Amman

Amman the capital of Jordan is a city which geographically straddles seven hills and historically sits astride many centuries. The city's modern buildings blend with the remnants of ancient civilizations. The profusion of gleaming white houses, kebab stalls with roasting meat, and tiny cafes where rich Arabian coffee is sipped in the afternoon sunshine, conjure a mood straight from a thousand and one nights. It is a city with a timeless ambiance, where a slight detour off the beaten track reveals the wonders of a Bronze Age settlement or a Byzantine monastery. In its souqs (markets), you can bargain for fruit, perfume, gold or other exquisite luxuries of the Middle East. For Businessmen, Amman offers the most up-to-date convention and communication facilities. Its strategic position and convivial atmosphere, make it one of the foremost centers of finance & trade in the Middle East today

 

Jordan River

One of the most famous rivers in the world, the Jordan River links Lake Tiberias, the Biblical Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. Flowing over a rocky bed, its banks laced with reeds the river is the habitat for many birds and animals. Running down the full length of Jordan, forming a natural western boundary, is the Jordan Rift Valley. It is accessible through Irbid, Ajloun, Salt and Naur in the northern and central area. The descent into the valley along any route affords panoramic scenes only to be imagined, and in the springtime, the blossoms alone make the drive worthwhile. With its plentiful natural resources, this valley has been the site of human occupation from the earliest known times

 

Baptism Site

With the opening of the Baptism Archaeological Park (where John the Baptist preached and baptized during the early days of his ministry ) to the public, people from throughout the world can visit the site for themselves, and experience the unique continuity of spirituality that is measured in this land in thousands of years. Pilgrims and other visitors will be able to reach the Byzantine monastery at Bethany beyond the Jordan, the churches and other ancient remains on the pilgrims' route, the Wadi el-Kharrar, and the "Jungle of the Jordan" region alongside the Jordan River Service facilities that have been provided by the Jordanian government include a new road from the Dead Sea area, a visitors' center, paths and walkways to the most important religious and archaeological sites, and all necessary sanitary and transport facilities

 

A SITE OF MANY NAMES

The settlement of Bethany beyond the Jordan has also been known by other names since antiquity. It was sometimes called Beth-Abara or Bethabara (Beit el-'Obour in Arabic), meaning 'house of the crossing', referring to the Joshua, Elijah, and Elisha crossings of the Jordan River.

Arabic Bible translations call it Beit"Anya. Some Greek Bible texts call it Bethania. This may be the same area called Beth-barah in the Old Testament, where Gideon defeated the Midianites and slayed two of their princes (Judges 7:24-25).

The Bethany area was known as Bethennabris in the Roman period. The 6th Century AD Byzantine Madaba mosaic map of the Holy Land labels it as 'Ainon where now is Safsafas'. The name Safsafas ('the place of willows') (also, Saphsas, Sapsafas, or Sapsas), comes from the Arabic word for willow tree. The Madaba map depicts two concentric circles at the site, which have variously been interpreted as symbols for Elijah's Hill and/or the caves and springs at the site.

Bethany/Bethabara may also have referred to a region, rather than only a specific settlement. Western travelers to the region at the turn of the century reported that the Greek Orthodox clerics and monks who lived in the south Jordan Valley, and the native valley residents themselves, referred to the whole area around the river and east along the Wadi el-Kharrar as Bethabara. Thus the original settlement was known as Bethany beyond the Jordan during and immediately following the days of Jesus and John the Baptist in the Ist Century AD; after the 3rd Century AD it was more commonly known as Bethabara, and by the 6th Century AD it had become known as Aenon and Safsafa.

The general area from the river eastwards associated with the ministry of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus is known as el-Maghtas today in Arabic. The natural hill that forms the core of the site of Bethany beyond the Jordan also has been known by several names. It is called Elijah's Hill in English, and Tell Mar Elias or Tell el-Kharrar in Arabic. In the Byzantine period it was also known as Hermon.

 

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES:

THE CHURCH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Adjacent to the Jordan River itself the archaeologists excavated a 6th- 7th Century Byzantine church complex with at least four churches, including remains of foundations and walls, mosaic floors, fine colored stone pavements, Corinthian capitals, and column drums and bases. This is identified as the church that ancient pilgrims said had been built by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius (491-518 AD) to commemorate the baptism of Jesus, in particular the place where Jesus had left his clothes on the river bank.

The firm identification relies on the Byzantine texts' description of a church peculiarly built on raised stone arches, in order to withstand the seasonal flooding of the Jordan River. The remains of those massive stone arches are still on the ground today, where they were first erected and then collapsed in the 6th or 7th Century AD.

The church had a marble column with an iron cross marking the spot where people thought Jesus was baptized. This river- side site also has Islamic era pottery and architecture from the 8th-9th Centuries AD, reflecting the continued use of the pilgrim's route and river crossing in early Islamic centuries.

 

BAPTISM POOLS

Three pools are seen on the Tell. The first one is located on the lower southern slope dating to the Roman period during the 3rd- 4th centuries AD. The other two pools are located on the top of the northern edge of Tell Al-Kharrar. Rectangular in shape, the southern pool had an inner staircase on the eastern side, and four steps extending the full width of the pool can be seen. Pilgrims would descend into the pool to be baptized.

Two square pools also date from the same Roman period. Ashlars were added near the southwestern corner of the northwestern pool during later periods, possibly used as a staircase to go down into the pool. The pools receive their water supply through canals carried over arches.

More excavations under the damaged floor of the pool have revealed a cistern dating from the Early Roman to Late Byzantine periods. Circular on top, it is built of well-cut sandstone ashlars.

 

CHAPELS AND MONKS’ CELLS

The Byzantine faithful built a series of smaller chapels and monks' cells throughout the two-kilometer-long course of the Wadi el-Kharrar. Other than the larger excavated structures mentioned above, fragmentary remains of numerous small structures with tiles, pottery, and cut stones -possibly chapels or monks' residences -have also been identified between the river and Bethany beyond the Jordan. The scholar Father R.P. Federlin, who explored this area in 1899 onwards, documented ancient remains throughout the entire Wadi el-Kharrar, including nicely cut building stones on Elijah's Hill and adjacent hills.

Denis Buzy in 1931 traced the remains of 'hundreds' of small.dwellings or buildings along a SOO-metre-long stretch of the south bank of Wadi el-Kharrar, which he identified as the remains of 1st Century AD Bethany beyond the Jordan. He said that the stones mentioned by Federlin were no longer there, because they had been used by Greek Orthodox monks at the site who were building new facilities for themselves and pilgrims.

The Greek Orthodox Church has long officially sanctioned the presence of monks in ascetic cells (units smaller than monasteries) east of the river; church documents attest that in 1905 three monks lived between the river and Bethany beyond the Jordan. Several ancient monks' cells have been found and excavated, along the south bank of Wadi el- Kharrar and near the Jordan River.

Among these are two rooms that some scholars earlier this century associated with the story of St Mary of Egypt, a former Egyptian prostitute who abandoned her life of sin during a visit to Jerusalem and went on tobecome a model of repentance. After consulting the VIrgin Mary in Jerusalem, she had heard a voice telling her: "Cross the Jordan and you will find rest". She crossed to the east bank of the Jordan River, and spent the last 47 years of her life living alone, praying and fasting in the Jordanian desert where she could be close to God.

Before dying she was found by the monk Zosima from a nearby monastery, who prayed with her, listened to her life story, and gave her Holy Communion shortly before she died. Zosima buried her with the assistance of a lion who used his paws to dig a grave. (The presence of lions in the Jordan Valley is attested in biblical passages - Jeremiah 49:19 mentions "...a lion coming up from the jungle of the Jordan" -and the Madaba mosaic map's depiction of a lion or leopard.) Mary's life story, which took place in either the 4th or 5th Century AD, was recounted in Greek by Sofronius, the Patriarch of Jerusalem.

 

STONE-BUILT PLASTERED POOL

About halfway between the Jordan River and Bethany beyond the Jordan, the Jordanian archaeologists have excavated a large (some 25 x 20 metres), stone-built plastered pool that was fed and drained by cut water channels connecting it to Wadi el-Kharrar. Pottery collected at the pool included sherds from the Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic periods. The foundation remains of a Byzantine caravanserai have been excavated on a small promontory directly above the pool, with a magnificent panoramic view of the entire valley floor, Jericho, and the Palestinian hills leading to Jerusalem. The pool and chapel are located exactly above the point where the depression of the Jordan River rises suddenly to join the agricultural plain of the Jordan Valley, and thus would have been protected from the river's seasonal floods.

Pilgrims may have stopped here to wash and refresh themselves, drink from the large pool, perhaps bathe or undergo ritual cleansing or baptism, rest, and pray in an adjacent chapel, before continuing their journey to Bethany beyond the Jordan and Mount Nebo. One theory being explored is that this pool and chapel were built after the Church of John the Baptist adjacent to the river went out of use in the 7th Century AD.

 

PILGRIMS’ REST STATION

Another facility that was excavated about one kilometer east of Bethany beyond the Jordan was indeed a pilgrims' rest station; located on the route to Livias and Mount Nebo, it comprised a caravanserai and water reservoirs that were served through ceramic pipes

Madaba

Just 20 minutes south of Amman, on the Kings Highway, is the mosaic-filled city of Madaba. Crowned by a small church, this historic town lies in the middle of Jordan's most fertile land. In many respects Madaba is a typical East Bank town which differs in one major aspect: underneath almost every house lies a fine Byzantine mosaic. Many of these mosaics have been excavated and are on display in the town's museum, but it is estimated that many more lie hidden waiting to be discovered. The finest mosaic found to date is still in its original place on the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. This huge well -preserved work of art comprises a map of the entire region from Jordan and Palestine in the north, to Egypt in the south. Many towns and cities are depicted in picture form, complete with walls and pitched re-roofed houses, while in the Nile huge fish swim. Madaba is also famous for its hand-woven rugs which are made in small streen-front workshops on upright looms in modern and traditional colors and designs

 

Mount Nebo

Situated 10 kilometers west of Madaba, overlooking the Jordan Valley is Mount Nebo, one of the alleged sites of the tomb of Moses. The summit of this lonely wind swept site command spectacular views over the Dead Sea to the West Bank and Jerusalem and, you can see the springs where Moses smote the ground to bring forth water. Standing amongst extensive ruins is a small church which protects some fine and beautifully preserved sixth century mosaics which are still being uncovered

 

Petra

Hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, the rock-carved city of Petra is full of mysterious charm. The approach through the cool gloom of the Siq, a long narrow gorge whose steeply rising sides all but obliterate the sun, provides a dramatic contrast with the magic to come. Suddenly the gorge opens into a natural square dominated by Petra's most famous monument, the Khasneh, whose intricately carved facade glows in the dazzling sun.

 

More facades beckon the visitor on until the ancient city gradually unfolds, one monument leading to the next for kilometer after kilometer. The sheer size of the city and the quality of beautifully carved facades is staggering and leads one to reflect on the creativity and industry of the Nabateans who made Petra their capital more than 2,000 years ago. From their capital at Petra the Nabateans had established an elaborate network of caravan routes which brought spices, incense, myrrh, gold, silver and precious stones from India and Arabia, to be traded onto the west.

 

From the wealth they acquired, they adorned  their city with palaces, temples, and arches. Many that were free-standing have largely disappeared but many were carved into the rock i.e. the treasury, the monumental tombs, the high place of sacrifice. These still remain today in a condition of perfection so staggering that you feel you must have entered a time wrap. Petra is an enchanting place that captivates and excites the senses. Its overwhelming size, rich textures and stunning surroundings create an ambiance almost impossible to describe.  

 

As you set off from the City's entrance gate, at this stage the valley is quite wide and open. This section is the approach to the narrow gorge and is know as Bab Es-Siq, gateway of the siq. The first monuments you pass are the curious Djinn Blocks, a cluster of three free standing rock cubes just to the right of the track.

Continuing along the path you come to the Obelisk Tomb, carved out of the cliff. At one point the passageway goes from a wide breach to a dark chasm not more than a few feet across. Suddenly in the space of a few footsteps, you get your first glimpse of Petra's most fabled achievement, El-Khazneh (the Treasury), which looms up in the brilliant sunshine, carved from the rock, defiled by man.

At the outer siq's widest point a gully runs abruptly off to the south. The path takes you to the high place: an ancient Nabatean sacrificial site with an Altar cut from the rock. For those who can stand the strenuous climb, the sweeping view of Petra is well worthwhile.

 

Past the altar the track continues leading to the garden Tridinium (the garden temple complex). There are two free-standing colonnades, in front of which are a remnants of a shrine. Continuing on, one passes dozens of wall niches, before arriving at the Roman Soldier's Tomb, and a further Triclinium.

 

Petra has dozens of sacred sites. On a windswept ridge high above the city, the Nabatean people extolled their gods at the High Place known as El-Madbah in Arabic. In an area known as the street of facades, many classical Nabatean ruins can be seen.

The Outer siq makes a sudden turn northwards and leads to the Roman Theatre which was built in typical Roman style. The substantial building Qasr El Bint Faroun (Palace of the Pharoa's daughter'), demonstrates that the Nabateans were capable of creating free-standing building.

 

Petra's second most spectacular construction after the treasury is El-Deir (The Monastery). For a feeling of Petra's immensity and the sheer power of the rock, the trip is essential.

Across from the Qasr Bint a jumbo of steps lead up to Petra's Museum. The room housing the small collection is the most monumental exhibit of all.

 

Wadi Rum

Stunning in its natural beauty, Wadi Rum epitomizes the romance of the desert. With its "moonscape" of ancient valleys and towering sandstone mountains rising out of the sand, Wadi Rum is also home to several Bedouin tribes who live in scattered camps throughout the area.

Climbers are especially attracted to Wadi Rum because of its sheer granite and sandstone cliffs, while hikers enjoy its vast empty spaces.

 It is best to take your own vehicle to Rum, as public transportation to the village is very difficult. The village consists mainly of several hundred Bedouin inhabitants with their goat-hair tents and concrete houses, a school, a few shops and the headquarters of the famous Desert Patrol.

At the Government Rest House, located just inside the village, you can rent out a four-wheel-drive jeep with a Bedouin driver for short or longer day tours of the area. Also available are camels, which you can hire for short excursions or for the desert trip to Aqaba.

The only accommodations in Rum are in the Government Rest House, where tents are available. For those with a bit more time and/or sense of adventure, the best way to see Wadi Rum is by hiking and camping in it.

Indeed, the vast silence and grandeur of the landscape is best experienced on foot. All you need for hiking in Wadi Rum is plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters per day), some food, good shoes and a sleeping bag.

Those with a four-wheel drive, a map and plenty of fuel can see more of the landscape, while saving their energy for spectacular hikes such as the Rock Bridge of Burdah, one of Wadi Rum’s most popular attractions. True adventurers can test their skills and endurance by climbing Jordan's highest mountain, Jabal Rum. The climb is a grueling and treacherous challenge which should only be attempted by those of stout heart and indomitable will.

Wadi Rum's immensity is hard to leave. The longer time you spend there the more you become attached to it and the more you long for it when you have gone. The valley of the Moon makes man tremble at the power and majesty of Nature.

 

Aqaba

The small Red Sea port of Aqaba is unique and beautiful in a very special way. Encircled by rugged purple mountains that subtly change in mood and color as the day unfolds. On the beaches visitors soak up the sun before cooling off in the refreshingly cool waters. It is the secrets these waters hold that makes Aqaba unique, for further down the coast are some of the most spectacular coral reefs to be found anywhere in the world. Often over many hundreds of meters wide, the reef is made up of many delicately hued corals among which live a myriad of brilliantly coloured fish. The Fortress, now a museum, was originally a Crusader Castle. It was extensively rebuilt by the Mamelukes in the 14th Century. A stroll around the modern town will reveal the presence of some excellent fish restaurants and craftsmen are to be found at work filling small bottles with coloured sand in intricate geometric designs

 

 

Jerash

A visit to the spectacular Roman ruins of Jerash immediately transports the visitor two thousand years back in time. The city's many splendid monumental remains, still retain the atmosphere of the once thriving metropolis, famous in its own time for magnificent temples, amphitheaters, and plazas. From the buildings and the many other well preserved structures, it is easy to imagine the city in its heyday: Down the colonnaded streets, chariots would have trundled, their wheels etching ever deeper the already well-worn grooves. The little shops that line the streets would have stocked exotic goods brought in from Persia, and Egypt, and the bustle of the city would have been punctuated by other sounds; the gentle splash of water flowing from the fountains of the Nymphaeum; The tapping of builders and masons at work; and the occasional roar of a satisfied crowd being entertained in the amphitheaters. Although now in ruins the spirit of Roman Gerasa lives on

 

Qais, - Gadara

On a plateau overlooking the north Jordan Valley and the glinting blue waters of Lake Tiberias are the ruins of Qais, ancient Roman Gadara. Although not as extensive as the other cities of the Roman League of the Decapolis (the "Ten Cities"). Already uncovered are the ruins of three theatres, a temple, a colonnaded street and an aqueduct. Archaeologists predict that when excavations are complete, a major city will have been uncovered. Standing atop the largest of the theatres, one has an excellent view of Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galille), northern Palestine and the Golan Heights. It was in Gadara that Jesus vanquished demonic spirits into the sea far below. Gadara was also the home and birthplace of many Roman writers and philosophers who were inspired by the beauty of the panoramic views that spread out all around them. They enjoyed, as people do today, the hot water springs that bubble up in the nearby village of Hemmeh

 

Dead Sea

The most spectacular site, is the Dead Sea, which at 400 meters below sea level is the lowest body of water on earth. Surrounded by arid hills, as devoid of life as the sea itself, the Dead Sea glistens under a burning sun with barely a ripple disturbing its surface. The rocks that meet its lapping edges become covered with a snow-like thick gleaming deposit of white salt. It is this extremely high concentration of salt that gives the Dead Sea waters their renowned therapeutic qualities and their buoyancy. Because the salt content is eight times that of most world's oceans, you can float in the Dead Sea without even trying. Swimming in the Dead Sea is a truly unique experience not to be missed.

 

Desert Castles

Stretching east from Amman is a desert region bewildering in its size and ruthless climate; a place of sand and barren basalt landscapes which bear witness to anciant glories. The Ummayed Caliphs of the early Islamic era, out of sofio economic and political concernswho cherished the hard desert life, built a string of palaces, hunting lodges, baths, meeting places, caravanserias and fortresses, in what were then the farthest corners of the desert. Known collectively as the Desert Castles or Desert Palaces, (Qasr in Arabic), the constructions demonstrate the best of early Islamic Architectural ingenuity.

 

Qasr Hallabat

One of the easiest of all the Desert Castles to reach from Amman is situated north-east of the capital, just off the main road that links Zarqa with Azraq. The fortress is the most ostentatious and complete of all the Ummayed compounds in Jordan. Its traditional square shape with square corner towers, was constructed on the site of an earlier bastion of second century AD origin. Some scholars have suggested that this fort was erected by the Nabateans. An inscription reveals that the main fortifications were put up during the rule of Caracella (AD 198-217). However, the Ummayed overhaul of the site tore down most of the Roman and Byzantine craftsmanship, replacing it with ornate frescoes.

 

Qasr Azraq

Crafted from the region's black basalt rocks, the town's ancient fortress, with its ominous ambiance, has taken advantage of Azraq's important strategic position. It is thought to have been initiated by the Roman's during the last years of the 3rd Century AD. Numerous remodellings and rebuildings continued as the castle changed hands. Its location protected the town's key water source. It was redesigned by the Mamlukes in AD 1237, and was also used by the Byzantines, Ummayeds and Mamlukes. It is almost square-shaped with walls 80 meters long encircling a central courtyard. At each corner is an oblong tower. The primary entrance is through a small doorway, protected by a basalt hinged door. Inside is a cool chamber that leads into the central courtyard. Various rocks in this vestibule are inscribed with Greek and Latin. Within the main courtyard is a mosque and beside it is the main well.

 

Qasr Amra bath house

Amra is 85 km (19 miles) south west of Azraq. Of all Ummayed buildings in eastern Jordan, Amra is the most loved, and charming.  Amra gains its fame from the outstanding frescoes adorning its interior walls and ceilings. They are thought to be the earliest example of pictorial art made in the Islamic era, having been painted during the middle years of the 8th Century AD if not earlier. The designs have stood the passage of time remarkably well.

 

Qasr Mushatta

Qasr Mushatta is extraordinary because of its grandeur and construction, its colossal size and its amazing location. Mushatta is square in shape with its immense yellow brick walls stretching 144 meters (158 yards) in each direction. At least 23 round towers nestled along the walls. The palace is usually attributed to the Ummayed Caliph Walid II, who would have constructed it between AD 743 and AD 744. It was never completed.

 

Qasr Muwaqqar

It is no more than about 14 km (9 mile) north-east of Qasr Mushatta. The palace once stood on a peak above the cross roads of several ancient desert tracks. We know, from the Kufic-inscribed water gauge, once in a huge cistern rear by, that Muwaqqar was constructed by the Ummayed Caliph Yazid II Ibn Abd el Malik. Alas, almost nothing remains today of the palace.

 

Qasr Kharana

Qasr Kharana is located 55 km (34 miles) east of Amman with its imposing walls, and panoramic views, it looks like a castle, but experts think that it was built as a palace. It is maintained that Kharana was probably not a caravanserai as there was no substantial water source or major trading route passing by. Instead, it is suggested that Kharana was conceived as a lavish meeting place for Ummayed leaders.

 

Qasr Ain es Sil

Like several of the Qasers of Jordan's eastern desert, Qasr Ain es Sil was never used as a palace. It was a farming estate with a bathing complex attached.

 

Qasr Qastal

Qastal which gives its name to the modern village adjacent to it, is one of the oldest of Ummayed palaces. The remains include a complete range of buildings and facilities, such as a mosque, central palace, cemetery, small houses, baths, a reservoir and even a dam. Ummayed ingenuity becomes apparent when you realize that the dam area was formed from the quarry which itself supplied the stone for Qastal's palace.

 

Ajloun Castle

Ajlun's fabled fortress, which provides a fascinating comparison with the country's crusader castles. In AD 1184-85 the nephew of Salah-el-Din al Ayyubi (Saladin) built a fortress on the summit of Jabal Bani 'Awaf, on the site of what is now Qalaat-al-Rabad. Its dominating position, allowed an extra ordinarily wide vantage over the surrounding lands, affording protection against the Crusader forces, permitting Saladin to concentrate on the iron mines at Ajlun without hindrance. Its view is one of the best in the Middle East. High above sea level it looks down on the Dead Sea. The bulk of the castle is in good condition, and most of the high-vaulted ceilings are still intact.

 

Kerak Castle

The elaborate crusader fortress is relatively well preserved with its subterranean chambers and storage rooms. Once stronghold of the dastardly Peynaud de Chatillon, the castle has had a colorful history. The fortress was built for defense rather than beauty. Its critics have deemed it gloomy and morose.

 

Pella

In the warm, well-watered, richly fertile lands of the north Jordan Valley lie the remains of ancient Pella - one of Jordan's largest archaeological sites. Pella has been continuously inhabited for more than six thousand years, and visible ruins date from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantium times, when the city was a flourishing commercial center with links to all the main trading cities in the eastern Mediterranean area. Earlier remains include several Bronze Age tombs. Set in some of Jordan's prettiest countryside, Pella is at its most lovely in the spring when the valley floors are carpeted with wild flowers

 

Hot Spring – SPA.

Jordan is famous for its natural hot spring spa resorts open to guests for the purposes of treatment and bathing. There are 3 main resorts. The Dead Sea Spa Hotel, which is aimed at helping patients with skin diseases, using the natural healing power of the Dead Sea. Another resort famous for its healing properties is the Mai'n Spa Village which is set around a series of hot springs. One of the most popular facilities is the invigorating body mud pack treatment followed by a hot bath, a fascinating experience... And finally al Hemma, a tiny village with an unspoilt charm, due to its position at the end of the road. It was there that the famous Roman baths were situated at the hot springs which are still used today

 

 

Natural Reserves

Jordan was the first country in the Middle East to adopt a national environmental strategy, with help from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). A national strategy was completed in 1992 presenting specific recommendations for Jordan on a sectorial basis, addressing the areas of agriculture, air pollution, coastal and marine life, antiquities and cultural resources, mineral resources, wildlife and habitat preservation, population and settlement patterns, and water resources.

 

The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature has been working since its establishment in 1966 on the protection of natural resources from regression and the environment from pollution. Over seven natural reserves have been established throughout the past 30 years, They are the Shomari reserve, Azraq reserve, Zoubia reserve, Wadi Moujeb reserve, Wadi Rum reserve, Dana reserve and Aqaba marine reserve. Public awareness programs such as Afforestation and the control of hunting are made to ensure the protection of Jordan's most  valuable natural resources

 

Shumari Reserve

The Arabian Oryx, a large straight-horned antelope which had been extinct in Jordan since the 1920's, and in the Middle East since 1972, was reintroduced here in 1978. The breeding program has been a success, and after introducing eight heads to Jordan in 1978, the Kingdom now hosts 170 Arabian Oryx. Over 130 of these live in the Shumari Reserve, together with other endangered animal species. A large number of migratory and resident birds rest at Shumary at different times throughout the year, while the park hosts a resident Ostrich population on a permanent basis.

 

Azraq Wetland Reserve

The Azraq Wetland Reserve is home to over 350 species of birds, half of which are migrant and stop in the reserve during their annual trip between Europe and Africa. Indeed, Jordan's Department of Environment cites the park as "of international importance for migratory birds". This wetlands area is rich in animal and plant life and is semi-covered by aquatic plants such as typha and tamarix. Wolves, red foxes, striped hyenas, asiatic jackals and several species of insects and reptiles, including five very poisonous snakes, live in the area.

 

Wadi Al-Mujeb Reserve

Several endangered species of fauna inhabit the area, as do ibex, Arabian gazelles, leopards, foxes, wild boar and a variety of fish and birds.

 

D'ana Reserve

D'ana was founded in 1990, providing a rugged wild life reserve in which numbers of specific species would be protected. Among the reserve's most important fauna are ibex, mountain gazelle, red fox, badger, wolf and jackal. The reserve is also important for birdlife, as it has a wide variety of tree cover. The illustrious D'ana project was launched to revitalize the natural habitat and foster the reserve's numbers of wildlife. D'ana is a wildlife reserve with a difference in that man has resided there for 6,000 years. Evidence of Paleolithic, Edomite, Nabatean and Roman occupation has been found. It is hoped that the small village of D'ana can be kept uncluttered by modern gadgets.

 

Wadi Rum Reserve

The RSCN is working to conserve the indigenous wildlife, including a herd of Arabian Oryx and a variety of plant species, some of which are rare, as well as archeological relics and cave paintings which are over 8,000 years old.

 

Zubia Reserve

Foxes and hedge hogs are some of the species protected at Zubia. The roe deer was recently reintroduced to its original habitat at Zubia, and similar plans are in the works for the Persian Fallon Deer, a rare species which inhibited Zubia over 110 years ago.

 

Aqaba Marine Reserve

The Gulf of Aqaba is home to 268 known species of Fish and 127 types of Coral. In comparison, the state of Hawaii's coastal waters contain 45 varieties of Coral, while Bermuda hosts some 15 types.

 

Umm al Jimal

The eastern most of the major northern cities, Umm al Jimal, is located at the edge of the eastern basalt desert plain, along a secondary road that was close to the junction of several ancient trade routes that linked central Jordan with Syria and Iraq. Among the most interesting structures to visit are the tall barracks with their little chapel, several large churches, numerous open and roofed water cisterns, the outlines of a Roman fort and the remains of several town gates.Excavations here have uncovered some of  the finest Byzantine church mosaics in the Middle East, including a large carpet depicting Old and New Testament cities on both the east and west banks of the Jordan River. Another feature at Umm al Rassas walled settlement is a 15-meter Byzantine tower used by early christian monks seeking solitude.