Jordan faith confession. Cities and resorts of Jordan. Climatic features and relief

brief information

Ancient Jordan occupies a strategic position in the Middle East. For many centuries, Jordan was the scene of wars between Arabs and Christians (Crusaders). Now Jordan is a prosperous country in which thousands of unique archaeological and historical monuments have been preserved. Additionally, Jordan has some excellent beach and spa resorts.

Geography of Jordan

Jordan is located in the Middle East. Jordan borders Saudi Arabia in the east and southeast, Syria in the north, and the Palestinian Authority and Israel in the west. In the west of the country there is the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba (it belongs to the Red Sea). The total territory of Jordan is 92,300 sq. km, and the total length state border– 1,619 km.

Almost 90% of Jordan's territory is desert. Moreover, more than 50% of the country is the Arabian Desert. However, in the west of Jordan there is arable land and even forests. The highest point in Jordan is Mount Jabal Ram, whose height reaches 1,734 m.

In the west of Jordan flows the Jordan River, which separates this country from Israel.

Capital of Jordan

The capital of Jordan is Amman, which is now home to more than 2 million people. According to archaeological finds, on the site of modern Amman, a human settlement existed already in the 13th century BC.

Official language

In Jordan official language- Arabic, belonging to the Semitic group of the Afroasiatic language family.

Religion

About 90% of Jordan's population is Sunni Muslim, and another 8% of the population is Orthodox Christian.

Government of Jordan

According to the 1952 Constitution, Jordan is a constitutional monarchy (officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan), with the King as the head of state.

The source of legislative power is the bicameral Parliament (National Assembly). It consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The king has the right to dissolve parliament. The members of the House of Representatives are appointed by the King himself.

Jordan consists of 12 governorates (governors).

Climate and weather

In the north-west of Jordan the climate is subtropical Mediterranean, and in the rest of the country it is tropical desert. In Jordan, the average air temperature is +17.5C. The warmest average air temperature in Jordan is observed in August - +33C, and the lowest in January (+4C). The average precipitation is 273 mm per year.

Sea in Jordan

In Jordan, the coastline of the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba (as we know, this gulf belongs to the Red Sea) is only about 27 kilometers. However, the beaches of the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba are very popular among tourists. It is believed that the Dead Sea contains many substances that are beneficial to the human body.

Rivers and lakes

About 90% of Jordan's territory is occupied by deserts (the largest of them is the Arabian Desert). Only in the west of the country does the Jordan River flow, which separates it from Israel. It is believed that it was in the Jordan River that Jesus Christ was baptized.

Story

People appeared on the territory of modern Jordan back in the Neolithic era. It was then that agriculture began to develop in Jordan. In ancient times, Jordan was part of several kingdoms (for example, the Kingdom of Edam).

In the 3rd century BC. Jordan is part of the Nabataean kingdom, whose capital was Petra. In 106, Ancient Rome conquered Jordan.

In the 7th century, Jordan was already part of the Arab Caliphate. In the 11th century, Jordan became a battlefield between the Arabs and the Crusaders. It was the Crusaders who formed the Principality of Transjordan on the territory of modern Jordan.

In addition, in the Middle Ages, Jordan was invaded by the Egyptian Mamluks, and then by the Tatar-Mongols. In 1516, Transjordan became part of the Ottoman Empire. Only in 1918 did Jordan manage to secede from the Ottoman Empire. The Principality of Transjordan was formed, although it was actually under British control. Only in 1946 did the Principality of Jordan gain independence. This state was then renamed the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

In 1955, Jordan became a member of the UN.

Jordanian culture

Jordan is a Muslim country, and this, of course, characterizes its culture. But there are also Christians in this country who, for example, celebrate Christmas and Easter, but these holidays are not official in Jordan.

Official holidays in Jordan are Labor Day (celebrated on May 1), Independence Day (celebrated on May 25), Arab Revolt Day and Army Day (June 10), and King Hussein's Birthday (celebrated on November 14).

Kitchen

Jordanian cuisine is a traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. Traditional foods in Jordan include eggplant, peas, lentils, beans, bread, meat (lamb, beef, poultry), dairy products including yogurt and cheese. Most Jordanian restaurants offer a mixed menu (Arabic and European dishes).

Alcoholic drinks in Jordan are served in most local restaurants and bars, except during the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, foreign tourists can only drink alcohol in hotels.

Traditional Jordanian dishes:

Meze – various snacks;
- Mensaf – lamb stew with yogurt sauce;
- Makloubat – chicken with spices (cinnamon, allspice, cardamom and nutmeg);
- Kibbi – fried lamb or beef with onions and cinnamon;
- Baklava.

The national soft drink in Jordan is Arabic coffee. As for alcoholic beverages, thanks to Christians, excellent wine has been made in Jordan for many centuries. In addition, this country makes arak (a liqueur somewhat similar to Greek ouzo).

Attractions

The official authorities of Jordan claim that this country has about 20 thousand monuments of archaeology, history, culture and architecture. Therefore, it is difficult for us to choose the best ones. However, the top ten best attractions in Jordan, in our opinion, include the following:

1. Fortress Mountain in Amman
2. Ancient amphitheater in Amman
3. Ajlun Castle
4. Iraq al-Amir Palace
5. Mount Nebo, from where God showed the Prophet Moses the Promised Land
6. Roman triumphal arch in Jerash
7. Ruins of Umm al-Jimal
8. Tomb of the Nabataean kings in Petra
9. "Mountain of Sacrifice" in Petra
10. Shobak Crusader Castle

Cities and resorts

The largest Jordanian cities are Zarqa, Irbid, Al-Salt, Al-Mafraq, and, of course, Amman.

Jordan has access to the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, so it is not surprising that the country has several beach resorts. On the Red Sea coast is the resort of Aqaba, where you can relax 12 months a year. However, there are beach resorts in Jordan on the Dead Sea coast. Jordanian spa resorts are located on the Dead Sea coast.

Tourists come to Jordan not only for beach and spa resorts. Many people are interested in the sights of this country. Thus, in Jordan there is the ancient city of Petra, which was once the center of the Nabataean kingdom.

Souvenirs/shopping

Tourists from Jordan usually bring bottles decorated with sand, cotton scarves, various jewelry, Bedouin knives, local musical instruments (“narghilas”), tobacco, rugs and carpets (including prayer rugs), Jordanian traditional clothing, ceramics, and , of course, Arabic coffee.

Office hours

Banks:
Sun-Thu: 08:00-15:00

Government agencies:
Sun:Thu: 08:00-15:00

The shops:
Sun:Thu: 08:00-20:00 (many stores close much earlier)

During Ramadan, all institutions and shops in Jordan operate on reduced hours.

Visa

Jordan) is a state in the Middle East. It was founded relatively recently in 1946. Officially, the name of the state sounds like the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Here is a new wonder of the world - Petra (ancient city). There are only seven such facilities around the world. These include famous architectural structures.

a brief description of

Jordan (the country of Jordan) is lost in the east among the deserts, which occupy more than 90% of the entire territory of the state. It borders on the north with Syria, on the north-east with Iraq, on the west with Palestine, and on the south and east with Saudi Arabia. In the west the country is washed by the Dead Sea, in the southwest by the Red Sea. The border between Jordan and Israel is the river. Jordan. The area of ​​the state is only 92.3 thousand square meters. km, capital - Amman. In terms of territory occupied, it ranks 110th in the world.

Let's look into history

Thanks to archaeological excavations, it was found that the first people lived in the valley 250 thousand years ago. These were the Neanderthals and the ancients Homo sapiens. This is evidenced by the found remains and tools. In ancient times, the territory belonged first to the Greeks and then to the Roman Empire. At this time, the first cities began to be built - Amman, Pela, Dion, Jarash. In the Middle Ages, Jordan (the country of Jordan) was part of During this period, Islam was implanted here. From 1517 to 1918 it belonged to the Ottoman Empire, and at the beginning of the 20th century it passed to Great Britain. Jordan gained independence only in 1946.

Climatic features and relief

Most of the territory lies within the boundaries of a desert plateau with average altitudes of 800-1000 m. There are low hills and mountains. The highest point that Jordan (the country of Jordan) has is the city of Umm ed-Dami (1,854 m). On this territory there is a unique geographical feature- the lowest piece of land on the planet - the Dead Sea (-465m).

Jordan is a country with a hot and dry climate. Big influence Deserts influence its formation. Precipitation is only 200 mm/g. Only in the western part of the country, due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, there is a more humid climate and a rainy period in the fall.

Population

Population density is 68 people per 1 km 2. About 9 million people live in Jordan. The Arab country of Jordan has become home for many Palestinian refugees. The population allows Jordan to rank 106th in the world.

The vast majority (95%) are Arabs. Also living in the country are Circassians, Armenians, Kurds, Chechens.. By religious affiliation, the majority of residents are Muslims (more than 90%), 6% are Christians (Orthodox, Catholics, Protestant societies). The rest belongs to religious minorities - Ismailis, Baha'is. There are practically no atheists in the country.

Language and controls

The official language of Jordan is Arabic. It conducts office work, documents, publishes newspapers, and speaks on television and radio. However, the long period within the British Kingdom also left its mark - and English language, which is studied in schools.

Jordan (country of Jordan) is a kingdom where the form of government is the Head of State - the king. He has executive power, and legislative power is limited to parliament. Currently, Abdullah II is the heir to the Hamish dynasty - direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. He is also the commander in chief.

Administrative divisions and transport

According to the administrative division, Jordan is divided into 12 regions (governors). Each region is headed by a governor who is appointed by the king. Regions, in turn, are divided into districts. There are 52 of them in Jordan.

Transport in the country is developed. There is a large airport not far from the capital, a railway line runs through the territory, and buses run in and between cities.

Economy

During its existence, Jordan experienced many economic crises. In the late 90s, with the coming to power of a new king, the country embarked on a course of implementing various reforms in all spheres of life. Despite the fact that it belongs to the Middle East region, there are no oil and gas reserves here. Also economic situation aggravated by the inability to develop agriculture due to the lack of fertile land. Among the mineral resources in the kingdom, there are a large number of deposits of phosphates, marble, limestone, dolomite and salt.

Tourism in the country is developing, but at a slow pace. Travelers are put off by the region's reputation as a politically unstable region, which is how the media portrays the situation in Jordan. The Arab country of Jordan, whose attractions are known throughout the world, is interesting direction for Russians. The most frequently visited by tourists are the Dead Sea, the ancient city of Petra, the Siq Canyon, the site of the baptism of Christ, the temples of Zeus and Artemis.

Since ancient times, the countries of the Middle East have aroused keen interest among the inhabitants of the planet, who love to explore unfamiliar worlds, unlike other parts of the Earth in terms of history, way of life, culture, or behavior of the natives. Among the exotic states by the standards of travelers, the eastern kingdom of jordan about the features, secrets and mysteries of which our site has prepared a detailed story for you.

Despite the fact that 90% of the territory of this Arab state is occupied by deserts and desert areas similar to them in terms of relief and climate, Jordan is successfully developing and prospering, wisely using the remaining 10% of its possessions. Luxury resorts The Gulf of Aqaba, framed by outlandish coral reefs, is adjacent to ancient architectural monuments. Medical resorts on the shores of the Dead Sea they are ready to compete in the level of service with the famous health resorts of the world. The heritage of the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Turkish eras organically intertwined on the streets of Jordanian cities into a tart cocktail of historical monuments and cultural traditions. Modern ingredients of a Western standard of living added a zest to the overall flavor, harmoniously complementing the overall motley picture.

Big words okay THERE doesn’t like it, but we are always on the side of fair assessments. Jordan is full of amazing places that you can and should get to know better, especially since the state is recognized as one of the safest territories among the precious necklace of Arab countries in the Middle East region.

general information

Population

Given Jordan's proximity to such naturally restive states as Israel, Palestine, Iraq and Egypt, the country's population constantly fluctuates in one direction or another due to refugees. On this moment official figure - 6.2 million people. At the same time, indigenous Jordanian Arabs make up approximately 1/3 of the population, 50-60% of the population is due to the statistics of the influx of immigrants from Palestine. Meetings in the vastness of Jordan with Circassians, Chechens, Armenians, Kurds and Turkomans are not uncommon; their total number is close to 10%.

Form of government

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan – dualistic monarchy. The power of a royal person is capable of restraining and setting the limits of her influence by the constitution of the state, which, however, does little to prevent the king from keeping his subject citizens in check. To help the monarch manage affairs in the country, the Council of Ministers is authorized, headed by the Prime Minister, endowed with special privileges. Jordan is legally divided into 12 regions (governors), each of which is led by a governor appointed by the king himself.

Language

The official language of communication and office work in Jordan is Arab. Considering the mutual interest of the eastern kingdom and the western powers, in educational institutions countries, English is also compulsory to study, an optional language recommended in schools and universities, in last years became French.

Religion

More than 95% of Jordanians profess the Islamic religion with a Sunni Shafi'i bias. About 6% of Christians constantly come to services in Orthodox churches; all religious ceremonies here are usually performed on Greek, although can often be heard in Orthodox Cathedral Arabic, French, Italian and Spanish speech. Jordanians and Jordanian women are loyal to representatives of other religious faiths, preferring to pray in peace and not enter into aggressive conflicts with people of other faiths.

Currency

Until the mid-20th century, the Palestinian pound was the currency of Jordan; now the currency rules the country Jordanian dinar, equal in denomination to a smaller currency - 100 piastres. Information about the nominal value of each dinar is presented on coins and banknotes in 2 languages: Arabic and English, decorated with banknotes of the person royal dynasty. Russians will have to pay about 93 rubles for 1 JOD; the Jordanian banknote is cheaper than American currency; 1 JOD can be exchanged for 1.4 USD. Fine THERE strongly advises users who decide to visit Jordan to constantly check the floating exchange rates of the dollar and ruble using the services of an electronic converter.

Jordan telephone code

The treasured numbers of the long-distance telephone code: +962

Among the telephone numbers important for foreign guests, it is worth highlighting:

• contact with the Russian Embassy in the kingdom – +(962 6) 464-11-58 or 464-25-32;
• Russian consulate - +(962 6) 568-25-09;
• single reference switch – 1212;
• police department - 191, 192;
• capital tourist police - +(962 6) 530-14-65;
• emergency medical care – 193;
• call the fire department in Amman - +(962 6) 462-20-90;
• work with traffic accidents – 190.

Jordan's location in the world

When traveling to the Jordanian border areas, travelers have a truly unique opportunity to see 4 states at once. Magic Vision is mainly available in dark time days. At the hour when the evening lights come on in the houses of Jordan, Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, in the area of ​​​​the Egypt-Israel border, magical light messages are reflected in the waters of the Red Sea. The picture turns out almost incredible; reflections of the illumination of all these 4 Arab representatives of the Middle East appear in the dark surface of the water.

Hashemite Kingdom, located in the Middle East, neighbors Syria to the north, shares the northeastern border with Iraq, and the west falls on the border lines dividing Jordan with Israel and Palestine. The east and south of Jordan are covered by the territory of Saudi Arabia. Egypt is located on the Red Sea side opposite the Gulf of Aqaba, here coastline with Jordan are decorated with the lights of Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, this is the same fabulous place that is good THERE told you earlier.

Water resources, especially fresh water bodies, are scarce in Jordan. But the country can boast of two seas at once: Red and Dead. Both bodies of water invariably attract an army of tourists to this region - fans of diving on the shores of the Red Sea and minerals on the coast of the Dead Sea, which is slightly reminiscent appearance jelly, the concentration of dissolved salts in its waters is so high. The key freshwater artery of Jordan is Jordan River, whose name is associated with the story of the baptism of Jesus Christ.

Climate

The climate of the exotic eastern kingdom very hot, especially in summer months. The air temperature steadily stays at +45C in the shade; tourists populate the beaches of Jordan more and more in spring and autumn, when the heat loses ground a little and the thermometer drops to +30...+35C. The water in the Red Sea almost never drops below a temperature of +20C; some travelers continue to indulge in beach pleasures all year round. You can’t beg the sky for rain in the summer; only from November to March the weather can become more favorable and shed long-awaited drops of life-giving moisture on the lands of Jordan.

In the state, shrouded in the secrets of ancient history, there are many interesting sights, the best time to get acquainted with the delights of which is in the cold seasons. The air temperature for this is the most suitable - +10...+15C; for evening promenades it is better to take warm clothing; sometimes in regions close to the desert the thermometer suddenly drops to zero.

Cities and resorts of Jordan

In the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom, called Amman, 2 completely different hypostases are intertwined into a single whole. Oriental scenery from Scheherazade's fairy tales and a dynamic modern metropolis with bright touches of European civilization live peacefully side by side, without interfering with each other's contrasts to amaze tourists stunned by surprise. The eastern districts of Amman love to fool travelers lost among the identical streets with their houses, slightly similar to cardboard cake boxes, painted in smooth pastel colors. The hot climate dictates its own conditions to local residents: Construction Materials and their shades should reflect the scorching rays of the sun as much as possible and be able to keep cool inside.

The western possessions of the Jordanian capital, like twin brothers, are similar to any European city with an abundance of modern buildings and establishments Catering, entertainment centers and shops. Key attractions in Amman: citadel on the hill of Jebel al-Qalaa, the remains of the once picturesque Umayyad palace and park and the Temple of Hercules. Jordan is full of other outlandish places, so our site is of the opinion that you should not spend more than 1-2 days exploring Amman; this time is enough to get to know the main city of the kingdom.

In Jordan It’s worth paying close attention to a few more settlements, which I wouldn’t dare call large objects. These cities and villages have filled a significant niche, especially for the tourism industry, which is the generous breadwinner of the entire Arab state:

Ajlun village

It gathers on its territory fans of ancient castles and charming landscapes of the Jordan Valley. The Ayyubid castle was built back in 1184 and has been well preserved to this day; the building is rightfully considered a unique standard of Arab-Muslim architectural creativity.

Ajloun village, Jordan

Jerash

The tourist route to the city of Jerash runs through the olive groves - the crowning glory of the popularity of Jordan's guests from all over the world, who came to admire its ancient rarities. Experts have long identified Jerash as an ideal example of an ancient Roman province.

Jerash, Jordan

Petra

The pink stone bins of Petra, the main city of the ancient Nabataean kingdom, managed to take 1st place in the hit parade of tourist attractions in Jordan, became the backdrop for one of the episodes of the saga about the adventures of Indiana Jones and joined the list of modern 7 wonders of the world. Our site believes that all comments here are unnecessary.

Petra, Jordan

Aqaba

Fashionable beach resort Aqaba has not needed additional advertising for several years now; all tours to this paradise on the Red Sea are sold out in advance. Luxury hotels, premium service, a gentle sea that is never cool and mountains that provide a saving barrier against the summer heat.

Aqaba, Jordan

Karak

The fortified city of Karak is a legacy of the dominance of the Ottoman Empire in Jordan, which left for the edification of descendants the remains of the Karak Castle and impressive fortress walls, which became an alluring bait for legions of tourists from all countries.

Gadara

Creative people consider the city of Gadara, a haven of poets and philosophers, to be a greeting from representatives of the old bohemia. In the religious world, Gadara is famous as the place of manifestation of the miraculous abilities of Jesus Christ, who cured the holy fool in front of the crowd.

Gadara, Jordan

Wadi Rum Desert

It looks like it came straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster, which is not surprising, given the fact that it was among the ornate stone landscapes dotted with canyons, arches and other intricate structures that episodes of the films “The Martian”, “Red Planet” and “Star Wars” were filmed.

Pella

The settlement of Pella, literally replete with ancient architectural wonders, is also the place of dominance of the queen of ancient sciences - archaeology. The Roman Odeon theater, the remains of Byzantine temples, and traces of fortifications from the Iron and Bronze Ages are clearly preserved on the territory.

Spa resorts

Spa resorts on the Jordanian coast The Dead Sea also no longer needs a separate presentation. The mineral composition of the reservoir is a miraculous natural healer for many ailments. The level of professionalism of local doctors is high, and medical services are in demand.

The Arab kingdom knows how to surprise and puzzle

That Jordan- an amazing country, no experienced traveler will argue, and yet our site has compiled a small list of wonders of the kingdom that our users had not even suspected before:

• history of Jordan by different estimates dates back more than 250 thousand years. Scientists have not yet come to a consensus on this matter, but for now, evidence of the sprouts of life in this territory has become the finds of archaeologists in the form of stone weapons of the Neanderthals, plaster sculptures of the Neolithic era, copper products of the Chalcolithic era and skillful crafts of the Bronze Age era;
• Modern Jordan was once part of the ancient Jewish state until the early 1st century BC. enterprising Jewish people managed to build several respectable settlements and perfect cattle breeding on small green pastures. This fact does not raise any doubts among scientists;
• later, the Nabatean civilization, the Hellenes, the Roman Empire, Byzantium, the Arab Caliphate and the Ottoman Empire were noted in the desert expanses of Jordan, which became the beginning of the accession of the Middle Eastern state to the Islamic world;
• in the 20th century, Jordan, along with its other Arab neighbors, came under the jurisdiction of Great Britain, the country's independence was formalized in treaties between East and West in 1950;
• in 1952, the legendary Arab ruler, King Hussein, ascended the royal throne, ruling the country 47 for long years, in this post he was replaced by the current monarch - Abdullah ΙΙ ibn Hussein;
• Queen of Jordan Rania Al-Abdullah is recognized as a woman of unearthly beauty on the world Olympus; she also entered the collection of world records as the youngest royal person to marry a prince while being a bank employee;
• Jordanian men are incredibly lucky; official polygamy is enshrined in the kingdom by law, 6-12 children in a family is a common practice;
• local residents diligent in achieving their goals and hardworking, they were able to grow an army of olive trees on tiny patches of fertile land near the desert plateaus, their number was 4 times the size of the population in the country;
• snowfall in Jordan is a natural disaster, in the event of such an impudent rampant of the elements, Jordanians are sent home from work and from places of study, otherwise you never know what, because it is not at all clear how to behave with this snow;
• guests of the Arab kingdom should know that in Jordan it is considered bad manners to agree to sit at the table after the 1st invitation and eat food with the left hand; tourists will not break tradition if they agree to share a meal with the hosts after the 3rd invitation;
• There is a hypothesis that the “paradise tabernacles” mentioned in the Bible were located on the territory of this eastern monarchy.

Scientists around the world consider the unique fact that the air over Jordan contains 8% more oxygen than in any other corner of the planet.

What types of holidays are best to choose in the colorful eastern kingdom?

The tourism industry tends to position Jordan as a good and safe destination for a wide range of desired traveler preferences:

• like Egypt and Israel, the country has all the conditions for beach holiday on the Red Sea coast. Jordan is a tasty morsel for divers; the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba are home to 110 species of soft corals and 120 species of their hard counterparts. to the sea family, thousands of marine life in the bay are ready to show their beauty to curious diving fans;
• the country has long been firmly associated among tourists with visiting the legendary Nabataean stone treasury– the ancient city of Petra, for those who vacation nearby in Egypt or in Israel, special tours are organized to visit the exotic capital, guests of Jordan have a wonderful opportunity to visit Petra at any time convenient for them;
• wide range of excursion offers provided the Middle Eastern state with a strong place among the countries recommended for excursion holidays, however, our site advises users to combine the excursion program with other types of holiday;
• high level therapeutic and preventive services at the Dead Sea resorts it has gained popularity among fans of medical holidays;
• Jordan has a rich cultural heritage, woven from the contributions of several significant ancient civilizations, and in between beach activities, the country has plenty of amazing spots for discovering old secrets;
• tourists who choose a trip to the Wadi Rum desert or Wadi Mujib National Park. Both tours can safely be classified as extreme forms of recreation; in the desert, aerobatics will involve flying in a hot air balloon over an area of ​​unearthly beauty, often compared to Mars; in the gorge, travelers will have to overcome a water route formed by a frisky river and a rocky canyon.

Holidays in Jordan can be compared offhand to trips to Israel and Egypt, only in the Arab kingdom everything seems to be flavored with fiery spices, more exotic, more colorful, more unpredictable. Fine THERE does not take responsibility to give a definite answer on where it is better and which Middle Eastern country to choose for a vacation. Everywhere is no worse and no better, another formulation would be more accurate: in Jordan everything is different, and it is better to evaluate the country after a personal visit.

What holidays would be interesting to celebrate with Jordanians?

Like other inhabitants of the Earth, Jordanians have holidays on a planetary scale such as:

• New Year;
• Muslim holiday Ramadan;
• Catholic Christmas;
• Orthodox Easter;
• Labor Day May 1st
• Solemn events related to the internal structure of the state. Previously, the kingdom had a non-working day on January 30 - the birthday of King Abdullah and “Day of Allegiance to King Hussein”; recently, these 2 holidays were canceled by an official decree of the royal person. But Independence Day May 25 In Jordan it has the status of a national holiday and is always filled with a series of colorful events.

An unusual holiday is the Jordanian tradition of celebrating January 15 Tree Day. The activities are centered around the cult of the Palm Tree and have a religious basis. For 3 whole days, local residents are busy planting new seedlings throughout Jordan, and the royal couple certainly takes part in the general labor effort. The worship of the Palm Tree is associated with the biblical story of the birth of Jesus. Tradition says that this event took place under a palm tree, the luscious leaves of which hid the Virgin Mary from the persistent rays of the sun. After planting tens of thousands of young plants, all families gather around the table to praise nature in general and green spaces in particular.

An interesting fact is that the share of trees in the area of ​​Jordan is only 1%; almost all representatives of the flora here are chosen on the basis of the low need for frequent water irrigation

National cuisine of Jordan

Climatic conditions in the country dictate to residents what products can make their table nourishing and healthy. In Jordan, lamb, poultry, vegetables of all kinds and rice are often prepared in combination with various ingredients.

• The most common dish of the eastern kingdom is deep-fried balls made from minced beans and a mixture of seasonings.
• On holidays, housewives in every home try to prepare a dish called “Mansaf”, which is pieces of lamb stewed in sour cream with rice.
• Like all eastern peoples, Jordanians love sweets, tart coffee, rennet cheeses and spicy herbs.

It becomes a difficult test for the aborigines Muslim holiday Ramadan, whose traditions prohibit quenching thirst and eating before dark. If tourists happen to travel during this religious holiday, they should respect the faith of others and not provoke local residents by savoring the destruction of food supplies in front of all honest people. After sunset, life in populated areas begins to be in full swing; Jordanians will gladly share a meal with a random guest, generously treating him to everything that Allah sent them that day. A well-fed person does not understand a hungry person, but a hungry person will always understand his colleague due to his loyalty to traditions.

In expensive, fashionable restaurants in Amman and resort towns, tourists will be happy to prepare local delicacies:

• lark roast;
• baked fish in a salty crust;
• a spiced pate made from raw young lamb.

They work properly in Amman large chain supermarkets, where you can find any products familiar to Europeans, these establishments are located in the western modern part of the Jordanian capital. Organic food products and luxury delicacies are not cheap, and dining in a luxury restaurant will cost a pretty penny. But at the eastern market in any settlement you will find everything your heart desires and at a more affordable price. In Jordan, you can endlessly feast on roasted spiced nuts; an impressive bag of pistachios costs no more than 1 dinar. The markets have a rich selection of high-quality dried fruits, ripe vegetables and southern fruits, and the displays of spices and seasonings by weight are amazing.

Tours to Jordan - the best choice for a comfortable holiday

Evason Ma"In (Evason Mine) hotel, Jordan

Monitoring information about Jordan allowed us to do Good THERE some useful conclusions that we will share with you now. Light extreme sports give adrenaline, independent travel can be budget-friendly, but It is better to visit Jordan as part of an organized tourist tour. It should be remembered that eastern peoples have their own ideas about hotel stars, room decoration and their categories. By booking a 5* Boutique Hotel through the booking system, you can easily end up in a nice and cozy hostel with all the amenities in the hallway.

Practice has shown that resort hotels in Jordan verified by travel agencies are much more likely to meet international hotel standards. Organize an independent voyage It is better for those tourists who are fluent in English or Arabic and are well acquainted with the national mentality of the eastern kingdom. There are many desert areas in Jordan, among which you can easily get lost, and the tourist package already includes all the necessary transfers.

How to get to a Middle Eastern country

For Russian citizens A visa to Jordan is not required in advance; tourists receive an entry voucher upon arrival in the Arab kingdom. The best wayget to the shores of the Red Sea or to the capital of the state Amman - use air services. The easiest way to see Petra and the Gulf of Aqaba at a glance is to purchase a combined Israel + Jordan tour or book a one-day excursion to Jordan from Egypt or Israel.

Fine THERE I have put together a small information block for those who decide to go to Jordan on their own and do not want to bind themselves to contractual obligations with tour operators:

• the cheapest air ticket from Moscow to Amman without transfers will cost the traveler 25 thousand rubles, the travel time is approximately 4 hours;
• A flight from St. Petersburg to Amman with a transfer at Domodedovo Airport in Moscow will cost a little less, the cost of a ticket for 1 person is 20.6 thousand rubles, the airliner will reach the Queen Alia air harbor of Jordan in 8 and a half hours;
• 21.8 thousand rubles. it will cost a plane ticket on the route Kazan - Amman with 1 transfer, all at the same Moscow Domodedovo airport, flight time - 10 hours 40 minutes;
• a longer period will be needed for tourists traveling to Amman by plane from Yekaterinburg, the ticket price is 21.2 thousand rubles, the journey will take 16 hours 45 minutes, 1 transfer is planned on the way in Moscow;
• It will not be easy to get to Jordan from Vladivostok, a flight with 2 transfers will take more than a day, approximately 30 hours and 20 minutes, connecting flights pass through the airports of Seoul and Abu Dhabi, the ticket price is about 23 thousand rubles. The fastest flight with 1 transfer and change of airports in Moscow will last 18 hours and 35 minutes, the ticket price is pretty steep and amounts to 90 thousand rubles.

Analysis of the results shows that the best solution for travelers is to book tours with air travel on charter flights, then the total cost of the tourist package will no longer seem astronomical to tourists.

Subtleties of moving around the country

You can get around Jordan itself using public transport, taxis or rented cars. Car rental in Jordan is not a cheap matter; an elite car can cost the customer from 200 to 500 euros per day; a more economical option is to order an organized excursion on a shared bus.

Gifts from Jordan, dear to the heart

Souvenirs for friends and family brought from an Arab country are always distinguished by their color and originality. Here is a list of popular souvenirs that you can buy in Jordan:

• Experienced ladies try to buy in Jordan natural fabrics;
• It’s worth emphasizing the fact that Jordanian shoemakers are pretty good at their craft. Summer sandals for men and women, made with notes of national flavor, are worn for a long time, are comfortable and arouse keen interest among others with their unique charm;
• worthy of a separate ode sweets, nuts and dried fruits, which Jordanians know how to package beautifully and tastefully. Such a nice gift will remind you of the hot sun and exotic landscapes of Jordan for a long time, and it will not disappoint the recipients with its taste;
• It’s time to continue the tasty topic with praise Jordanian herbs and spices, which any housewife would want to have in her kitchen arsenal.

Customs regulations strictly prohibit the import and export from Jordan drugs, weapons and some religious books. It is better to familiarize yourself in detail with the current list and rules for the import and export of other items on specialized resources before traveling to Jordan; laws and decrees sometimes change.

Organizational insights and helpful tips

Diving, a popular pastime in Jordan

• The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is the safest Middle Eastern state; you can come here on vacation without any fear;
• Jordanians know a lot about luxury holidays and know how to organize them;
• vacationing in Jordan and not seeing the new wonder of the world Petra is an unfortunate mistake and an unforgivable omission;
• It’s better to choose a type of vacation in accordance with your preferences and physical capabilities; not all tourists can handle extreme excursions in Jordan.
• Dead Sea resorts in the Arab kingdom can really have a beneficial effect on health;
• when choosing an excursion to the Wadi Rum desert, do not skimp and book a room in a hotel located in the heart of the desert; waking up in the morning in a luxurious establishment overlooking the “Martian chronicles” is worth a lot in terms of unforgettable impressions;
• diving enthusiasts should definitely take a swim in the Gulf of Aqaba to discover sunken military equipment under the water: an airplane, a tank and a ship; you will never see such finds in the underwater world;
• On day 1 of your trip to Jordan, carefully plan your time so as not to lose sight of the most interesting sights;
• on the last day of your vacation, do not forget to replenish your collection of vacation photos with unique photographs from the exotic Middle Eastern region

Fine THERE sincerely wishes all travelers on the planet not to be afraid to dream about the most daring trips, even if at first these dreams seem unattainable. Jordan welcomes guests 12 months a year and is ready to give them hospitality and good nature.

Details Category: Western Asian countries Published 02/10/2014 13:07 Views: 3299

Official name states - Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Deserts and semi-deserts occupy 90% of its territory. Jordan borders Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the partially recognized State of Palestine. Jordan shares Dead Sea coastlines with Israel and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA)/partially recognized State of Palestine, and the Gulf of Aqaba coastline with Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

State symbols

Flag– approved on April 16, 1928. It consists of three equal horizontal stripes: black on top, white in the middle, green below. On top of them on the left edge is a red triangle, in which a white seven-pointed star is depicted. The horizontal colors of the Jordanian flag represent the Abbasid, Umayyad and Fatimid caliphates. The red triangle represents the ruling Hashemite dynasty, as well as the Arab resistance. The seven-pointed star has a double meaning: it symbolizes the first sura of the Koran, as well as the unity of the Arab clans.

Coat of arms– is a bronze shield topped with an emerging azure disk. Above the shield is an eagle with spread wings, resting on a disk; behind the disc are crossed flags of the Arab revolt, sabers, spears, bows and arrows; at the bottom, the shield is framed by three golden ears of wheat on the right and a green palm branch on the left, intertwined with the ribbon of the Order of the Renaissance, to which is attached the sign of the Order of the 1st degree; on a gold motto ribbon, at the bottom of the coat of arms, inscription in black letters on Arabic: “Abdallah II ibn Al Hussein Bin Aun, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Seeking support and guidance from God”; The coat of arms is superimposed on a red silver-lined mantle with gold fringe, tied with gold cords, with gold tassels, and topped with a gold Jordanian royal crown.
The golden crown symbolizes the monarchy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Royal Hashemite Crown rests on a mantle symbolizing the Hashemite Throne. The dark red robe is lined with white silk, symbolizing self-sacrifice and purity. The robe is trimmed with gold fringe and, on both sides, tied with gold cords with gold tassels, so as to show a white silk lining. Each flag represents the flag of the Great Arab Revolt. The eagle symbolizes strength, courage and greatness. Its colors represent the banner and turban of the Prophet Muhammad.

Government structure of modern Jordan

Form of government– dualistic monarchy (a constitutional monarchy in which the power of the monarch is limited by the constitution, but the monarch formally and actually retains extensive powers. Executive power is in the hands of the monarch, legislative power is in the parliament). The Royal Armed Forces are under the control of the king.
Head of State- king.
Head of the government- Prime Minister, appointed by the King.
Capital- Amman. More than 60% of the country's residents live here.
Largest cities– Amman, Irbid and Zarqa.

Zarqa city

Territory– 92,300 km².
Population– 6,259,932 people. 95% of the population are Arabs. Other nationalities: Circassians (“Circassians”), Abazins, Abkhazians, Chechens, Armenians and Kurds. Jordanians of European descent and Arabs from Iraq and Syria live there.
State religion- Sunni Islam. Christians make up 6% of Jordan's resident population and occupy 20% of the seats in Parliament.
Currency– Jordanian dinar.
Official language– Arabic. English and French are widely spoken. Radio Jordan broadcasts programs in these languages.
Administrative division– 12 governorates. The governorates are headed by governors appointed by the king and subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The governorates are divided into 52 districts.
Education– compulsory education for 12 years. To those who chose higher education, you need to finish your studies at school for 2 years, after which you pass the final exams, based on the results of which you are admitted either on a budget basis or on a paid basis due to a lack of points. There are more than 40 public and commercial universities in the country. The best university is in Amman.

Sport– The most popular sports in the country are football and basketball. Boxing, wrestling, equestrian sports are popular, Athletics, table tennis, swimming, shooting, archery, taekwondo, fencing. Jordan participates in summer Olympic Games since 1980
Tourism– tourists in Jordan are attracted by the beaches and coral reefs of the Gulf of Aqaba, the Dead Sea and one of the new seven wonders of the world – Petra.

Coral reefs

Economy. High unemployment. Jordan has significant deposits of phosphates, potash, limestone, marble, dolomite, kaolin, and salt. Previously, barites (barium salts), gypsum, uranium, copper, shale, and feldspar were found in Jordan. Industry is concentrated in the Amman area. Heavy industry sectors: oil refining, phosphate mining and cement production. They produce clothing, food and other consumer goods. Almost all of Jordan's electricity is produced by thermal power plants, most of which are oil-fired.
Agriculture is a traditional sector, but it does not meet the country's food needs. Main crops: grains, sesame, grapes, beans, wheat, legumes, tobacco, corn, tomatoes, melons, olives, grapes, citrus fruits, bananas.

Jordan exports tomatoes

Less than 10% of Jordan's land is arable, and the country is dependent on food imports.
The area of ​​pastures is limited and is only sufficient for raising livestock. Artesian wells were dug to expand pastoralism. They mainly raise sheep and goats, cattle, camels, horses, donkeys, mules, and poultry.
Climate– dry and warm.

Nature

90% of Jordan's territory is occupied by desert plateaus; in the west of the country there are hills and mountains. The Jordan River separates Jordan and Israel. The highest point of the country is Jabal Ram (1734 m), the lowest is the Dead Sea (-486 m).

The Jordan Desert, which lies at the junction of the Syrian and North Arabian deserts, has a thin, dry soil cover. There is very little rainfall here. Water reserves have been found in several oases, the largest of which is Kars al-Azraq with Azraq National Park, located 80 km east of Amman.

Desert vegetation consists of drought-resistant annuals (xerophytes) and low-growing perennial grasses and shrubs (wormwood). Intensive livestock grazing has led to the degradation of vegetation cover.
The most fertile soils are located in the northwest, where fruits and vegetables are grown. In the south, the soil layer is less thick and the soils themselves are less fertile; Only grains can be grown on them. Natural vegetation varies from ancient oak forests in the northwest to scrubland in the south.
Jordan is exceptional biological diversity. It has it all: pine-covered mountains, lush mountains, swampy lowlands and oases, the breathtaking desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, undersea world Gulf of the Red Sea.

Jordan's most important ecological treasure is a unique area along east coast Dead Sea. Here, at 410m below sea level, many small streams flow down from the surrounding hills, creating rushing waterfalls and an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. Here are the hot ones thermal springs. Their healing waters have attracted people for thousands of years. On the shores of the Dead Sea, simple salt takes the form of various sculptures of incredibly bright colors.
Several large nature reserves have been created in Jordan. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) works to protect wildlife and natural environment animal habitats throughout Jordan.

Dana Nature Reserve

Located in the north to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. The area of ​​the reserve is 308 km². It is distinguished by a large difference in altitude: the highest point is located at an altitude of 1200 m, the lower point is where the reserve faces the shores of the Dead Sea - 200 m below the level of the World Ocean. Thanks to this, Dana is considered the lowest located nature reserve on earth.
It includes Mount Rummana, as well as ancient treasures. There are 703 species of plants, 215 species of birds and 38 species of animals. Forested highlands, rocky slopes, sand dunes and rocky deserts are pleasing to the eye.

Mujib Nature Reserve

They live here Mountain goat and caracal. Located in the picturesque Wadi Mujib gorge, which gently slopes into the Dead Sea at 400 m below sea level.
The difference in elevation throughout the reserve ensures a constant flow of water along the slopes and a rich biodiversity of local ecosystems.
Scientists have discovered 420 plants, 10 species of animals and 102 species of birds here. Herds of majestic and graceful stone goats (ibex) live here.

If you're lucky, you might meet a local predator here - one of the very rare representatives cat family: caracal. Ears with black tassels give the caracal a resemblance to a small lynx.

Jordanian culture

The country's population is divided into sedentary and nomadic. The transitional group between them consists of semi-nomads. Each of these groups has its own characteristics in material and spiritual culture, in social and family life.

- settled rural population. They are mainly engaged in agriculture. Their houses are usually adobe or made of mud brick. The main food of the fellahs is vegetable and cereal stews, vegetables and unleavened flatbreads made from coarse wheat or barley flour.

The tools have remained almost unchanged since the times of the Arab Caliphate: mihrat (wooden plow-shaped tool with an iron plowshare), marr (triangular moth), minjal (short sickle), luh (threshing board) or muraj (threshing sleigh) with stone teeth. Fellahi grain flour is made using stone millstones, grapes are squeezed using special presses and olive oil is made.
Modern agricultural machinery is not widespread in Jordan.
The nomadic tribes of Jordan live mainly in the south of the country (in the Ma'an area) and in the east. Camel breeders are considered a kind of aristocracy of nomads. They take to themselves the proud title of “Bedouin” (desert dweller).
Jordanian clothing is similar to Syrian clothing. A notable difference from Syrian clothing is the headscarf called "khasa", which is worn by almost all men. Its ends usually hang down to the waist, there is a fringe along the edges, its color is usually white, with black or red cells.

Women's clothing is very colorful, even casual. Embroidery is a popular art in Jordan. Women's clothing is often decorated with very complex patterns, using bright and varied colors. The custom of covering one's face is falling out of use in cities, and in the countryside it was not popular before.
Modern culture is concentrated mainly in the city of Amman. Popular culture in Jordan has been heavily influenced by the West. European and American music and their films are popular among Jordanians. Amman has many shops with Western goods, hotels, and nightclubs.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Jordan

Ancient city of Petra

The ancient capital of Idumea (Edoma), later the capital of the Nabataean kingdom. Not far from Petra are the Ad-Dair rock temple and the tomb of Aaron.

Ad-Dair– Nabataean rock temple of the 1st century AD. e. It is a monumental building carved entirely out of rock. The dimensions of the temple are 50 m wide and about 45 m high. After the adoption of Christianity in the 4th century. the building was used as a monastery.
Petra was located at the crossroads of two important trade routes: one connecting the Red Sea with Damascus, the other connecting the Persian Gulf with Gaza off the coast Mediterranean Sea. For hundreds of years, trade brought great wealth to Petra. But when the Romans opened sea routes to the East, the land trade in spices came to naught, and Petra gradually became empty, lost in the sands. These days, about half a million tourists come to Jordan every year to see Petra, whose buildings testify to its glorious past. Petra has been declared one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Al Khazneh (Petra)

Nabatean temple of the Hellenistic era. A monumental building carved entirely from rock in the 1st century. The order façade of the building is 40 m high and 25 m wide. According to one version, the temple was built by the Nabatean king Arethas IV Philopatra as his own tomb.

Ancient residence of the caliphs of Quseir Amr

Palace complex of the 8th century, including a hall with three naves for audiences and adjacent baths. It stands in the middle of the desert, east of Amman. The hall is decorated with frescoes, the best of which is the image of the “Great Blind”: a beautiful young woman with a diadem, necklace and bracelets sits in a beautiful pose against the backdrop of the arcades.

Archaeological finds at Um er Rasas (Kastron Mefaa)

Wadi Rum (Valley of the Moon) Protected Area

It belongs to rocky deserts and occupies an area of ​​74,180 hectares. The desert is inhabited by reptiles (lizards, snakes) and larger animals. The desert is a national park in Jordan. Of interest are the sights, rocks (for climbers), jeep safari tours and rock paintings, many of which have not yet been sufficiently studied.

Other sights of Jordan

Historical landmarks

Gadara

Ruins of ancient Gadara

An ancient fortified city in Eastern Palestine, now the hill of Umm Qais (Mukes) in Jordan. In the 3rd century BC. e. Greeks and local residents Hellenized during the reign of the Seleucids settled here. Gadara was the birthplace of the famous Greek poets Menippus (3rd century BC), Philodemus and Meleager (1st century BC). The city was destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th century AD. e.

El Karak

The city developed around a Crusader fortress, rising at an altitude of about 1000 m above sea level. The famous El Karak Castle is located here.

Religious sites

Macheron

The ancient Jewish fortress was located in one of the most secluded oases, east of the Dead Sea, on the Moab Highlands. It withstood enemy sieges and assaults many times. But it went down in history not as an impregnable fortress, remarkable militarily, but as a prison where John the Baptist was held and executed.

According to the Gospel, Jesus Christ was baptized in the waters of the river. Christians treat the Jordan as a sacred river; Since the Byzantine era, there has been a widespread belief that the water of the Jordan heals diseases.

Nevo (mountain)

A mountain in western Jordan, east of the northern tip of the Dead Sea. Its height is 817 m above sea level.
According to Deuteronomy, from this mountain the Lord showed Moses the entire Promised Land.

Beach attractions

Dead Sea (Sea of ​​Salt)

An endorheic salt lake between Israel, the Palestinian National Authority and Jordan. The water level in the Dead Sea is 427 m below sea level and is falling at a rate of approximately 1 m per year. The lake coast is the lowest landmass on Earth. The Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, with salinity reaching 340-350%. A person can lie peacefully on the surface of the Dead Sea.

Lot's Cave

According to the Book of Genesis, it was here that Lot and his daughters found shelter in a cave after Sodom was destroyed by the Lord. The cave is located on a mountain in close proximity to a small spring and opens directly onto the Dead Sea.
The pillar of salt worn away by the winds, towering not far away, is the very same pillar into which Lot’s wife turned, who violated the command of the Lord not to look back when fleeing from Sodom.

Today there is a monastic complex, consisting, in addition to the Sacred Cave, of a Byzantine church with a mosaic floor, in one of the inscriptions on which the name of Lot is mentioned, as well as a number of services, living quarters for monks and pilgrims and several tombs. The monastery was founded and operates here long before archaeologists came across their famous finds in these places, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, and established their authenticity.

Story

Ancient Jordan

Jordan is a very ancient country. The remains of Homo erectus, Neanderthals and ancient Homo sapies were discovered here. Agriculture began to develop during the Neolithic period (8500-4500 BC).
During the Chalcolithic period (4500-3200 BC), copper began to be smelted in Feinan. Frescoes from this period were discovered in the village of Telelat Al-Ghasul.
During the Bronze Age (3200-1200 BC), settlements developed rapidly, along with architecture, tools, art, and trade. During the Late Bronze Age, the territory of Jordan came under Egyptian influence.
Around 1300 BC e. the territory east of the Jordan River, the countries of Moab and Aman (Ammon), were captured by the Jewish tribes of Reuven, Gad and half the tribe of Menashe. Here they built fortified cities and developed cattle breeding. Until the 1st century AD e. these places were inhabited by Jews, and Transjordan was part of the Jewish state. Archaeologists have found many historical monuments confirming the Jewish settlement of these lands during this period.
During the Iron Age (1200-332 BC), the territory of Jordan was divided among the Jews, Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites. The main part of the events of the Old Testament dates back to this period. Southern Jordan had a highly developed agriculture.

Jordan in ancient times

During this period, Jordan is the site of clashes between the Nabataean civilization, with its capital in Petra, first with the Greek (after the conquests of Alexander the Great), and then with Ancient Rome (63 BC - 323 AD). In 106, most of what is now Jordan became a new province of the Roman Empire called Stony Arabia. At this time, the cities of Philadelphia (Amman), Jarash, Gadara, Pella, and Irbid reached their peak.

Ruins of Jerash

During the Byzantine period (324-634), trade and agriculture continued to develop. Christian churches are being built, many of them decorated with mosaics.

Medieval Jordan

By 635, most of the Middle East was under the control of the Arab Caliphate, and the spread of Islam quickly began.
During the period of the Crusader invasion (1099-1268), numerous fortresses were built on the territory of Jordan. The Lordship of Transjordan is created, one of the most important vassals of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Since 1263, the territory of modern Jordan came under the control of the Mamluks, who rebuilt and strengthened the fortresses. In 1400, the Mamluks stopped the invasion led by Tamerlane.

But over time, the Mamluk Empire weakened, and in 1516 control of Jordan passed to the Ottoman Empire.

Ottoman period in Jordan

The Ottoman period was very long: from 1517 to 1918. Sultan Selim I conquered the so-called Greater Syria (modern Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, Syria). Since 1851 Jordan was ruled by several governors who created a police force to provide security and a bureaucracy to monitor the implementation of laws and the collection of taxes. These were years of great change: the road network developed, a notable event was the extension of the Hijaz railway, which was built along the Muslim pilgrimage route, from Damascus to Medina.
After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the territory of Jordan came under the control of the Arab government in Damascus, which declared Faisal, son of Sherif Hussein, king of Syria. King Faisal's reign ended after the League of Nations gave France the mandate to govern Syria in 1921.

British Mandate

The British made a promise to Sherif Hussein to put his sons in charge of their mandate territories, and they kept their promise. After being expelled from Damascus, King Faisal received the throne in Baghdad, becoming King of Iraq. Faisal's elder brother Abdallah settled in Jordan in 1921, claiming to restore his family's power in Damascus. In March 1921, Abdallah met with Winston Churchill in Jerusalem, and it was then decided that Abdallah would become the emir of Transjordan.

Independence

During the Arab-Israeli War of 1947-1949. Transjordan occupied and in 1950 annexed the Pre-Jordan region (West Bank), including East Jerusalem, and then renamed itself the Kingdom of Jordan. The Kingdom included the eastern bank of the Jordan River, which was the main territory of Transjordan before the war, and the captured western bank. This was the case until the Six Day War in 1967.

Six Day War

Israeli paratroopers at the Western Wall

War in the Middle East between Israel and Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Algeria (from June 5 to June 10, 1967).
In this war, Israel achieved victory in a matter of days, capturing the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. The Green Line of 1949 became the administrative boundary between Israel and the new territories.

King Hussein of Jordan

The unambiguous official annexation of East Jerusalem by Israel occurred on November 30, 1980, when the Jerusalem Law was passed, declaring East Jerusalem to be the sovereign territory of Israel and the entire city to be its “single and indivisible capital.”
In total, Israel gained control of an area 3.5 times larger than its pre-war area.
In the 1980s, Jordan formally renounced its claims to territory west of the Jordan "in favor of the future Arab state of Palestine."
From 1952 to the present, Jordan has received economic assistance from the United States.
In February 1999, King Hussein died. His son Abdullah ascended the throne. Abdullah II continues to pursue Hussein's political line.

King Abdullah II bin Hussein of Jordan

The king promotes the development of civil liberties, the modernization of Jordan's education system and the country's information and communications industry. He was involved in the development of legislation that guarantees women a full role in the socio-economic and political life kingdoms. Condemns terrorism.

Jordan is located in the heart of the region most often called the Middle East - at the junction of Eurasia and Africa. The official name of the country is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The country got its name from the Jordan River, which flows along the northern section of the kingdom's western border.

Jordan is a continental state with only one small outlet to the Gulf of Aqaba at the northern tip of the Red Sea, about 26 kilometers long. If you look at a detailed map of Jordan, you will see that most of its borders are represented by broken lines. 90% of its territory is occupied by deserts, in which boundaries are a very tricky and blurry concept.

Jordan on the world map: geography, nature and climate

Jordan is a relatively small state. The total area of ​​the country is about 92,000 km2. It is difficult to name the exact area due to the fact that it increases every year. With the shallowing of the Dead Sea, Jordan is expanding by several square kilometers per year.

The country's largest neighbor is Saudi Arabia, located to the south and southeast of Jordan. The length of their joint borders is 728 km, which is almost half the length of the state border. In the east, the country borders Iraq, and the northern border separates it from Syria. The clearest borders of Jordan are in the west - here they are tied to both the topography and the national composition of the population. The country's western neighbors are Israel and partially recognized Palestine.

Geographical position

Jordan is located in a unique place on the world map. The coast of the Dead Sea, whose waters the country shares with Israel, is the lowest land point on the planet. At the moment, this is 430 meters below sea level, but every year this figure increases by an average of 1 meter.

The territory of Jordan is represented mainly by desert plateaus up to 1200 meters high. Highest point The country is Mount Jabal Umm ad-Dami (1854 m). There are vast regions in the southeast and northeast of the country Syrian Desert. The northwestern part of Jordan, fed by the river of the same name, is more suitable for life. Large permanent lakes and rivers, not counting salty dead There is practically no sea in the country. Only the Jordan River and its tributaries Yarmouk and Seil ez-Zarqa, often indicated on the map of Jordan in Russian as Yabbok, do not dry out during the season. However, it is difficult to call them large rivers - the width of the Jordan at its largest point does not exceed 40 meters, and the depth rarely reaches 2 meters. In addition, they are actively used in agriculture Jordan and neighboring countries, which greatly shallows and pollutes the rivers. The area of ​​the few lakes and reservoirs is rarely more than a few square kilometers.

Animal and plant life

The flora of Jordan is extremely poor, which is typical for a desert state. Grass cover in semi-desert areas appears only with the winter rainy season. Only the northwestern part of the country, which is relatively comfortable in terms of climatic conditions, can boast of shrub vegetation of the Mediterranean type. The fauna of the region is represented by typical desert inhabitants: striped hyenas, steppe lynxes and foxes. It is also possible to encounter several species of gazelle. Among other animals, various lizards and small desert birds are present in abundance.

Climate

Most of the country is in a dry desert sharply continental climate. Only along the western borders is it more similar to the Mediterranean subtropical. Quite constant save Jordan from unbearable heat westerly winds. But hot air currents from the Arabian Peninsula are not uncommon. The average temperature in the western and northwestern parts of the country in winter rarely drops below 8 0 C, and in summer varies from 25 to 30 0 C. Desert regions, of course, are much hotter. The average annual rainfall in Jordan is extremely low. In the north-west of the country it can still reach 400 mm per year, while in the rest of the territory it will not reach 100 mm.

Map of Jordan with cities. Administrative division of the country

The Kingdom of Jordan is divided into 12 governorates. This is common in Arab countries administrative-territorial unit. At the same time, up to 85% of Jordan’s population lives in the north-west of the country, and less than 2% of the population live in the largest region of Ma’an, which occupies a third of the country’s area. A map of Jordan with cities in Russian directly demonstrates this classic feature for desert states.

Amman- the capital and largest city of the country. It is home to about 25% of Jordan's residents, and the Amman agglomeration concentrates almost 80% of the country's population. It is a major industrial center in the Middle East, located at one of the key oil transport hubs.

A small town is located 35 kilometers north of the capital Ajlun, famous for the castle of Qalat ar-Rabat. This 12th century fortress is considered a gem of Muslim medieval architecture. The largest botanical garden in the region is also located near the city.

Jordan's only port is the city Aqaba. It is both a commercial and tourist center of the country. It is noteworthy that the flag installed in the city port is considered the largest in the world.