Gov’t outlines grand plans to celebrate Jordan’s centennial

AMMAN — The government on Saturday announced a national plan in preparation for the Kingdom’s celebrations of the centennial of the foundation of the Jordanian state upon the arrival of His Majesty the late King Abdullah I in Maan in November 1920.

“The national plan for the Kingdom’s celebrations of the centennial of the foundation of the Jordanian state is an important occasion for all Jordanians that reflects the wisdom of its leadership and the Jordanians’ sacrifices for their country,” Minister of State for Media Affairs Ali Al Ayed said.

The minister was speaking during a press conference that was held at the Parliamentary Life Museum.

“We decided to hold the press conference at this museum because this historic place resembles a valuable historical and nationalistic symbol,” Ayed added.

The Hashemite kings and generations of Jordanians contributed to building “the most stable and inspiring national model in the region with minimal resources," the minister added.

“It is our chance to strengthen and maintain our accomplishments under the leadership and guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein,” Ayed added.

The plan will be implemented by a national implementing committee that is headed by Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh, and includes a number of ministers and institutions, according to Ayed.

Culture Minister Basim Tweissi, who is also deputy chairperson of the high committee of the centennial celebration, told reporters that the celebrations are aimed to document the Kingdom’s achievements in political, economic and social fields.

“The celebrations will recognise the sacrifices and struggles that led to the formation of the Kingdom as well as to portray the prominent stages and national symbols through cultural and artistic works and youth initiatives,” Tweissi noted.

Tweissi highlighted the nation’s building process that took place under difficult local and regional circumstances, “where the political system managed, thanks to its historical and religious legitimacy, to move forward in realising prosperity”.

The culture minister said that the process continued during the reign of King Abdullah through prosperity, resilience, modernisation and self-reliance.  

Turning to the celebrations, Tweissi pointed out that it will revolve around five sectors that include dozens of celebrations and activities as well as 30 cultural and social projects in various parts of the Kingdom.

The culture minister also announced that April 11 will be observed as a national holiday, while April 16 will be marked as the National Flag Day.

Meanwhile, March 2 will be observed as a national day for Amman, because it was the day King Abdullah I arrived in the capital.

“A special memorial statue will be erected in Mahata, which was the first place the late King Abdullah I reached when he came to Jordan,” Tweissi added.

Tweissi also said that there will be a special database that would archive the history of the country and the individuals who made a difference in the country’s history.

“We also plan to form a national team comprising 100 youths to create a positive dialogue among them on their views of how the country should be in the future,” Tweissi noted.

The culture minister also referred to the logo that was designed for this special occasion, saying that it will be imprinted on special coins that would be issued by the Central Bank of Jordan to mark this important occasion.

“Special stamps bearing the logo will be issued as well, while people entering and leaving the country will have their passports stamped with the logo as well,” Tweissi said.

The logo of the centennial of the establishment of the Jordanian state includes on the top the Royal Crown, a symbol to show the role of the Hashemite leadership, the driver of unity, and from the right the beam that represents the brightness of the sun, while the number 100 symbolises the solidarity of the Jordanians.

The base of the logo consists of two golden arches representing the sunrise, topped by the date of the establishment and the centenary.

During a meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace with figures from a number of governorates on Tuesday, King Abdullah reaffirmed that Jordan, which is celebrating the state’s centennial this year, will continue building on progress, capitalising on ideas and opportunities to advance society and bolster the Kingdom’s regional and international standing.

During the meeting, which was attended by Prince Hussein, King Abdullah said he is pleased to start the new year by continuing outreach activities with Jordanians, according to a Royal Court statement.