Jordan’s Umm al-Jimal village added to UNESCO world heritage list
AMMAN, Jordan (MNTV) — Umm al-Jimal, a historic village in northern Jordan, has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, marking a significant milestone for the country’s cultural heritage.
Located 86 kilometers (53 miles) north of Amman near the Jordanian-Syrian border, Umm al-Jimal is known as “the black oasis” due to its distinctive black volcanic rock.
Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram al-Qaisi, hailed the inclusion as a “great achievement” during a press conference on Sunday.
The village dates back to the first century AD, when it was part of the Nabataean Kingdom.
Over the centuries, it was occupied by the Romans and became an important agricultural and commercial hub.
UNESCO, which announced the decision during a World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi, highlighted the village’s rich history and cultural significance.
Inscriptions in Greek, Nabataean, Safaitic, Latin, and Arabic found at the site provide insights into the evolving religious beliefs of its inhabitants.
Al-Qaisi emphasized the importance of the recognition, stating that it reflects Jordan’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
He expressed hopes of attracting local and international investors to develop Umm al-Jimal as a premier tourist destination.
Umm al-Jimal is the seventh Jordanian site to be added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, joining Petra, Quseir Amra, Umm al-Rasas, Wadi Rum, Mughatas, and Salt.
The name Umm al-Jimal, meaning “Mother of Camels,” originates from its historical role as a stop for trade caravans.
Tourism is a vital sector for Jordan, contributing 12 to 14 percent of the country’s GDP.
In 2023, the kingdom welcomed over six million tourists, generating $7 billion in revenue.
However, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has impacted tourism, with a 4.9 percent drop in revenue and a 7.9 percent decline in visitors so far in 2024.
Most tourists to Jordan come from Europe, the United States, Canada, and the Asia-Pacific region.
The inclusion of Umm al-Jimal on the World Heritage List underscores Jordan’s rich historical legacy and its potential to attract global attention as a cultural and tourist destination.
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