Jordan’s historic village of Umm al-Jimal has officially been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, a milestone that has been celebrated by the country’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram al-Qaisi. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, he described this recognition as a major achievement for Jordan and an important step in preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The announcement was made during the ongoing UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi. According to UNESCO, the oldest structures found in Umm al-Jimal date back to the first century AD, a time when the village was part of the Nabataean Kingdom. The site has yielded inscriptions in multiple languages, including Greek, Nabataean, Safaitic, Latin, and Arabic, offering valuable insights into the evolving religious and cultural beliefs of its inhabitants over time.
A Village Steeped in History
Umm al-Jimal is located in northern Jordan, approximately 86 kilometers (53 miles) from the capital, Amman, near the border with Syria. The village is often referred to as “the black oasis” due to its striking black volcanic rock formations.
Historically, the settlement was established by the Nabataeans in the first century AD. It later became an important agricultural and commercial hub under Roman rule. The village played a key role in trade, with its name—meaning “Mother of Camels”—deriving from the presence of camel caravans that once passed through the area.
With its recent UNESCO designation, Umm al-Jimal has become the seventh site in Jordan to receive this prestigious recognition. Other UNESCO-listed sites in the country include the famous ancient city of Petra, the desert castle of Quseir Amra, the ruins of Umm al-Rasas, the stunning desert landscape of Wadi Rum, the prehistoric site of Mughatas, and the historic city of Salt.
A Boost for Tourism and Investment
Tourism is a crucial sector for Jordan, contributing between 12% and 14% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The kingdom welcomed over six million tourists in 2023, generating $7 billion in revenue.
The inclusion of Umm al-Jimal on UNESCO’s list is expected to further enhance Jordan’s tourism sector. Minister al-Qaisi emphasized that the government is eager to attract both local and international investors to develop the site into a key tourist destination. By improving infrastructure and promoting Umm al-Jimal’s unique historical appeal, Jordan aims to increase visitor numbers and economic activity in the region.
However, despite these positive developments, Jordan’s tourism industry has been affected by ongoing regional instability. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a 4.9% decline in tourism revenue and a 7.9% drop in visitor numbers so far in 2024.
A Global Tourist Attraction
Jordan remains a popular destination for travelers from around the world. The majority of visitors come from Europe, North America, and Canada, followed by tourists from the Asia-Pacific region. The new UNESCO status of Umm al-Jimal is expected to strengthen Jordan’s position as a top cultural and historical destination.
By preserving and promoting sites like Umm al-Jimal, Jordan continues to showcase its deep historical roots and diverse cultural heritage to the world. With strategic investment and tourism initiatives, the village has the potential to become a key landmark for travelers seeking to explore Jordan’s ancient past.
Comments