Standing at the intersection of three continents of the ancient world, Jordan is geographically and demographically #diverse and yet intrinsically based on Arab and Islamic elements. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was occupied by settlers as early as 7000 BC making it home to fascinating historical and biblical sites – from the Dead Sea to the ancient city of #Petra. #Amman, the capital, is also known as the White City – a mix of old and modern. Jordanians speak Arabic although being incredibly shy they may not always make direct eye contact while speaking!
Jordan is the only Arab nation in the world where #Palestinians can become citizens. The societal differentiation between #Jordanians (residents living east of the Jordan river since before 1948), Palestinians (whose birthright extends to areas west of the Jordan river), and #Bedouin (belonging to the purest Arab stock) is stark and strictly maintained. People of Bedouin descent occupy key positions in politics and the army. Palestinians are seen as educated and hardworking and credited with ushering the modern Arab lifestyle into the Jordanian society. Even as traditional camel breeders are still considered to be at the head of #Arab culture in Jordan, emerging modernity values a college education and an urban address. The political and cultural systems of Jordan revolve around extended patriarchal family units based on ancestry and wealth.
As in most countries in the Middle East, clothing in #Jordan is conservative – long-sleeved jilbabs and hijabs are mandatory for women. One can often come across handmade jilbabs with traditional embroidery and cross-stitch patterns. In rural Jourdan, men wear thobes (ankle-length tunic) and #keffiyeh. Jordanian cuisine is rich and meat-based, the mansaf – a meat, yoghurt, and rice delicacy garnished with nuts and herbs – being the mainstay. Olives, however, remain Jordan’s most well-known food export followed by #halloumi.
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