Unfiltered Jordan: A Comprehensive Look
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Welcome to this uncensored guide to Jordan, where we dive into its colorful past, geographical beauty, vibrant culture, and current happenings.
The Heritage of Jordan
Jordan boasts a history that spans millennia, marked by key periods such as the Nabatean Kingdom, the Umayyad Caliphate, and the Ottoman Empire. The Nabateans, renowned for the magnificent city of Petra, were a skillful civilization known for their architectural prowess and trading abilities [1][3].
In more recent times, the Great Arab Revolt, led by Captain Lawrence and Sharif Hussein bin Ali, laid the groundwork for the modern state of Jordan. The Hashemite Dynasty, beginning with King Abdullah I in 1946, has ruled the country ever since [5].
Jordan's history has also been influenced by various foreign powers, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Crusaders. These external forces left indelible marks on Jordan's cultural and architectural landscapes.
The Landscape of Jordan
Bordered by Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Palestine, Jordan is located in the Middle East. It covers approximately 89,342 square miles and boasts diverse geography, ranging from arid deserts to majestic mountains [3]. The country is home to the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, and the Red Sea coast, all of which contribute to its unique topography.
The Pulse of Jordan
Jordanian culture showcases age-old traditions intertwined with Islamic influences. The nation is famous for its literary titans, including the mystic poet, Rumi, and the revered poet, Muhammad ibn 'Ali al-Busiri [3]. Jordan's art scene thrives, with notable contributions in pottery, metalwork, and mosaics.
Islam, primarily Sunni, is the majority religion, shaping Jordan's societal norms and practices. Jordanian cuisine echoes its rich history, featuring dishes like mansaf, muhammara, and maqluba. Hospitality and respect for elders are core Jordanian values, mirroring the strong family and community bonds evident in everyday life.
Present-day Jordan
Jordan is actively involved in several significant regional and global issues:- Syrian Refugee Crisis: Jordan is home to over 650,000 registered Syrian refugees, making it the second-highest per capita refugee hosting country in the world [2]- Economic Challenges: Jordan faces economic hurdles, including unemployment, inflation, and a hefty public debt [4].- Peace and Stability: Jordan plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East, due to its strategic geographical location and continued efforts towards regional cooperation.
These pressing matters continuing to shape Jordan's presence on the global stage and its internal social and economic infrastructure.
[1] "Nabateans." Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nabataean[2] "Jordan and Syria: A Brief History." BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26604530[3] "Jordan: Culture." Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Jordan/Culture[4] "Jordan." World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/jordan[5] "Jordan." Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Jordan/History
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