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Jordan is a land steeped in history. It has been home to some of mankind's earliest settlements and villages, and relics of many of the world's great civilizations can still be seen today. As the crossroads of the Middle East, the lands of Jordan and Palestine have served as a strategic nexus connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. Thus, since the dawn of civilization, Jordan's geography has given it an important role to play as a conduit for trade and communications, connecting east and west, north and south. Jordan continues to play this role today.
Because of its centralized location, the land of Jordan is a geographic prize which changed hands many times throughout antiquity. Parts of Jordan were included in the dominions of ancient Iraq, including the Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian and Mesopotamian Empires. From the west, Pharaonic Egypt extended its power and culture into Jordan, while the nomadic Nabateans built their empire in Jordan after migrating from the south of the Arabian peninsula. Finally, Jordan was incorporated into the classical civilizations of Greece, Rome and Persia, the relics of which are scattered across the Jordanian landscape. Since the mid-seventh century CE, the land of Jordan has remained almost continuously in the hands of various Arab and Islamic dynasties. (See history)
The second geographical factor which has helped shape the history of Jordan concerns climate. Only the northern highlands and the Jordan Valley have received enough rainfall to support large populations. Therefore, this area has always been more settled by farmers, villagers and townspeople. Most of the urban civilizations of Jordan have been based in these fertile lands. To the south and east, meanwhile, there is very little rainfall and no rivers for irrigation. These desert areas, which comprise the majority of Jordan, have rarely supported large settled populations. In some periods, there appears to have been no settled population at all. The lifestyle of the Bedouin inhabitants of these desert lands has remained similar in some respects to that of their Edomite or Nabatean predecessors. The contrast between the pastoral "desert" and agriculturally fertile lands is particularly pronounced in Jordan, and much of the area's history can be linked to population shifts between large urban centers and more dispersed, nomadic tribal groups.
Location
The country is bordered by Syria; Iraq; Saudi Arabia; Israel; and the West Bank, a territory west of the River Jordan. The Kingdom is located in the Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia. Total area, is about 89,213 sq km, while the land area is 88,884 sq km. Amman is Jordan's capital and largest city.
Climate
The climate of Jordan is marked by sharp seasonal variations in both temperature and precipitation. Temperatures below freezing are not unknown in January, the coldest month, but the average winter temperature is above 7° C (45° F). In the Jordan Valley summer temperatures may reach 49° C (120° F) in August, the hottest month, but the average summer temperature in Amman is 26° C (78° F). Precipitation is confined largely to the winter season and ranges from about 660 mm (about 26 in) in the northwestern corner to less than 127 mm (less than 5 in) in the extreme east.
People
Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several small Shi'a Muslim and Druze populations) (2001 est.). The population of Jordan is 5,307,470 (July 2002 est.)
Religion
The majority of the Jordanian people are Sunni Muslims. Shiite Muslims form a small minority. Christians, about one-third of whom belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, make up about 6 percent of the population. Islam is the state religion.
Language
Arabic is the official language and is spoken by all Jordanian people. English is widely spoken particularly at government and business levels. French and German are spoken to some extent. The Circassian community has managed to retain its Circassian language as well as speaking Arabic.
Of all the people of the Middle East, none has a reputation as the Bedu, or Bedouin. Largely a nomadic people they cling to ancient ways living by fabled codes of hospitality and kinship. There is a sense of honour and pride in the Bedouin's hospitality. Although village life has in recent years changed more radically than that of the nomad, it remains in essence the same. The older women of the village, and sometimes the younger ones too, still make and wear the traditional dress... a long black Thobe, with hems, yokes and sleeves decorated with tiny embroidered stitches that form intricate and colourful patterns. Even in the cities traditional values have not been lost. From an early age Jordanians are taught to be generous, warm, open and friendly, and at the core of Jordanian society remain the ideals of tribal unity and respect for the family. The legendary Arab hospitality is no myth and has to be experienced to be fully appreciated.
The word "Bedu" comes from the Arabic word "Badawi", meaning "A dweller of the desert". The Bedouin endure the desert and have learnt to survive its unforgiving climate. They treat it with due reverence, knowing that the wilderness has no respect for fools. Today most of Jordan's Bedouin reside in the vast wasteland that extends eastwards from the great Desert Highway. The traditional Bedouin way of life has come about by adopting measures that ensure survival. There are a few societies whose existence is as harmonious as that of the Bedouin. They walk a tight line between life and death, balancing with tenacity and skill. They understand their flocks of goats and camels. Forging a synoptic relationship with them so that each depends on the other for survival. The herds rely on their masters for protection, the masters depend on their herds for milk, meat and skins. The constant wandering is no aimless venture; it is a carefully planned expedition for new pastures.
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Bedouin Culture: The clan is the centre of Bedouin Society. Each family has its own tent, a collection of which (known as Hayy) constitutes a gown of clan. A number of these clans make up a tribe (Qabilah). People living in the same clan are considered to be of the same blood. Leadership of the clan is the responsibility of the "Sheikh", an elder to whom matters of strife or decision are brought for adjudication. In the Bedouin society, all men are seen equal, with elders commanding extra respect gained through experience. The values of Bedouin society are vested in an ancient code of honor. This calls for total loyalty for the tribe, and to one's position of work, in upholding the survival of the group. There is a sense of honor and pride in Bedouin hospitality. |
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| King's Tour on Camelback |
A powerful symbol of the Bedouin people is the distinctive square head-cloth (Kaffiyeh), with its head-ropes (A'gal) to hold it in place. The wealthier Bedouin, would and still do wear A'gals woven with gold thread.
Circasians:
Circasians are a non-Arab Islamic people, who originate from the Caucasusin Russia, fled during the 19th Century following persecution to live in other Islamic lands. Many Circasians now live in Jordan, their groups are spread through Amman, Jerash, Wadi-ElSeer, Sweileh, Zarqa, Azraq and other parts of the north. Circasians brought with them traditions from the Caucasus; weaving, basket - making and carpentry. Many of the older Circasians in Jordan worry about the preservation of traditional beliefs and customs that they brought from the Caucasus. Teaching through proverbs and stories sought to give new generations grounding in behavior.