Jordan Culture

Visitors to Jordan will experience a typically Arabic welcome – infact, one of its greatest atrributes are its people. Warm, gracious and hospitable, they may well ask you to join them for a chat. It is one of the best ways to learn more about their local culture.

"The local people they like tourists. They ask them to have a cup of tea or a cup of coffee. Very easy. Just say, 'Salaam alaikum'. The local people will say, 'Wa alaikum Salam'. They will start talking and the tea will come" - Mahmoud Hawawreh, guide on the Al Ayoun Trail.

Jordan has a diverse community, with many different ethnic groups living there, including Bedouin, Palestinians, Iraqis, Chechens, Druze, people from other Arabic nations and Westerners.

This small Middle Eastern Kingdom’s position as a country means that it benefits from an incredible range of influences, old and new – it has been a mixing pot of cultures for thousands of years and is a fascinating destination.

Arabic is the official language in Jordan but many people, particularly in tourist areas, speak English. Also, it isn’t a religious state and there is full freedom of worship. Although 90% of Jordanians are Suuni Muslims, it is also home to one of the world’s oldest Christian communities, the majority of those being Greek Orthodox.

More information on the colourful variety of cuture on offer in Jordan

Jordan’s incredible cultural heritage means that archaeological sites, historical towns and monuments are scattered throughout the country. Visitors cannot fail to be impressed by some of the most impressive architecture in the world: Al Salt: Formally the country’s capital, during the Ottoman Empire, Al Salt is distinctively charming and authentic, seemingly existing in a different century altogether. Escape from the bustling capital Amman and wander these sloping streets – past the many ornate mysterious doorways and stylised long-arched windows. Read more about Al Salt Madaba: The history of this ancient town dates back 3,500 years and it is famous for its buried mosaic treasures as well as the amazing panoramic view from Mount Nebo, where it is said Moses was enthralled by the view of the Promised Land. Tourists are encouraged to interact with local families and can be taken by donkey to see large stone burial chambers from the Bronze Age. Read more about Madaba Jarash: Jarash is one of the most preserved provincial Roman cities in the world, after the Crusaders has passed through the area, the site was filled with sand meaning most of its monuments have remained intact. Jarash has a huge triumphal arch marking entry to the site. It houses hilltop temples, baths, a hippodrome, fountains and a large oval forum fringed by another colonnade. Read more about Jarash Umm Qais: Formerly known as Gadara, Umm Qais was founded by the Greeks in 4th century BC and was given prominence by the Romans in 1st century AD. Here you will find a most impressive Roman amphitheatre, built of smooth black basalt blocks, it is particularly beautiful at dusk. As well as this there are the remains of a mausoleum, public baths and the Basilica of Gadara. Read more about Umm Qais

Jordan is perhaps most famous for the rose-red city of Petra and, beyond, the wild desert and towering sandstone landscapes of Wadi Rum.

Often described as the eight wonder of the ancient world, Petra was carved into sheer rock face by the Nabataeans. For many generations the Bedouin community lived in the caves of Petra before being moved by the government to houses in Umm Sayhoon – you can explore this village and meet with the Bedouin people as they sell crafts and provide horse-rides and refreshments. The best way to approach Petra is through the Siq, a narrow winding canyon hewn through dazzling red rock formations – as you near the city you will catch your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh, a majestic tombstone, towering 43 m high, carved from the rock in the 1st century. Read more on holidays geared around this awe-inspiring place: Jordan family holiday, The Lost City of Petra Wadi Rum is a vast, timeless place, untouched by humanity, with wind-sculpted rocks and monolithic rocks. Bewitchingly beautiful by day, it becomes even more stunning at night, when the sky is filled with magical celestial light. "Wadi Rum, they call it the moon valley. You see thousands and thousands of stars and when it is full moon you can go walking during the night like you are in a street with big electric lights" - Mzied Atieg, Bedouin guide Tourism development inside Wadi Rum is controlled and camps must abide by rules to ensure they’re discreet – here you are assured of a unique opportunity to get close to Bedouin living. Despite its austere terrain, Wadi Rum is an ideal place for families as there is a surprising amount to do. Read more on Wadi Rum for families For fantastic holidays which explore both areas see: Petra & Wadi Rum holiday Petra and Wadi Rum trekking holiday

Don’t miss the community craft projects and workshops scattered throughout Jordan, where local people are taught new skills and assisted in reviving traditional practices such as making olive oil soap, restoring mosaics and engraving ostrich eggs.
Read more about these workshops here

Alongside traditional culture, Jordan’s younger generation are also producing new forms of music and theatre. New cultural hotspots are emerging as artists from various Arab countries find freedom and inspiration in Jordan and it is rapidly developing a fine arts scene which is reflected in its many art galleries and cultural centres.

To embrace the culture on offer, see this facscinating trip - Jordan cultural holiday

Jordan has a diverse food culture, sharing a large number of popular dishes with its neighbouring countries such as hummus, baba ghanoush, tabouleh, falafel and kebabs. It also has its own delicacies and national favourites. The dish ‘Mansaf’ features at most special occasions, consisting of lamb, often seasoned with herbs and spices, cooked with onion in yoghurt and served on heaps of rice with a bed of Bedouin bread. Although Jordan is largely muslim, drinking alcohol is widely accepted and available in restaurants and hotels. Jordan has one of the oldest wine-making histories in the world and the climate and soils are well suited to quality grape production. Coffee is treated with reverence and drinking it is a social custom. A traditional Bedouin coffee ceremony involves three cups of coffee and it is polite to drink at least one cup if you are offered it. Read more about the varied cuisine, vineyard visits and coffee culture For more top tips, advice, podcasts and images of jordan visit our insiders guide Hand-picked selection of Jordan holidays, organised by leading tour operators who are committed to supporting local people and the environment.