The Beauties of Jordan

Without a single doubt, Jordan is one of the most important Arabic countries located in the Middle East in terms of history and culture. Being ruled by a kingdom, the country is also known as Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Jordan Hashemite Kingdom was founded in 1921 under Brittish mandate and finally declared its independency in 1946 by The King Abdullah 1st. Jordan is a very rich country although it doesn't have oil.

The country is surrounded by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, West Bank and Israel , and half of it is covered by the ruddy Arabian Desert. Thus, its climate is very dry and hot during the summer and cold in the winter. While this climate conditions create a rainless and plane country without any green figure on the east, Jordan also borders the Dead Sea on the western part and surprisingly contains big forests. Thus, the country represents a big contrast in itself.

 

Stairs that lead to the top of the hill, Amman, Jordan

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is the largest city of the country and also the centre of commerce and business. Throughout the history, it was conquered by several civilizations like the Assyrians, Persians and Macedonians, and Romans. In addition, many prophets lived within these territories. Thus, it is not surprising that the city has many ancient buildings and churches which exhibit the long history of mankind. It is said that Amman was built on 7 hills whose tops are full of white houses today. The reason why Amman 's houses are white is because they are made of limestone which keep them cool during the summer, besides the fact that Jordan has many mines of it. The richest families of Jordan are the ones who still live in those houses. Another symbol of the city is the stairs climbing the hills. Some of the streets are only composed of those stairs.

The Castle of Amman

When one visits Amman, he will notice that there are many unfinished constructions all over the city. The reason of this situation is the newly given permit to build skyscrapers of 100 floors (in the past, the law was only giving permission to make buildings of maximum 6 floors). Amman is also famous for the Amman Castle, located in the King Hussein Hill, which provides an amazing panoramic view of the city. The flag of Jordan, which entered to Guinness Book of Records due to its size, will be the first thing to meet you in the castle. Amman's policeman will be another interesting aspect of the city. You can suddenly feel as if you are in the UK when you see those officers. In fact, all the laws and rules are taken from the UK and a part of the richest population still follow english traditions.

Petra City

Jordan also accommodates one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Petra City, located within the desert, is one of the most attractive lost cities of the Middle East. During the decades, Petra City continued to be seen as the symbol of the country. It was established by the Nabataeans as their capital and has gigantic buildings placed on the rocks which reflect a mixed of Egyptian, Greek and Nabatean architecture. Petra, being buried and forgotten after the Crusades, has been introduced back by the Swiss explorer John William Burgon. According the records, Nabataeans built this ancient city in order to hide from the Persians. What makes the Petra City such mystical are the anfitheatre, temples, palaces, graves being built by caving the rock blocks in order to be protected by the desert storms.

	Above: Obeliks Tomb, Petra City Left: Corridor in Petra City

Petra city is spread over approximately 100 square kilometres and can be barely finished in four days by walking across the valleys. In addition, horses with buggies or to ride are offered to the visitors in order to have a more comfortable travel on the way to reach to the heart of the city. The first large square cut rocks that appear on the way are the boundaries of the city. Then small tombs will appear which belong to the middle class of the ancient city. They will be followed by the Obelisk Tomb which is one of the most outstanding components of the ancient city. They take their name from the four Indian obelisks that furnish the tombs on the top. Obelisk Tomb is divided into two separate parts. The lower part is the dining room where ceremonies were held in the honor of the dead and the upper part is where the dead is buried. When the visitors continue to walk along the way they will reach the Al Madras which was the sacred area of the city containing several altars and tablets. Behind Al Madras, visitors will find themselves in a narrow corridor of 3 kilometres which is shaped by the cracked rocks due to the tectonic moves. The height of the rocks there reaches to 300 meters. The centre of the Petra City is reached through this corridor. The centre is comprised of the Greek amphitheatre, ornamental arch, temples, and water channels. Petra ancient city is a relatively new place compared with the country itself. The ruins left from the times when Christianity and Judaism emerged can be seen in many parts of the country.

Dead Sea, Jordan
Wadi Rum, also known as The Valley of the Moon
Tabule, a classic in Jordan gastronomy
"Mansaf» is a traditional food composed of lamb meat mixed with yogurt

On the other hand, the country has many natural beauties. Without any doubt, The Dead Sea is a fantastic place to see. Its resplendent water is surrounded by high, peaked and lily white mountains. The Dead Sea is the lowest part of the world. It takes its name from receiving the waters of the rivers and locking them inside of it. Thus, they evaporate and leave very reach salt and minerals. Therefore, it is not surprising that many hotels can be found there with spa facilities. The Dead Sea was also very popular in history. For example, Egyptian Queen Cleopatra is known for visiting this natural beauty in order to take advantage of the rich minerals and enhance her beauty. In addition to health tourism, it also attracts tourists who wish to learn more about religion. In fact it accommodated five Biblical cities throughout the history: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar. In addition, Wadi Rum, also known as The Valley of the Moon, provides camel or horse safaris, camping under the stars and rock-climbing activities.

Jordan is a country that one would never feel famished. Falafel is one of the most famous foods of the country. It is served with spices or straight. In addition, «tabule» which is made of parsley, lemon and cracked wheat is another famous food of the country. In the famous restaurants of Jordan , it is common to see pictures of the King and Queen who can also be seen on the streets frequently. Coffee with cardamom companied with sweet pastry known as «baklava» is the common way to finish meals. What is surprising about Jordan 's gastronomy is that it's not possible to find cheese in the country; neither is easy to find vegetable and fruits due to the climate conditions. Thus, the cuisine is based on meat. «Mansaf» is a traditional food composed of lamb meat mixed with yogurt. On the other hand «Swarma» is another kind of meat similar to the Doner Kebab.

Usually women wear turban in Jordan when they are on the streets. But if you participate to a meeting only composed of women, you would have a chance to see the uncommon face of the country. Women of Jordan are extremely beautiful and well groomed. Country's richness can also be notified on their dresses. One of the occasions to see them without their turbans is «the night of henna» which is similar to the bachelor party in the Western Culture. The reason why it is called «the night of henna» is that henna is put on the hands of the girl to be married. Normally, it is not permitted to take pictures during that night because women are wearing their turbans. Belly dance and music shows are the outstanding parts of those nights. Of course alcoholic beverages are not allowed during it. Nights end when men come and take their wives. On the other hand, the same women participate to the wedding ceremonies by covering their faces and bodies. In addition, women do not have divorcing right and their husbands can marry with 3-4 women if their wives give permission.