You are here

Local

Local section

Jerash: Role of recycled architecture in shaping ancient urban life

By - Dec 11,2024 - Last updated at Dec 11,2024

The Sanctuary of Zeus and South Theatre from the Oval Plaza (Photo courtesy of ACOR)

AMMAN – Syntheses of ancient Jerash and its urban spread are based largely on studies of monumental ruins, most of whose visible and imposing remains belong to the Roman and Byzantine eras of Jerash.  In 1930’s, Crowfoot's studies drew early attention to the selective reuse of older architectural blocks and entire building units in the construction of the first churches.

Breakdown of the civic infrastructure would happen during the turn of the epoch or during big natural disasters like the famous earthquake from 749 AD.

"Recent material evidence supports contemporary literary references suggesting that during the Crusades and after the Mamluk Jerash had been reduced to impoverished improvised occupancies," said Australian scholar Ina Kehrberg-Ostrasz, adding that in the 19th century, a Circassian and Chechen colony was settled under Ottoman rule and Jerash revived as a township. 

“The history of urban growth has changed relatively little seen in the main through the ruins of public secular and religious monuments which have earned Gerasa the modern attribute "Pompeii of the East",” Kehrberg-Ostrasz elaborated, noting that overshadowed by these acclaimed monumental ruins, it is easy to consider as insignificant, or worse to ignore the seemingly vacant areas between those standing ruins and main thoroughfares. 

"Yet, these buried lots aligning ancient streets and lanes were once an integral part of urban growth and their intended use, or deliberate non-use would have been part of town planning projects. One may posit in addition, that local populations would have made temporary use of unbuilt civic environs," the scholar said, adding that the aerial views demonstrate how repetitively selective the architectural evidence is which has served urban studies of Gerasa until recently.

“Archaeology in Gerasa is still mostly limited to a supporting role for restoration projects of Roman and Byzantine monumental ruins and their architectural studies. Most of the "inter-monumental" urban space thus remains terra incognita and will continue to be covered with excavated debris,” Kehrberg-Ostrasz said, adding that nearly two centuries of topographical, architectural and archaeological explorations, the first two systematic and extensive by Buckingham and his team of surveyors in 1816 and in 1893 by Schumacher have advanced surprisingly little our knowledge of the complexities of urban space as it was conceived and actually used by the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic population.

"Concentration on visible monumental remains and their restoration is also largely responsible for our flawed knowledge of pre-Roman Hellenistic and first century BC/AD Gerasa. Apart from some literary accounts, notably by the 1st century AD historian Flavius Josephus, and first century epigraphic references, until very recently (infra) there has been hardly any material evidence from the second century and little of the first centuries BC and AD," Kehrberg-Ostrasz elaborated.

In the last two decades of the 20th century research on the development of Early Roman Gerasa has relied heavily on findings at the lower terrace of the Zeus Sanctuary conducted by the French scholar Seigne and at the Artemis Sanctuary.

“Architectural blocks from Late Hellenistic buildings were discovered during excavation or anastyloses of Roman monuments, however most evidence for locations of buildings whose existence is known from recycled blocks stays hidden underground,” Kehrberg-Ostrasz underlined, adding that one such case is the Late Hellenistic Temple of Zeus, a good number of whose richly ornamented blocks were found by the excavators in the underground vaults of the first century naos situated on the lower terrace of the Zeus Sanctuary.

"Permitting the argument that the naos was probably located within the earlier precinct of the Zeus Sanctuary, a partial reconstruction on the site was hindered by the fact that the actual location of the monument remains unknown. The blocks are now exhibited together with a hypothetical model in the crypto portico of the lower terrace," Kehrberg-Ostrasz underscored.

 

Queen Rania hosts luncheon for women in Sahab

By - Dec 11,2024 - Last updated at Dec 11,2024

Her Majesty Queen Rania visits Sahab on Wednesday, where she hosts a luncheon for group of over 100 women active in the fields of education, culture, media, and civil society (Photo courtesy of Her Majesty Office)

AMMAN — Her Majesty Queen Rania visited Sahab on Wednesday, where she hosted a luncheon for group of over 100 women active in the fields of education, culture, media, and civil society.

Sahab Governor Ali Mawas and Mayor Abbas Maharma welcomed Her Majesty to the area and briefed her on a number of projects serving the community’s families, according to a statement from the Office of Her Majesty. 

 

Joining the women of Sahab, Her Majesty thanked them for their gracious welcome, and expressed her warm wishes for Jordan and its people in the year ahead.

 

Reflecting on the past year, Queen Rania noted that it has been a difficult period for the region, marked by oppression and unimaginable suffering in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and elsewhere, the statement said. 

 

“We used to believe that all people in this world had an equal claim to humanity and human rights; but sadly, we are seeing otherwise,” she said. 

 

“We in Jordan will stay true to the core values with which we were raised: kindness, generosity, compassion, care, and community. These are the values I never fail to see in the Jordanian people,” she added.

 

Her Majesty also expressed her gratitude for the nation’s many blessings, adding that the birth of her first granddaughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Iman bint Al Hussein, is what she is most thankful for this year. 

 

“Time flies when I’m with her,” she said.

King departs for Abu Dhabi

By - Dec 11,2024 - Last updated at Dec 11,2024

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday departed on a working visit to the United Arab Emirates, according to a Royal Court statement.

HRH Crown Prince Hussein is accompanying His Majesty on the visit.

King receives Cyprus defence minister

By - Dec 11,2024 - Last updated at Dec 11,2024

His Majesty King Abdullah receives Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday received Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas.

The meeting covered means to bolster cooperation between the two countries across various sectors, especially in defence, according to a Royal Court statement.

Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, and Cyprus Ambassador to Jordan Sevag Avedissian attended the meeting.

 

King receives Iraq PM, reiterates Jordan's support for Syrians, respect for their will

By - Dec 11,2024 - Last updated at Dec 11,2024

His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, receives Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed Al Sudani to discuss current developments in the region (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday received Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed Al Sudani to discuss current regional developments.

 

Discussions covered the importance of enhancing cooperation between Jordan and Iraq in the face of regional challenges, while exerting utmost efforts to prevent chaos and the expansion of conflict in the region, a Royal Court statement said.

 

During the meeting, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, His Majesty reiterated Jordan's support for Syrians and respect for their will, as well as the need to protect the security of Syria and its citizens.

 

The King stressed the need to step up international efforts to put an end to the Israeli war on Gaza and increase humanitarian and medical aid to the Strip, the statement said.

 

His Majesty warned of the dangers of extremist settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank, as well as violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

 

The King also called for bolstering efforts to ensure the success of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

 

Discussions covered the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and peoples, and means of expanding cooperation across various fields.

 

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni attended the meeting.

King says Balqa represents Jordan's values of tolerance, mutual understanding, harmony

By - Dec 10,2024 - Last updated at Dec 11,2024

His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, meets with figures and representatives from Balqa at the Military Retirees Club building, and stresses that Balqa Governorate represents Jordan’s values of tolerance, mutual understanding, and harmony, and is a source of pride for all Jordanians (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

- King visits Salt Secondary School for Boys, describes it as beacon of education since founding of state

- His Majesty says Salt's old streets are testament to city's history, civilisation

- His Majesty inaugurates Military Retirees Club building in Salt 

- King bestows Silver Jubilee Medal on individuals, institutions in Balqa

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah said on Tuesday that Balqa represents Jordan's values of tolerance, mutual understanding, and harmony, noting that the governorate is a source of pride for all Jordanians.

During a meeting with a number of local community leaders and figures at the Military Retirees Club building in Balqa, attended HRH Crown Prince Hussein, His Majesty said the history of Balqa and the role of its people in building Jordan are known to all, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The King said Salt Secondary School for Boys has been a beacon of education since the founding of the state, and its graduates have served Jordan as patriots and statesmen.

His Majesty noted that Salt's old streets are a testament to the city's history and civilisation, as it has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

 The King concluded by affirming that Jordan remains strong with the determination of its people. 

Speaking at the meeting, Balqa Governor Salman Najada expressed best wishes to His Majesty on the Silver Jubilee, highlighting achievements in Balqa over the past 25 years.

Upon arrival at the Military Retirees Club, the King was welcomed by a music performance by local folk bands.

His Majesty also inaugurated the Military Retirees Club building, where the meeting was held, and listened to a briefing by Economic Social Association of Retired Servicemen and Veterans Director General Ismail Al Shobaki, on the clubs, which provide social, sports, and cultural services to military retirees and their families in various governorates.

Accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein, the King visited Salt Secondary School for Boys, and listened to a briefing by the school's principal, Mohammed Kharabsheh, about the school, which was founded in 1923 as the first secondary school in Jordan, the statement said. 

His Majesty also visited one of the classrooms and signed the school's guestbook.

During the meeting with Balqa figures, the King bestowed the Silver Jubilee Medal on individuals and institutions in Balqa, in recognition of their contributions to serving Jordan, especially the local community in the governorate.

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Adviser to His Majesty for Tribal Affairs Kneiaan Bluwi attended the meeting.

Jordanian freed from Syrian jail after 38 years arrive home

By - Dec 10,2024 - Last updated at Dec 10,2024

Jordanian citizen Osama Bashir Bataineh, who was detained in Syria for 38 years, is seen in this photo in a car taking him to his family after his arrival to Jordan on Tuesday (Facebook photo)

AMMAN — The return of Jordanian detainee after spending almost four decades in the notorious Saydnaya prison in Syria, has sparked intense discussions across social media outlets and the Jordanian public.

 

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah announced on Tuesday the arrival of Jordanian citizen Osama Bashir Bataineh, who had been detained in the former Syrian regime’s prisons, through the Jaber crossing.  

 

In a statement to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Qudahh said, "After social media platforms were abuzz with the story of detainee Bataineh, we contacted his father yesterday and gathered all necessary information. Thankfully, Bataineh has arrived at the Jaber border and was handed over to his father by the Public Security Directorate personnel."  

 

Regarding his health condition, Qudah noted that Bataineh was found unconscious and suffering from memory loss. He added that Bataineh, born in 1968, disappeared in 1986 at the age of 18 and remained imprisoned for 38 years.

 

According to local news outlets, upon his arrival, the detainee exhibited signs of memory loss after spending numerous years in Syrian detention. However, when inquired about his place of origin, he confirmed that he was from Irbid. 

 

The news of his return has sparked a wave of reactions over social media platforms, with many expressing shock and disbelief over the prolonged detention period, having a deep sense of solidarity and support.

 

On Facebook, Sahem Saaydah Abadi wrote: “A long journey of pain and patience comes to an end today… Can time erase the years of injustice? And can a single moment restore the memories shattered by prison bars?” 

 

Similarly, Sanaa Tawfiq wrote on X: “Welcome back after decades of silence and darkness. Your resilience is a testament to the human spirit. May this day mark a new chapter of healing and remembrance.”

 

Others voiced their anger at the injustice and the heavy toll of long years of imprisonment. On Instagram, people shared his story on their feed. Samah Kharabshe, said: “Who will be held accountable for 38 years of stolen life? This is beyond heartbreaking.” 

Jordan, Germany sign partnership programme to enhance energy security, economic growth

By - Dec 10,2024 - Last updated at Dec 10,2024

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources on Tuesday signs a joint work programme for 2025 with the Jordanian-German Energy Partnership project (Petra photo)

AMMAN — The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources on Tuesday signed a joint work programme for 2025 with the Jordanian-German Energy Partnership project.

The programme focuses on key areas such as energy efficiency, electricity grid development, digitalization, cybersecurity, energy innovation, gender equality, hydrogen, and energy data and statistics, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

During the signing ceremony, attended by the German Ambassador to Jordan and representatives from partner institutions, Ministry Secretary-General Amani Azzam highlighted the strong and growing partnership between Jordan and Germany. 

She said that Germany’s commitment to the partnership formalised through an agreement in 2019, had been crucial to its success, pointing out the significant progress made this year.

Azzam added that the 2025 plan would provide a clearer path forward, facilitating knowledge exchange and addressing challenges in both countries. 

She also called for expanding cooperation to include projects that would benefit both countries, with the goal of building a sustainable energy future that enhances energy security and fosters economic growth in Jordan and Germany.

Acting Director of the Planning and Organization Development Directorate at the Ministry of Energy and head of the Jordanian-German Energy Partnership Nidal Qasim highlighted the partnership’s continuous growth in the energy sector over the past five years.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the German Energy Agency, Jordanian universities, the Department of Statistics, the Jordan Chamber of Industry, and the National Electric Power Company.

 

Royal Court chief inspects progress on Royal initiatives in Balqa

By - Dec 10,2024 - Last updated at Dec 10,2024

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi inspects several Royal initiative projects in the region (Petra photo)

AMMAN — Coinciding with His Majesty King Abdullah’s visit to Balqa Governorate on Tuesday, marking the 25th anniversary of His Majesty's assumption of constitutional powers, Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi inspected several Royal initiative projects in the region.

In Mahis and Fuheis, Issawi assessed the progress of the Mahis Park rehabilitation project, part of the "Safe Parks" programme, implemented in partnership with the Zaha Cultural Centre and Mahis Municipality. 

With 65 per cent of the project complete, the park provides a secure and inclusive recreational space for residents, according to a Royal Court statement. 

Issawi also visited the ISO Educational and Technical City project, part of the Royal initiative for productive branches. 

Covering eight dunums, the facility focuses on artificial intelligence, software development, computing, and information technology. 

Once finished, it will provide 200 jobs and training opportunities for local youth, in line with His Majesty King Abdullah and Crown Prince Hussein’s vision to make Jordan a hub for technological innovation and economic growth.

Since the launch of the productive branches initiative in 2008, 30 similar projects have been established across the country, creating over 9,700 jobs.

Issawi, accompanied by Agriculture Ministry Secretary-General Mohammad Hiyari and King Abdullah II Fund for Development Director-General Mazen Tabbalat, visited the Al Ardah Olive Press. 

Established in 2008 as part of the Royal initiatives, the press has recently undergone modernisation and maintenance through a public-private partnership. 

It also supports local olive farmers and provides seasonal employment, boosting agricultural development in the region.

 

Lower House finance committee starts review of draft budget law

By - Dec 10,2024 - Last updated at Dec 10,2024

The Lower House Finance Committee convenes on Tuesday to discuss the 2025 draft budget law, after it received from the Lower House (Petra photo)

AMMAN — The Lower House Finance Committee convened on Tuesday to discuss the 2025 draft budget law, after it received from the Lower House.

Director General of the General Budget Department Majdi Shuraiqi and Deputy Director General Ayman Abu Alrub attended the committee's session, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

Committee Chairman Nimer Sleihat highlighted plans to request detailed breakdowns of the budget, including allocations for capital expenditures in governorates and funding for Economic Modernisation Vision projects in 2024 and projections for 2025.

Shuraiqi presented an overview of the draft budget, covering the ministries and the government units allocations, economic growth rates, gross domestic product, deficit figures, and the primary objectives of the draft budget.

During the session, MPs Nasser Nawasrah, Dima Tahboub, Awni Zoubi, Mohammad Kataw, Randa Khzouz, Firas Qublan, Iman Abbasi, Mohammad Bani Mulhim, and Nour Abu Ghosh engaged in the discussions and posed various questions about the draft.

Shuraiqi addressed all inquiries raised by the MPs, providing clarifications on the draft budget's components and objectives. 

The committee's recommendations will be submitted to the Lower House for further deliberation.

The government on Sunday presented the 2025 draft budget bill and fiscal plans to the Lower House.

The draft budget estimates expenditures in 2025 at around JD11.042 billion, reflecting an increase of JD504 million, or 4.8 per cent, compared with the revised 2024 level.

The capital expenditures for 2025 are estimated at around JD1.469 billion, a rise of JD209 million or 16.5 per cent over the revised 2024 level.

The draft budget also projects the economy at a real GDP rate of 2.5 per cent in 2025, increasing to 3 per cent in 2026 and 2027. 

Nominal GDP is expected to grow by 4.9 per cent in 2025 and 5.6 per cent in 2026 and 2027.

 

Pages

Pages



Newsletter

Get top stories and blog posts emailed to you each day.

PDF