitable spirit, stability,

hospitality and determination, the sort of which that looks upon challenges not as mere hurdles to be overcome but as great opportunities on which to build. Amman is indeed a superb example of what the human spirit can accomplish when presented with challenges, as it skillfully and resolutely employs its creative capabilities not only to meet sometimes extraordinarily difficult circumstances but to do so triumphantly.

City of Amman

2009-02-15T20:13:00.002+02:00

Administrative Divisions of the City of Amman

Amman has been divided into 20 Regions. A Region is sort of a small town that provides all needed services directly to citizens without going back to the Municipality’s headquarters – except such services as planning, zoning and disbursement of funds, for these are conducted in Municipality headquarters.

Regions are: Basman, Marka, Al Nusr, Al Yarmouk, Ras Al ‘Ain, Badr, Zahran, Al ‘Abdali, Tariq, Al Qweismeh, Khraibet Essouq, Mqabalein, Al Jbeiha, Wadi Esseir, Sweileh, Tla’ Al ‘Ali, Shafa Badran, Badr Al Jadeeda, Abu Nseir

Currently, the land area of the City is approximately 700 km2 and its population is around 1,800,000.

The first municipal council established for Amman was in 1909. The City’s population then stood at 300 families, i.e. around 2000 people

In 1950, the name of Amman Municipality was changed to Municipality of the Capital

In 1987 it was given the title of Greater Amman Municipality

Amman has been greatly impacted by the Zionist invasion of Palestine which resulted in the arrival of more than a million persons following the years 1948 and 1967. Moreover, the City has also been impacted by internal migration from Badia and rural areas of people moving to the City for work and settlement.

Banks of jordan

2009-02-15T12:38:00.004+02:00

Banks of jordan

Arab Bank
Arab Jordan Investment Bank
Bank of Jordan
Cairo Amman Bank
Citi Bank/Jordan
Housing Bank
HSBC Bank
Jordan Gulf Bank
Jordan Kuwait Bank
Jordan National Bank
Middle East Investment Bank
Arab Banking Corporation (Jordan)
Central Bank of Jordan
Credit Lyonnais
Egyption Arab Land Bank
Export and Finance Bank
Industrial and Development Bank
Jordan Commercial Bank
Jordan Invest
Jordan Islamic Bank for Financeand Investment
Philadelphia Investment Bank
Societe general Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
Union Bank for Savings and Investments

Education and Research

2009-02-15T12:32:00.004+02:00

Education and Research

Al-Balqa' Applied University
Al Al Bayt University
Al Hussein Bin Talal University
Al Isra University
Al Quds Open University
Al-Urdun Al-Jadid Research Center
Al-Zaytoonah University
Amman University
American Community School
Applied Science University
Arab Academy for Banking and Financial Services
Arab Institute of Banking Studies
Arab Thought Forum
Center for Strategic Studies
Hashemite University
Islamic Academy of Sciences
Jordan University
Jubilee Institute
Modern American School
Modern Montessori School
Mu'tah University
Petra University
Philadelphia University
Princess Sumaya University for Technology
Queen Noor Technical College
Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies
University of Petra
University of Science and Technology
Vocational Training Corporation
Yarmouk University
Zarqa Private University

Government Ministries

2009-02-15T12:20:00.002+02:00

Government Ministries

Ministry of Administrative Development
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Higher Education
Ministry of Industry and Trade
Ministry of Information and Communications Technology
Ministry of Labour
Ministry of Planning
Ministry of Political Development and Parliamentary Affairs
Ministry of Social Development
Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Ministry of Transportation
Ministry of Water and Irrigation
Ministry of Youth and Sport

the Dead Sea

2009-02-15T11:12:00.004+02:00

the Dead Sea
a dramatic, beautiful landscape

Salt crystals form on the shore of the Dead Sea creating an other-worldly landscape

Without doubt, the world’s most amazing place, the Jordan Rift Valley is a dramatic, beautiful landscape, which at the Dead Sea, is over 400 metres (1,312 ft.) below sea level. The lowest point on the face of the earth, this vast, stretch of water receives a number of incoming rivers, including the River Jordan. Once the waters reach the Dead Sea they are land-locked and have nowhere to go, so they evaporate, leaving behind a dense, rich, cocktail of salts and minerals that supply industry, agriculture and medicine with some of its finest products.

The Dead Sea Mud is world renowned for it's properties.

The Dead Sea is flanked by mountains to the east and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the west, giving it an almost other-worldly beauty. Although sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, the area is believed to have been home to five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar.

Health & Wellbeing Spa at the Dead Sea

One of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world, the Jordanian east coast of the Dead Sea has evolved into a major hub of both religious and health & wellness tourism in the region. 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

Unusually high salt content enables one to
float effortlessly.

The leading attraction at the Dead Sea is the warm, soothing, super salty water itself – some ten times saltier than sea water, and rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several others. The unusually warm, incredibly buoyant and mineral-rich waters have attracted visitors since ancient times, including King Herod the Great and the beautiful Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra. All of whom have luxuriated in the Dead Sea’s rich, black, stimulating mud and floated effortlessly on their backs while soaking up the water's healthy minerals along with the gently diffused rays of the Jordanian sun.

Amman Touristic Beach

Situated on the Dead Sea main road, two kilometers after the hotels area . Amman Touristic Beach offers swimming pools, changing rooms for low budget travelers and locals for minimal fees. Amaman Touristic Beach is an ideal location for beach parties and events

On the banks of the River Jordan

Bethany Beyond the Jordan

The site of John the Baptist's settlement at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where Jesus was baptised, has long been known from the Bible (John 1:28 and 10:40) and from the Byzantine and medieval texts

The site has now been identified on the east bank of the Jordan River, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and is being systematically surveyed, excavated, restored, and prepared to receive pilgrims and visitors. Bethany Beyond the Jordan is located half an hour by car from the Jordanian capital Amman.
The Bethany area sites formed part of the early Christian pilgrimage route between Jerusalem, the Jordan River, and Mount Nebo.

The area is also associated with the biblical account of how the Prophet Elijah (Mar Elias in Arabic) ascended to heaven in a whirlwind on a chariot of fire. (See main Image above).

useful tips

If you are planning to combine a visit to the Dead Sea with a diving trip to Aqaba during your stay in Jordan, do the Dead Sea experience first. If you do it the other way around, the small cuts or grazes you may pick up from the coral reefs will soon let you know why this is the better option!

The curative properties of the Dead Sea have been recognized since the days of Herod the Great over 2000 years ago.

The Dead Sea is 80 kilometres (50 miles) long, approximately 14 kilometres (9 miles) wide. The northern and larger part is very deep, reaching at one point a depth of 430m (1320 feet). The southern bay is, on the contrary, very shallow, averaging hardly a depth of 4m (13 feet).

Because of its extremely high content of salt and other minerals, the Dead Sea is devoid of plant and animal life.

The water level of the Dead Sea is dropping by about a 30cm (1 foot) per year. It is being diverted by Israel and Jordan for industry, agriculture and household use. Scientists predict that the sea may be dried up by the year 2050.

Although sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, the Dead Sea area is believed to have been home to five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar

Wadi Rum

2009-02-15T11:01:00.002+02:00

Wadi Rum

The magnificent landscape of Wadi Rum is a must-see for any visitor to Jordan

Touring Wadi Rum in a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience.

This is a stupendous, timeless place, virtually untouched by humanity and its destructive forces. Here, it is the weather and winds that have carved the imposing, towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described by T.E. Lawrence as “vast, echoing and god-like”..

A maze of monolithic rockscapes rise up from the desert floor to heights of 1,750 metres creating a natural challenge for serious mountaineers. Hikers can enjoy the tranquility of the boundless empty spaces, explore the canyons and water holes to discover 4000 year old rock drawings and the many other spectacular treasures this vast wilderness holds in store

Also known as ‘The Valley of the Moon’, this is the place where Prince Faisal Bin Hussein and T.E. Lawrence based their headquarters during the Arab Revolt against the Ottomans in World War 1, and their exploits are intrinsically woven into the history of this amazing area.

A campsite in Wadi Rum

There are several options for exploring Wadi Rum. Visitors should head for the Visitors Centre where, apart from visitors’ facilities, they can hire a 4x4 vehicle, together with driver/guide, and then drive for two or three hours into the Wadi system to explore some of the best known sites. Alternatively they can hire a camel and guide. The duration of the trip can be arranged beforehand through the Visitors Centre, as can a stay under the stars in a Bedouin tent, where they can enjoy a traditional campfire meal accompanied by Arabic music.

Burdah Rock Bridge stands 35m high and is considered one of the highest natural arches in the world.

Once transport has been arranged, there are various excursions available - for example, a trip to Burdah Rock Bridge, the highest in Wadi Rum, via the Seven Pillars of Wisdom and many other interesting sights, is a full day by car or an overnight trip by camel. There are many alternative routes and information on these is available from your tour operator or from the Visitors Centre on-site.

The Bedouin people that inhabit the area still maintain their semi-nomadic lifestyle. They are hospitable and offer a friendly welcome to visitors, often inviting them to sit and enjoy a coffee or even a meal

useful tips

When visiting Wadi Rum remember to bring something warm to wear at night as temperatures can vary from a daytime average of 32°C down to 4°C at night. See the table below for average seasonal temperatures

January 4°C 15°C
April 12°C 25°C
July 19°C 36°C
October 13°C 29°C

Always remember to ask permission before taking photographs of the local Bedouin people

Always dress modestly when visiting an area inhabited by the Bedouin. Their culture is very different to those of more liberal western cultures and skimpy shorts and tops will be considered disrespectful.

kids songs

2009-02-15T10:58:00.001+02:00

kids songs
toyor el jana
ya baba snany wawa

jordanians songs

2009-02-15T10:44:00.001+02:00

jordanians songs

ya bergna el 3aly
al lawzeen bandفرقة اللوزيين

jordanians jokes

2009-02-15T10:39:00.001+02:00

jordanians jokes

By Abu Mahjoob, (Emad Hajjaj) This Guy is soooooooo Creative....

Jordanian Phone Call...

jordanians jokes

2009-02-15T10:28:00.002+02:00

jordanians jokes

sum3a and the car

Thyme Pizza

2009-02-15T10:14:00.001+02:00

Mana2eesh Za3taar- Thyme Pizza- مناقيش زعتر

This is a quick recipe for the basic and simple bread dough

it is easy, fun to make and quick, you just have to treat it with TLC. After many years of cooking and making pastries (Fatayer, with Meat or Vegetables filling) this is the best dough that works out for me. It is very basic and easy:

2 Tablespoons active dry yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110 to 115 F) OR it depends on the softness of your dough, add more water to make it softer but not to the point where the dough is runny, or less water to make it harder. My dough is usually a bit soft.

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

A little bit of oil

Method:

-Put yeast in 1/4 cup of the water; add sugar and let stand for 10 minutes until it starts to over flow. This means that the yeast is becoming active.

-Put half of your flour and salt in a bowl or a pan with wide edge. Form a well in the center; pour in yeast mixture and add the water little by little so you get a feel of the dough.

-Begin to mix with hand, I never use a mixer or a machine, it is more fun to use your own hands to do it, relaxing too,beats any stress therapy!!

-Add remaining flour as needed. Knead for few minutes more until you feel that the consistency is what you are looking for in the dough. Even if the dough is sticky, its ok, it will be great when it rises.

-Oil a large bowl; place dough in bowl and turn to coat with oil.

-Cover with a damp cloth and put in a warm place for 1 ½ to 2 hours.

-Dough should be doubled in bulk. But you can use it once it has risen to your liking.

-Flatten the dough in an oiled pan. I usually use my hands in flattening the dough using a little bit of cooking oil to do so.

-Mix the Za3tar (Thyme) and Olive oil together, you might add some fresh diced tomatoes to it to give it a kick. Spread on the dough evenly.

-Make sure that your oven is preheated to around 450 degrees F. Bake your Mana2eesh till they are golden brown on the edges.

Enjoy watching the video.

jordanians songs

2009-02-12T09:42:00.004+02:00

maysoon el sona3

old singer from karak jordan

3ine wa day 3ine

The Amman Message

2009-02-12T09:16:00.003+02:00

The Amman Message

started as a detailed statement released the eve of the 27th of Ramadan 1425 AH / 9th November 2004 CE by H.M. King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein in Amman, Jordan. It sought to declare what Islam is and what it is not, and what actions represent it and what actions do not. Its goal was to clarify to the modern world the true nature of Islam and the nature of true Islam.

In order to give this statement more religious authority, H.M. King Abdullah II then sent the following three questions to 24 of the most senior religious scholars from all around the world representing all the branches and schools of Islam: (1) Who is a Muslim? (2) Is it permissible to declare someone an apostate (takfir)? (3) Who has the right to undertake issuing fatwas (legal rulings)?

Based on the fatwas provided by these great scholars (who included the Shaykh Al-Azhar; Ayatollah Sistani and Sheikh Qaradawi), in July 2005 CE, H.M. King Abdullah II convened an international Islamic conference of 200 of the world's leading Islamic scholars 'Ulama) from 50 countries. In Amman, the scholars unanimously issued a ruling on three fundamental issues (which became known as the 'Three Points of the Amman Message'):

They specifically recognized the validity of all 8 Mathhabs (legal schools) of Sunni, Shi'a and Ibadhi Islam; of traditional Islamic Theology (Ash'arism); of Islamic Mysticism (Sufism), and of true Salafi thought, and came to a precise definition of who is a Muslim.
Based upon this definition they forbade takfir (declarations of apostasy) between Muslims.
Based upon the Mathahib they set forth the subjective and objective preconditions for the issuing of fatwas, thereby exposing ignorant and illegitimate edicts in the name of Islam.
These Three Points were then unanimously adopted by the Islamic World's political and temporal leaderships at the Organization of the Islamic Conference summit at Mecca in December 2005. And over a period of one year from July 2005 to July 2006, the Three Points were also unanimously adopted by six other international Islamic scholarly assemblies, culminating with the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of Jeddah, in July 2006. In total, over 500 leading Muslim scholars worldwideâ€”as can be seen on this website [click here to see the entire list]â€”unanimously endorsed the Amman Message and its Three Points.

This amounts to a historical, universal and unanimous religious and political consensus (ijma') of the Ummah (nation) of Islam in our day, and a consolidation of traditional, orthodox Islam. The significance of this is: (1) that it is the first time in over a thousand years that the Ummah has formally and specifically come to such a pluralistic mutual inter-recognition; and (2) that such a recognition is religiously legally binding on Muslims since the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) said: My Ummah will not agree upon an error (Ibn Majah, Sunan, Kitab al-Fitan, Hadith no.4085).

This is good news not only for Muslims, for whom it provides a basis for unity and a solution to infighting, but also for non-Muslims. For the safeguarding of the legal methodologies of Islam (the Mathahib) necessarily means inherently preserving traditional Islam's internal 'checks and balances'. It thus assures balanced Islamic solutions for essential issues like human rights; women's rights; freedom of religion; legitimate jihad; good citizenship of Muslims in non-Muslim countries, and just and democratic government. It also exposes the illegitimate opinions of radical fundamentalists and terrorists from the point of view of true Islam. As George Yeo, the Foreign Minister of Singapore, declared in the 60th Session of the U.N. General Assembly (about the Amman Message): "Without this clarification, the war against terrorism would be much harder to fight."

Finally, whilst this by the Grace of God is a historical achievement, it will clearly remain only principial unless it is put into practice everywhere. For this reason, H.M. King Abdullah II is now seeking to implement it, God willing, through various pragmatic measures, including (1) inter-Islamic treaties; (2) national and international legislation using the Three Points of the Amman Message to define Islam and forbid takfir; (3) the use of publishing and the multi-media in all their aspects to spread the Amman Message; (4) instituting the teaching of the Amman Message in school curricula and university courses worldwide; and (5) making it part of the training of mosque Imams and making it included in their sermons.

God says in the Holy Qur'an says:

There is no good in much of their secret conferences save (in) whosoever enjoineth charity and fairness and peace-making among the people and whoso doeth that, seeking the good pleasure of God, We shall bestow on him a vast reward. (Al-Nisa, 4:114).

Financial Freedom

2009-02-12T08:47:00.002+02:00

Financial Freedom

Property Rights
Labor Freedom

Jordan's fairly well-developed financial sector is dominated by banking. Along with financial-sector policies that are intended to enhance competition and efficiency, the government has brought supervision and regulation into line with international standards. More than 20 banks, including nine domestic commercial banks and eight foreign banks, operate in Jordan. The Arab Bank dominates the sector, accounting for about 60 percent of total assets. Government-encouraged consolidation among smaller banks has made progress. The government owns no commercial banks but does own five specialized credit institutions focused on agricultural credit, housing, rural and urban development, and industry. The insurance sector is small but open to foreign competition. Capital markets are not fully developed but are fairly robust by regional standards. In 2007, with more than 200 companies listed, the Amman Stock Exchange's market capitalization amounted to about 290 percent of GDP.

The judiciary is generally independent, but the king is the ultimate authority. Despite a law passed in 2001 to limit its influence, the Ministry of Justice significantly influences judges' careers. Expropriation is unlikely. Jordan's record in protecting intellectual property rights has improved, but further efforts are needed.

Corruption is perceived as present. Jordan ranks 53rd out of 179 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index for 2007. Use of personal ties to gain economic advantage is pervasive. There are allegations of non-transparency and influence peddling in dispute settlement and government procurement

Jordan's relatively flexible labor regulations facilitate employment and productivity growth. The non-salary cost of employing a worker is moderate, but dismissing a redundant employee is not easy. Regulations on the number of work hours are not rigid.

Investment Freedom

2009-02-12T08:42:00.002+02:00

Investment Freedom
Trade Freedom
Business Freedom

The overall freedom to start, operate, and close a business is restricted by Jordan's regulatory environment. Starting a business takes an average of 14 days, compared to the world average of 38 days. Obtaining a business license requires less than the world average of 18 procedures and 225 days. Closing a business is difficult. Despite efforts at reform, bureaucratic obstacles and delays persist

Jordan's weighted average tariff rate was 5.6 percent in 2006. Import bans and restrictions, import taxes and fees, licensing requirements, restrictive sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, export subsidies, weak enforcement of intellectual property rights, and inefficient customs administration add to the cost of trade. Ten points were deducted from Jordan's trade freedom score to account for non-tariff barriers

Jordan has moderate tax rates. Both the top income tax rate and the top corporate tax rate are 25 percent. Other taxes include a value-added tax (VAT) and a tax on interest paid to non-residents. In the most recent year, overall tax revenue as a percentage of GDP was 21.1 percent.

Total government expenditures, including consumption and transfer payments, are high. In the most recent year, government spending equaled 37.9 percent of GDP. Some 19 companies were slated for privatization in 2008. Authorities removed fuel subsidies but countered that with wage increases.

Inflation is moderate, averaging 5.4 percent between 2005 and 2007. Most controls have been eliminated, but the government influences the prices of fuel products through subsidies and sets prices for electricity, telecommunications, and water. Five points were deducted from Jordan's monetary freedom score to account for policies that distort domestic prices.

Foreign and domestic investments receive equal treatment. There is no formal screening, but there are minimum capital requirements. Additionally, foreign investments may not exceed 50 percent in sectors like construction, wholesale and retail trade, transport, import and export services, and advertising. Foreigners may not invest in investigative and security services, sports clubs, stone quarrying, customs clearance services, and land transportation. Excessive bureaucracy, red tape, weak contract enforcement, and non-transparent regulations inhibit investment. Residents and non-residents may hold foreign exchange accounts. There are no restrictions or controls on payments, transactions, transfers, or repatriation of profits. Real estate purchases require approval.

Jordan's economic freedom score

2009-02-12T08:36:00.002+02:00

Jordan's economic freedom score is 65.4, making its economy the 51st freest in the 2009 Index.

Its score has increased by 1.3 points since last year, reflecting a substantial increase in business freedom, moderate increases in trade freedom and government size, and a slight decline in freedom from corruption. Jordan is ranked 6th out of 17 countries in the Middle East/North Africa region.

Jordan has relative strengths in terms of monetary stability, strong property rights, and low tax rates on individual and corporate income. Inflation is moderate, and the government has succeeded in phasing out direct subsidies of many goods. Developed and increasingly modern, Jordan's financial sector is making serious efforts to meet international standards.

Jordan's weaknesses include large government size and non-transparent regulatory obstacles to investment. Sound public finance management and privatization are part of the structural reform agenda, which aims to reduce public debt, currently more than 70 percent of GDP, to 60 percent of GDP by 2011. A variety of restrictions have limited opportunities for foreign investment in Jordan

Jordan, which gained its independence from Britain in 1946, is a constitutional monarchy with a relatively well-educated and socially advanced population. The economy is supported to a significant degree by foreign loans, international aid, and remittances from expatriate workers, many of whom work in the Persian Gulf oil kingdoms.

King Abdullah II has undertaken political, economic, and regulatory reforms since coming to power in 1999. Jordan joined the World Trade Organization in 2000, signed a free trade agreement with the United States that same year, and signed an association agreement with the European Union in 2001. The country suffers from high unemployment, heavy debt, an influx of Iraqi refugees, and the high cost of oil imports

hussen el salman

2009-02-10T13:23:00.004+02:00

jordanian songs

ya urdon fedwa la trabak

hussen el salman

jordanians jokes

2009-02-10T13:00:00.003+02:00

jordanians jokes
Every country has a town, or a city, or a region with a people that the rest of the country loves to pick on. The alleged stupidity of these specific people is embodied in legendary jokes. For Americans it tends to be rednecks, for Palestine it’s the Khaleelis (Hebron) and in Jordan it’s those from down south in Tafilah.

So one day a Tafeeli and his wife are joking around when suddenly he throws her out the window. He looks out and sees her on the ground, back broken, moaning, and yells “what’s the matter, you can’t take a joke?”

Tafeeli jokes are always bittersweet for me because sometimes they’re just plain funny but then you realize at the butt of the joke are a group of people who are probably the most generous and kind-hearted in the entire country. Chances are if you ever pay the area a visit you will run into several people who will not only invite you to have dinner (mansaf) but spend the night as well. And it doesn’t matter if you’re from Amman or from Germany; you’re just as equally foreign to them.

Sometimes Tafeeli jokes include a comparison to foreigners like “a tafeeli, an american and an italian walk in to a bar..” kind of thing. Other times, for a more regional impact, the Tafeelis will be compared to their ‘older brothers’, the Kerakis. For example:

Two Kerakis and a Tafeeli get on a plane for the first time and the stewardess asks them what they would like to eat. So the first Keraki said “asal ya asal” (”i want honey, honey”) and the second Keraki said “sukkar ya sukkar” (”i want sugar, sugar”) and the Tafeeli upon hearing them said “haleeb ya bagara” (”i want milk, you cow”)

Tafeelah is actually a beautiful area. The way you know you’re in Tafeelah is when the mountains become steeper and you see a lot of greenery that is a rarity in Jordan so the contrast will always catch you off guard. The reason for this is because the area has plenty of natural springs, over 300 actually.

In the last decade or so its popularity has grown due to Afra, one of the major hot springs and also because of the Dana Natural Reserve that it hosts. But even its geography can become a joke…

One time a Tafeeli got a job driving a bus but on his first day he got into a huge accident and killed all 22 passengers. “You’re a criminal!” said the inspector “and you must be condemned for killing 22 people”. So the Tafeeli pleaded: “I’m innocent, I swear! And the accident was beyond my control, let me tell you what happened. I was driving about 120 km/h and came upon two donkeys standing in the middle of the street. To my right was a tall mountain and to my left a wadi (valley). So what would you do: hit the two donkeys or tumble into the wadi?” “Hit the donkeys, of course!” said the inspector. “And that’s exactly what I did!!” he said, “…I hit the first donkey and then turned around at high speed to hit the second one and that’s when I flipped over into the wadi…”

So why must they be the butt of the joke?

Most people I know who tell Tafeeli jokes have never been to Tafeela or met a Tafeeli. I wonder if all the people got together in the beginning to decide who would get picked on and the Tafeeli representative just drew the short straw. Everyone in Jordan knows a Tafeeli joke and I’m sure any Jordanian reading this post right now is thinking of a few. A lot of the times people will apologize for the joke before or after telling it; perhaps they’re afraid of running into a Tafeeli one day or perhaps they’ve met one and just realized how wrong the stigma is, but just can’t help telling a good Tafeeli joke. I think it could be the guilt.

Will we one day just feel so bad that all Tafeeli jokes will cease to exist?

A Tafeeli came home really happy one day and his wife was suspicious so she asked “why are you so happy, you’re not your usual self, what’s happened in the world?” and he said “shhh…the people have stopped telling jokes about us!” and she said “alhamdulillah (thank God). Hurry! Knock on wood before you jinx us!â? So he did. Suddenly his wife said “Who is it?” and he said “Stay seated Iâ??ll get the door”.

Will it ever change I wonder? Will the Tafeelis ever revolt and make everyone tell Salti jokes from now on? There’s a famous Tafeeli joke that every one in Jordan knows that describes a similar situation…

One day all the Tafeelis got together to discuss the situation of them being the butt of all these jokes. Angry, they decided to take all the Tafeeli jokes and throw them in the sea. A few moments later all the fish came out to the shore laughing. Except for one fish…he was a Tafeeli.

So why did Tafeelis throw their blankets and started to sleep without them?

Because Fastlink has announced its extensive coverage plans for the Kingdom

Once in Amman there was a donkey sitting in the middle of a main street. It brought traffic to a hault. People tried to move the donkey to the sidewalk but they were unsuccessful. The police arrived but also were unable to move the donkey. A Tafeily was standing looking at the crowed trying to move the donkey. The Tafieli told them step aside and let me try. So the Tafeili went to the donkey and whispered in his ear. Two seconds later the donkey moved. Do you know what the Tafeili told the donkey?? “MOVE AND I WILL SIT IN YOUR PLACE”.

How do you know that your apartment building’s caretaker is a Tafilee?
Easy. You’ll notice him cleaning the elevator at every floor of the building!

Mansaf

2009-02-10T12:49:00.004+02:00

Mansaf

The national dish of Jordan is Mansaf: lamb seasoned with aromatic herbs, sometimes lightly spiced, cooked in yoghurt, and served with huge quantities of rice. Feasting on Mansaf is taken seriously, and hours are spent in its preparations.

Mansaf is cooked in jameed (the Arabic word for dried yoghurt), which is then mixed with water in a tray to produce a creamy sauce. This is poured into a large stewing pot with chunks of lamb meat. The pot is put over an open fire. As the stew begins to warm, it is stirred to prevent the yogurt from separating.

Large trays are covered with the doughy flat Arabic bread and dampened with yogurt. On top of this, a layer of rice is heaped. The meat is then piled on top. Almonds, pine-kernels and other nuts may be sprinkled over the dish, which is then ready for serving.

2 LARGE CONTAINERS PLAIN whole milk YOGuRT (Or you can just use JAMEED with some water which is in any Arabic or Persian market)
LARGE CUT UP PEACES OF LAMB (WITH BONES) or Lamb Shanks
WATER TO BOIL MEAT
1 ONION
SALT

Cumin, Turmeric, and any other spices if desired for lamb

3 CUPS RICE (JASMIN MEDIUM GRAIN or Tilda Basmati IS GOOD)
SLIVERED ALMONDS
PINE NUTS
1 1/2 CUPS BUTTER

Arabic Flat Bread

1:IN A LARGE POT BEFORE TURNING ON HEAT MIX IN ALL YOGuRT

2: ON HIGH HEAT BRING YOGuRT (Or Jameed) TO A BOIL. (VERY IMPORTANT) MAKE SURE WHILE BRINGING YOGuRT TO BOIL, YOU ARE CONSTANTLY STIRRING YOGART WITH A WOODEN LADLE ONE WAY ONLY. SO IF YOU STARTED STIRRING TO THE LEFT YOU MUST KEEP STIRRING THAT WAY UNTIL YOGurT STARTS TO BOIL.

3: ONCE YOGuRT BOILS TURN HEAT OFF.

4: IN ANOTHER POT COVER lamb shanks or CUT UP LAMB (WITH BONES) WITH WATER.

5: ADD 1/4 OF AN ONION.

6: BOIL UNTIL LAMB IS TENDER.

7: REMOVE LAMB AND STRAIN WATER (LAMB BROTH) TO REMOVE ANY SMALL PARTICALS.

8: ADD ABOUT 2-3 CUPS OF THE WATER (LAMB BROTH ) TO THE POT OF COOKED YOGART.

9: add salt to taste and if not tart enough you may add juice from about 1/2 a lemon.

10: add lamb meat to the yogart and broth mixture (make sure to remove the onion)and let boil one more time.

11: cook rice with 1 cup of butter

12: brown almonds and pine nuts in remaining butter.

13: once rice is cooked remove it from pot and place it in a large round platter, then spread half of the nuts on top of rice, then place lamb meat over rice and nuts, then spread remaining nuts over entire platter

14: place the cooked yogurt in a large serving bowl

15: when serving put Arabic bread and wet it with some yogurt, then add rice and meat in individual plates and spread cooked yogurt and slivered nuts over it.

16: enjoy

this is the real Jordanian way except many Jordanians usually make their own yogurt

Another version:
2 Kilo lamb shoulder
water
salt
freshly ground paper
¼ cup clarified butter
¼ cup pine nuts
1 large onion, chopped
1½ teaspoons turmeric
½ teaspoon allspice
1 small piece cinnamon bark
2cups yogurt
1 egg white
2 teaspoons corn flour

.........................................................
yogurt sauce

Place yogurt in a heavy-based pan

Beat egg white with a fork until frothy and blend into yogurt with corn flour and 2-teaspoon salt. Stir in the same direction until thoroughly combined.

Place pan over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon.
Heat until it begins to boil, stirring continuously in the same direction.
This is important.

Lower heat and leave to boil gently, uncovered, for 3-5 minutes until thick.

Cut shoulder into even-sized pieces.

Place lamb in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring slowly to boil. Skimming is required. When well skimmed and boiling, add salt and paper to taste. Cover and boil gently for 30 minutes.

Heat butter in frying pan and add pine nuts. Fry until golden and remove pine nuts to a plate, draining butter back into the pan.

Add onion to pan and fry gently until transparent. Stir in turmeric, allspice and cinnamon bark and cook for farther 2 minutes. Add this mixture to the boiling lamb.

After lamb has been cooking for 1 hour, remove lid and let liquid reduce until it half covers lamb.

When reduced, add Yogurt sauce, shaking pan to blend it with liquid. Let Mansaf boil gently on low heat until lamb is tender and sauce is thick.

Serve hot with plain rice and sprinkle with the browned pine nuts

Dana and Wadi Mujib

2009-02-10T12:33:00.003+02:00

Dana and Wadi Mujib
The Reserve was established in 1993 in southern Jordan and covers 320 square kilometers

Dana and Wadi Mujib

There are at present six nature reserves in Jordan organised and managed by The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). They have recently launched a national program to establish further protected areas in Jordan, to join the six nature reserves already operational in the country. The suggested new areas are the Yarmouk River gorge north of Umm Qais, the Burqu desert Mudflats in the north-east, the Feifa Area along the south east Dead Sea coast with its freshwater spring and oases full of subtropical vegetation, and the Jordan River gorge north of the Dead Sea, representing one of the last remaining natural stretches of the Jordan River that has been protected for decades, and thus still has indigenous wildlife such as the Syrian wolf.

It is the only reserve which is relatively easy to reach by public transport : there are buses from Amman, from Ma'an and also from Tafileh. There are no direct buses from Petra some 40kms away, however, a pity. To get from the one to the other, you have either a circuitous bus ride via Ma'an, a taxi costing somewhere between 20 and 30JD or you just have to hitch, probably in several cars.

Originally another community being deserted by its people, Dana village occupies a wonderful site looking out over Wadi Dana and is now gradually coming back to life with the jobs associated with the Reserve. One of the first measures taken by the RSCN was to install a reliable water supply, and the fruit that can now be produced locally is made into jams which are sold at the Reserve shop, together with soap made with the local olive oil. Medicinal herbs, also grown in the valley, are to be found on sale here, as well as silver jewellery made in the workshop nearby. Tourism revenue is reported to be covering all the running costs of the reserve.

It embraces two major biogeographical zones and four distinct vegetation zones and contains a remarkable diversity of landscapes, ranging from wooded highlands and rocky slopes to gravel plains and sand dunes. It supports a wide variety of wildlife, including many rare species of plants and animals.

Dana Nature Reserve is a system of wadis and mountains, which extend from the top of the Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba, an elevation drop of over 1600 meters.

It embraces two major biogeographical zones and four distinct vegetation zones and contains a remarkable diversity of landscapes, ranging from wooded highlands and rocky slopes to gravel plains and sand dunes. It supports a wide variety of wildlife, including many rare species of plants and animals.

The total number of species recorded so far consists of 697 plants, of which 3 are new to science, and 282 animals. Many of these are now very rare and some threatened with extinction : animals like the Grey Wolf, Nubian Ibex, the Lesser Kestrel, Eagle Owl and the Desert Monitor Lizard. So far, 45 endangered or vulnerable animals have been found in the reserve, making it truly a place of world importance. Apart from its wildlife, Dana is also rich in archaeology and culture. About 100 archaeological sites have been identified, of which the ancient copper mines in Wadi Feinan are particularly special, being considered the most important archaeological complex in southern Jordan outside of Petra.

There is a wide variety of hiking trails, from short one hour circuits to day- hikes requiring an over night in camps. All trails offer spectacular views and rock formations and some pass important archaeological sites, including the ancient copper mining centre of Feinan.

Hiking in Dana

Dana offers a selection of trails to key points of interest for both the casual and adventurous hiker. Four of the trails are clearly marked with intermittent piles of stones along the route, and can therefore be hiked independently or with an RSCN guide. The other two trails, which are longer and unmarked, must be hiked with a guide. Guided hikes offer visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy a stimulating walk and learn about the geology, wildlife, and history of Dana in a natural "classroom". Guides are available at the Rummana campsite, Dana Village and Feinan upon request. You should note that in Dana you are not supposed to leave the marked trails, and that no independent camping is allowed. Most (not all) of the hikes described below are only authorized with an official guide. I quote from the official brochure here, and the age limits are NOT my own idea!

Easy Trails:

Traditional Tribal Arts Tour : one hour visiting some spectacular viewpoints above Dana Village, exploring the terraced gardens, meeting some local farmers, visiting a traditional bakery, Dana's Jam Factory and the fruit, soap and silver workshop.

Campsite Trail : two hours circular walk around the campsite area, a favourable place for birding, nesting or migrating. (Can be self guided).

Wadi Dana Trail : Long hike lovers will enjoy this hiking experience for 14 Km (5-6 hours) of spectacular uphill walk from Dana to Feinan. (Can be self guided)

Moderate Trails: (up to 47 years old)

Roman Lost Copper Mines Tour (Dana- Feinan- copper mines): 16 Km trail taking 6 hours hiking from Dana to Feinan visiting the copper mines (Guided, group number maximum 20 young, 10 adult)

Griffon Vultures Tour: 2.5 Km moderate trail to Rummana scenic peak for an excellent view of Wadi Araba and an ancient cistern. Here you enjoy 1-2 hours of circular walk. Visitors will pass some magnificent rock structures of sandstone and limestone and Roman and early Islamic archaeology, observe Griffon vultures and other birds of prey, view the beautiful nature of the area covered by Juniper trees, early Islamic ruins. (Can be self guided)

Village Overland Trail : 8 Km, 3 hour, horizontal moderate trail starts from Rummana Camp past Wadi escarpments, through terraced gardens and Dana Village to Dana Guesthouse and Visitor Centre. (Compulsory guided)

Feinan Copper Mine Tour: Start from Feinan to see ancient copper mines and Tell of Khirbet Feinan with remains of Byzantine churches, a Roman tower, Christian and Islamic graves, and Iron Age remains. It takes 1-2 hours from Feinan. (Compulsory guided)

Waterfalls area Tour : Two and a half hours- 2 Km - moderate trail starting from al-Barra area to the beautiful springs and ancient ruins in Nawatef area going back to al- Barra area. (Compulsory guide)

Hard Trails: (up to 35 years old)

Palm Trees Wadi Tour: This Trail is exactly suitable for adventure lovers since it takes 6-8 hours of hard hike (16 km) up the Wadi past an oasis with a warm spring beginning from al- Barra to Feinan. (See Trekking page) (Compulsory guided, group number maximum 15)

Mysterious Nabatean Tomb Tour: 2 km hike, on a hard hike trail to a breathtaking ravine containing Nabatean tombs from al-Barra to Shaq al Reesh then back to al-Barra. (Compulsory guided, group number maximum 10).

Places to stay in Dana

Dana Guesthouse Rummana Camp

Besides the Dana Guest House in the village with a most beautiful view over Wadi Dana, and the Dana Hotel the Dana Hotel (email sdqe@nets.com.jo phone/fax +962.3.227.0537) which is run as a village co-operative (and which could use a bit of encouragement), there are two sites in the Reserve itself : Feinan Lodge on the border of Dana Nature Reserve which will open later in the year, and Rummana Campsite further in. (See the map of Dana at the beginning of this section).

Feinan Lodge : Set among the arid mountains of Wadi Feinan, on the western boarder of the Dana Nature Reserve, the Wilderness Lodge will provide a cool, atmospheric retreat for tourists wishing to explore this undiscovered and archaeologically rich area of Jordan. The lodge will have a unique arabesque desert design and will use environment- friendly technologies, including solar and candle power. At night, most of the lodge will be lit by candles, making it a very romantic destination.

Rummana Camp : Camping is not permitted outside of this area. The campsite is open for overnight visitors from 15th March to 15th November. Visitors must check into the campsite before 8 p.m. Visitors should leave their cars at the Tower entrance. Transportation to and from the campsite is provided by a shuttle bus. The campsite contains 22 large tents, bathrooms, and barbecue grills for the use of visitors doing their own catering. Each tent comes fully equipped. Drinking water is available and you can cook in barbeque trays if you bring your own charcoal. The staff can prepare breakfast, lunch, or dinner if requested in advanced.

For booking tours or stays at the campsite at Dana Nature Reserve, please contact them at Tel. +962.3.227.0497/8 or by Fax. +962.3.227.0499

Economy & Trade

2009-02-10T11:54:00.002+02:00

discover why Jordan is today's top business location in the region

Overview:

The Jordanian economy is market oriented economy. The economic system is based on free enterprise and personal initiative. Since 1989, and with the help of international organizations, efforts have been under way to restructure and revitalize the economy. The results have been more than satisfying.
King Abdullah II has been working hard to further develop the economy, and strengthen the environment attractive to foreign investors. Upon His Majesty’s directives, the government has undertaken wide range major changes and adjustments to financial and economic legislation in order to improve the competitiveness of the economy and integrate Jordan with the global economy.

These efforts have yielded steadily improving results. For example, the GDP grew by 7% between 1992-1997. Over the last few years the steady growth rate in GDP has continued. The real GDP grew by 4.8%, 4.7%, 4.9%, 3.8% and 7% (estimated) in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 respectively.

The competitiveness of Jordan is helped by its geographical location at the heart of the Levant. It also enjoys free trade accessibility to major international markets, such as the USA and Europe, as well as to the Arab world.

In December 1999, Jordan joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the organization’s 136th member. It is believed that the accession to the WTO will assist Jordan in gaining the opportunity for entering the global market, promoting its trade and improving its economy.

In November 1997, Jordan signed a partnership Agreement with the European Union. The agreement entered into force on May 1st, 2002. The main objective of the Agreement is the establishment of a free trade area between Jordan and the EU over twelve years. The agreement encourages more direct European investment, provides free access to Jordan’s agricultural and industrial products and facilitates the transfer of state-of-the art technology.

In addition to benefits in the political, social and cultural fields, the agreement promises distinct economic yields for Jordan’s development.
On October 24th, 2000 Jordan and United States have signed “Jordan-US Free Trade Agreement”. The agreement has entered into force in December 2001. The agreement will phase out virtually all tariffs on two way trade in goods and services. Furthermore, it will help Jordan’s economy to prosper, attract foreign investments and facilitate the transfer of technology. It is worth mentioning that Jordan is one of four countries in the world who have such an agreement with the United States and it is the first with an Arab country.

Strategic location:

Jordan’s strategic location at the meeting point of Asia, Europe and Africa, make it a link between the three continents. The Kingdom represents an ideal gateway to Middle East and North African countries (MENA). A region which has over US$ 350 million consumers whose purchasing power exceeds US$ 500 billion.

Investment in Jordan:
It is said that Jordan offers a wide-range of opportunities. Many leading businessmen see Jordan as offering an ideal base for investment in the region. The Investment Promotion Law of 1995 affords equal treatment to Jordanian and non Jordanian investors and it introduces guarantees against expropriation. It allows the investor to own any project in full or in part, with the exception of some trade and contracting services which require a Jordanian partner. The law, also, offers generous and attractive incentives to investors, such as freedom from customs duties, exemption from taxes and tax holidays, as well as unrestricted transfer of capital and profits.

Excellent incentives are, also, provided for export oriented industries, whereby all earnings from export are totally exempted from income tax.
Jordan Investment Board is charged with promoting investment in Jordan. From the reception at the airport to the opening of the factory. Businessmen and investors could receive free services and facilities upon arrival at the airport. Investors Services Office at Queen Alia International Airport could be contacted at the following numbers: Tel +962 6 4452 799 Fax +962 6 4452 788.

The Qualifying Industrial Zones:

The Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ) have attracted many foreign investments. It represents an unprecedented opportunity to duty free, no quota, access to the US market for the goods produced within the zone. Currently, there are ten designated industrial parks in Jordan as QIZ's: the Gateway QIZ on the northern Jordan-Israel border; the Al-Hassan Industrial Estate in Irbid; the Al-Tajamouat Industrial Estate in Amman; the Ad-Dulayl Industrial Park near Zarka, the Kerak Industrial Estate, Aqaba Industrial Estate, Jordan Cyber City in Irbid, Al-Qastal Industrial Zone in Amman, Mushatta International Complexin Amman, and El-Zai Readywear Manufacturing Co. in Zarqa.

Aqaba Special Economic Zone:

ASEZ represents an ideal opportunity for doing business in a competitive location. The zone is located at the crossroads of four countries and three continents. For more details, please click here.

Privatization:

Since the Jordanian economy is private-sector oriented, the state ownership is relatively small, except for the mining and public utilities sectors. Recognizing the importance of the private sector role, a series of privatization initiatives have been implemented to downsize public shares in the productive sectors. To this end, an Executive Privatization Unit has been established. Currently, the program concentrate on the power sector, Royal Jordanian Airlines, National Petroleum Corporation, Arab Potash Company and Jordan Phosphate Mines company.

Competitively Priced human resources:

Jordan has one of the highest literacy rates in the region, 89%. With its large pool of high caliber intellectual and professional expertise, Jordan became a major supplier of brainpower to neighboring countries. Jordan’s manufacturing labor cost per hour is significantly lower than that of other nations. It is equivalent to 5% of Japan’s labor cost, 7.4% of the US labor cost and 9,4% to the UK labor cost.

You are cordially invited to discover why Jordan is today's top business location in the region

Jordan officially

2009-02-10T11:48:00.002+02:00

Government Listing

Prime Minister Nader Dahabi and his 28-member

Cabinet

AMMAN, November 25 - Prime Minister Nader Dahabi and his 28-member

Cabinet were sworn-in Sunday before His Majesty King Abdullah.

Following are the members of Prime Minister Nader Dahabi's Cabinet:

1- Nader Dahabi: Prime Minister and Minister of Defense

2- Eid Fayez: Minister of Interior

3- Kamal Nasser: Minister of Political Development and Minister of State for Legal Affairs

4- Nasser Judeh: Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications

5- Abdul Rahim Okour: Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs

6- Muzahim Muhaisin: Minister of Agriculture

7- Salah Bashir: Minister of Foreign Affairs

8- Raed Abu Saud: Minister of Water and Irrigation

9- Suhair Al-Ali: Minister of Planning and International Cooperation

10- Khalid Irani: Minister of Environment

11- Bassem Salem: Minister of Labor

12- Abdul Fattah Salah: Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs

13- Bassem Roussan: Minister of Information and Communications Technology

14- Hamad Kasasbeh: Minister of Finance

15- Salah Mawajdeh: Minister of Health

16- Maha Khatib: Minister of Tourism and Antiquities

17- Hala Latouf: Minister of Social Development

18- Shihadeh Abu Hdeib: Minister of Municipal Affairs

19- Maher Madadha: Minister of Public Sector Reform

20- Tayseer Nueimi: Minister of Education

21- Amer Hadidi: Minister of Industry and Trade

22- Omar Shdeifat: Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

23- Nancy Bakir: Minister of Culture

24- Alaa Batayneh: Minister of Transport

25- Khaldoun Qteishat: Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources

26- Sahl Majali: Minister of Public Works and Housing

27- Thouqan Qudah: Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs

28- Ayman Odeh: Minister of Justice

amman Fm

2009-02-10T11:31:00.003+02:00

amman Fm
radio jordan live

http://stream.jrtv.jo/radio2.htm

Ajlun Governorate

2009-02-10T11:12:00.002+02:00

Ajlun Governorate

(Arabic: محافظة عجلون‎)

Ajlun Governorate (alternative spelling Ajloun Governorate) (Arabic:
محافظة عجلون‎)

is one of the governorates of Jordan, located north of Amman the capital of Jordan

Ajlun is divided into 2 nahias (areas or sides)

Ajlun
Kofranjah

History
Ajlun is one of the most beautiful cities in Jordan, and is famous for its castle (Ajlun Castle), old name was Qal'at Salah Ad-Dein. The castle was built as a garrison to protect Ajlun strategic geography from the crusaders. After the Crusades, the castle became home for the families (Predominantly Al-Qudah(AIN JANA) and Al-Smadi and Al-Rbadhi families) who lived in the vicinity of the castle

Climate
Ajlun is known for its high elevation, which makes it one of the coolest cities in Jordan, with average maximum temperature during January 8.2, and minimum average temperature 2.8. Snow is a common type of precipitation in the winter, due to that Ajlun city is well prepared to face winter.

jordan flowers

2009-02-10T10:47:00.002+02:00

spring wild flower

jordan Economy

2009-02-10T10:41:00.003+02:00

Jordan has a strong currency, and even if the GNP/capita is low

, the country has experienced strong economic growth the last few years.
Jordanian dinars have since long been regarded as the strongest currency in the Middle East.

This is because of a strict economic policy form the government. But after the Gulf War in 1991 Jordan has faced many economic problems, and this has resulted in dropping exchange rates for the dinar.

But still the dinar is strong, and it is more convertible than most Arab currencies.

Major export products are phosphates and fruits. Increasing tourism is helping on the Jordanian economy, with 2,5 million visitors a year. Jordan has never been self sufficient on food, but now that gap is increasing, as internal demands rise quicker than the production. Now, Jordan is importing products after the same criteria that applies for underdeveloped countries: exports of some products, and import of basic food stuffs.

Even if industry and foreign investments are growing, and the Jordanian governments are supporting this, Jordan is still a poor country. A GNP/capita on only $1,500 (35% of world average) is one of the lowest in the Middle East, and Jordan is must rely on foreign help and bank loans

GDP: US$9.5 billion
GDP/capita: US$1,400
GDP/sector: Agriculture 4%, Industry 26%, Services 70%
Foreign debts: US$8.2 billion
Foreign debts/GDP: 86%
Foreign debts/capita: US$1,200
Annual growth in GDP: 3.5%
Trade balance: -43%
Export products: Phosphates, fertilizers, potash, agricultural products, manufactures, pharmaceuticals.
Annual inflation rate: 3.3%
Official unemployment: 16%
Population below poverty line: 30%

VALUE OF CURRENCY

Since 1996:
US$1= 0.7080 Dinars
As of 2008, this still applies

Geography

2009-02-10T10:33:00.004+02:00

Geography

Location: Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates: 31 00 N, 36 00 E

Map references: Middle East

Area: total: 92,300 sq km

land: 91,971 sq km

water: 329 sq km

Area—comparative: slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries: total: 1,635 km

border countries: Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 744 km, Syria 375 km,

West Bank 97 km

Coastline: 26 km

Maritime claims: territorial sea: 3 nm

Climate: mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Terrain: mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift Valley

separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m

highest point: Jabal Ram 1,734 m

Natural resources: phosphates, potash, shale oil

Land use: arable land: 3.32%

permanent crops: 1.18%

other: 95.5% (2005)

Irrigated land: 750 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources: 0.9 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural): total: 1.01 cu km/yr (21%/4%/75%)

per capita: 177 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards: droughts; periodic earthquakes

Environment—current issues: limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation;

overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment—international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous

Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography—note: strategic location at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba and as the Arab

country that shares the longest border with Israel and the occupied West Bank

The Old Testament

2009-02-10T10:21:00.005+02:00

Double faced female head, Middle Bronze Age. © Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities

The Old Testament Kingdoms of Jordan

The Old Testament Kingdoms of Jordan

The Iron Age (c. 1200-332 BCE) saw the development and consolidation of three new kingdoms in Jordan: Edom in the south, Moab in central Jordan, and Ammon in the northern mountain areas. To the north in Syria, the Aramaeans made their capital in Damascus. This period saw a shift in the level of power from individual “city-states” to larger kingdoms. One possible reason for the growth of these local kingdoms was the growing importance of the trade route from Arabia, which carried gold, spices and precious metals through Amman and Damascus up to northern Syria

The bulk of the Biblical Old Testament took place during this period. There is little archeological evidence to fully support the Biblical account of the Israelites’ occupation of Palestine. Although archaeologists have demonstrated that certain cities supposedly taken by the Israelites were indeed destroyed during this period, it is equally feasible that they may have been sacked by invading Egyptian armies. It is probable that the “conquest” occurred more gradually than in the Biblical narrative, with the process more akin to waves of ethnic migration than a conventional military campaign

Pilgrim flask, Iron Age, Madaba. © Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities

According to the Biblical account of the Exodus from Egypt (c. 1270-1240 BCE), the Israelites requested permission to pass unharmed through the Kingdom of Edom. After having been denied permission, they skirted Edom to the east and continued north until they reached the borders of the Amorite country near Madaba. Not trusting the Israelites’ intentions, and not wishing to place the added strain of thousands of migrants upon his food and water stores, the Amorite leader Sihon refused them passage as well. This time, the Israelites fought back and defeated Sihon, occupying his territory.

According to the Bible, the Israelites then continued their northward trek into the Kingdom of Moab, where the Moabite king set up an alliance between the five tribal kings of Midian (the Hijaz of Arabia).

The increasingly powerful Israelites triumphed over the Midianites as well, and some of the tribes settled in the conquered territories. The prophet Moses apparently climbed, or was carried, to the top of Mount Nebo, where, according to some sources, he died.

Joshua then led the remaining tribes across the Jordan River into Palestine.

A united Kingdom of Israel arose there about 1000 BCE with Saul and David as its first kings.

After the death of David’s son King Solomon in 922 BCE, the kingdom divided into two, with Israel in the north and Judah in the south.

The relative ease with which the Israelites made their way north and west into Palestine says much about the situation in Egypt, which still nominally ruled the lands of Jordan and Palestine. Attacks from the “Sea Peoples” of the Mediterranean Sea had weakened the Pharaonic empire and allowed the Philistines to gain a foothold on Egyptian soil as well as in Palestine and Jordan.

The primary contribution of the Philistines to local culture was the introduction of iron working to the region. Their superior skills in weapon-making gave them a military advantage and assisted in their early victories over the Israelite tribes. By around 1000 BCE, however, iron was in widespread use throughout the region.

In general, trouble for the Israelites was good news for the kingdoms of Jordan. The split into Israel and Judah in 922 BCE, combined with the invasion of the Egyptian Shishak against Israel four years later, allowed the three kingdoms a bit of breathing room and prosperity. After the death of King David around 960 BCE, Edom regained most of its former independence.

The Edomites occupied southern Jordan and their capital at Buseira possessed at least one large temple or palace. They were skilled in copper mining and smelting, and had settlements near modern-day Petra and Aqaba.

The Moabites are best known from the Mesha Stele, a ninth-century BCE stone which extols the deeds of the Moabite King Mesha. He won a victory over the occupying Israelites, who were still clearly a major thorn in the side of the Moabites. The Kingdom of Moab covered the center of Jordan, and its capital cities were at Karak and Dhiban. The Kingdom of Ammon around 950 BCE displayed rising prosperity based on agriculture and trade, as well as an organized defense policy with a series of fortresses. Its capital was in the Citadel of present-day Amman.

The wealth of these kingdoms made them targets for raids or even conquest by the neighboring Israelites, the Aramaeans in Damascus, and the Assyrians with their capital at Ashur in northern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).

From the ninth century BCE on, the Assyrians campaigned against the Aramaeans, and in the late eighth century BCE they captured Damascus as well as Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. The kingdoms of Ammon, Moab and Edom retained their independence, however, by buying the Assyrians off with tribute.

The Assyrian Empire came crashing down in 612 BCE, when Nineveh fell to an alliance of Medes of Persia and the Chaldean kings of Babylonia. In its place arose the Babylonian Empire and King Nebuchadnezzar, whose defeat of the Egyptians at Carchemish in 605 BCE threw much of the region into turmoil.

Considerable population shifts took place under the Babylonians, exemplified by the Edomites’ migration from Jordan into the area in southern Palestine known as Idumaea. In fact, there was a decline in urban development and power swung back again to nomadic tribes. In 587 BCE, Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and deported thousands of Jews to Babylonia.

In 539 BCE, the Persians under Cyrus II ended the disruptive rule of the Babylonian Empire and paved the way for a period of more organized life and prosperity. The Persian Empire became the largest yet known in the Near East, and Cyrus’ successors conquered Egypt, northern India, Asia Minor, and frequently conflicted with the Greek states of Sparta and Athens. Internal turmoil continued in Jordan, with numerous clashes occurring between the Moabites and Ammonites.

Jordan and Palestine were placed under the control of a Persian viceroy with subordinate governors. Meanwhile, Cyrus freed the Jews from captivity in Babylonia and allowed them to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The Moabites and Ammonites interpreted this as a virtual declaration of sovereignty, and hence organized attacks upon the resettled Jews. They were led in this campaign by Tobiah, whom the Persians had appointed as governor. Tobiah set up a short-lived local dynasty, but ultimately the Persian leader Darius I (522-486 BCE) safeguarded the Jewish community and the temple was rebuilt.

After establishing the greatest empire yet known in the Near East, economic decline, revolts, murders and palace conspiracies weakened the Persian throne. In 332 BCE, Alexander the Great conquered the Persian capital of Persepolis (in modern Iran) and established Greek control over Jordan and surrounding countries.