Jordan Travel Guide @ TravelNotes.org

Travel Notes: Middle East: Jordan Travel Notes

Jordan tourist information with details about travel to and around the country. Where to stay and what to see is made easier with insider tips and hand-selected Jordan links, by dedicated editors and visitors to TravelNotes.org - The Online Guide to Travel.

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Crossing into Jordan from Israel is no longer a problem, and travellers to Jordan would most certainly want to visit Petra, in the south-west of the country.

Countries neighbouring Jordan are: Israel, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Brief History of Jordan

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was recognised as a sovereign independent state on March 22nd, 1946; when the British government relinquished its mandate over Transjordan.

The Trans prefix was dropped in the 1950's after King Abdullah formally merged all of Arab-held Palestine with Transjordan, despite strong opposition from other Arab League members, and granted citizenship to West Bank residents.

In 1974, after the Yom Kippur War, Jordan relinquished any claim to the Israeli-occupied West Bank by recognising the Palestine Liberation Organisation as the sole representative of the Palestinian people.

Discover Jordan:
Lost cities, Bible stories, untainted heritage, Lawrence of Arabia and much more - Jordan is immersed with romantic associations; a gathering point of diverse cultures and peoples in the dead-centre of Biblical territory.

Jordanian Royal Family - Hashemite Kingdom

The Jordanian royal family claims direct descent from Hashim, the grandfather of the prophet Muhammad, and thus the term Hashemite Kingdom.

King Abdullah II:
His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein is the 43rd generation direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. He assumed his constitutional powers as Monarch of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on February 7th, 1999; the day his father, the late King Hussein, passed away.

Queen Noor:
In recognition of her efforts to advance development, democracy, and peace, Queen Noor has been awarded numerous awards and honorary doctorates in international relations, law and humane letters.

Queen Rania:
Born in Kuwait, Rania Al-Yassin married Prince Abdullah on the 10th June, 1993 and became Queen of Jordan in 1999.

The King's Office:
This site is designed to be a living tribute to the legacy of King Hussein, the father of modern Jordan. Learn more about the Hashemite kingdom from King Hussein’s domain.

Amman - The Capital of Jordan

Amman became an important Turkish base during World War I; until the British captured it in September 1918.

There are many Roman ruins in the city, from the era when Amman was known as Philadelphia; after the 3rd century BC Egyptian king Ptolemy Philadelphus, who captured the biblical Ammonite city of Rabbah Ammon.

Amman:
The capital of Jordan is easily accessible from Jerusalem, across the Friendship Bridge.

Amman Weather:
View a graphical weather forecast for the week ahead in Amman.

Accommodation in Amman

Hotels in Amman:
Find hotels in Amman with special online rates.

Sort Amman Hotels by: Hotel Price, Hotel Rating, Hotel Name.

Karak

Karak is the most important town of southern Jordan.

This small, busy town at the top of an isolated hill, with a magnificent view of the Dead Sea, boats one of the best- preserved castles in the Middle East; second only to Syria's Crac des Chevaliers for explorability.

Variously known throughout history as Qir Heres, Qir Moab, and Hareseth, Karak has been a prized possession of a number of civilisations.

The name of the site in the Hellenistic-Roman-Byzantine periods was Karakmoba 'The Fortress-City of Moab'.

The history of Kerak goes back before Christ. It was on the routes of the ancient caravans more than 2,000 years ago, it played a role in Greek and Roman history, and was known as Kir, Characmoba, and other names, also in the Bible.

Actually, al-Karak is derived from karka, which is Aramaic for 'the walled town or city'.

But it was not until the arrival of the Crusaders, in the 12th century, that Karak reached its full splendour. It is recorded that the Crusader, King Baldwin I of Jerusalem, had the castle built around 1132.

With its location midway between Shobak and Jerusalem, Karak formed part of a great line of Crusader castles stretching from Aqaba to Turkey.

Several battles and decades passed before Saladin conquered the castle, in 1188. Instead of destroying the castle, the Mamluks recognised its importance and decided to strengthen it instead.

Even though the castle was damaged by earthquake and neglected for some time, it can still be seen now that different parts were built in different times.

The city of Karak is today home to around 170,000 people and continues to boast a number of restored 19th century Ottoman buildings, restaurants, places to stay, and the like.

But it is undoubtedly Karak Castle which dominates and acts as a magnet for tourists.
Sent in by: George Isaac.

Petra

Many travellers now cross the border between Eilat and Al 'Aqabah, and make their way up to Petra from their base on the Gulf of Aqaba.

Any time of the year is a good time to visit Petra. Summer is hot but you have the long day to enjoy the city and there are lots of caves to hide from the sun. Winter is cold, but a cup of Bedouin tea helps. If you get the chance of seeing Petra getting washed by the rain, you will never forget the colours of the rocks.
Sent in by: Anees Maani.

Go 2 Petra:
Includes information on travelling and accommodation in the area, as well as photographs and the history of the Nabataeans.

The Ancient City of Petra:
Carved into the pinkish rock some 2,000 years ago and referred to as Sela in the bible, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom and an important trading centre between the 4th century BC and the 2nd century AD; until Palmyra took away most of its trade.

Accommodation in Petra

Hotels in Petra:
Find hotels in Petra with special online rates.

Visiting Jordan

Jordan Jubilee:
Also known as Ruth's Jordan, this website offers an introduction to the country of Jordan along with detailed information and advice for the independent traveller. There's also a description of the everyday life of some of the Bedouin and village people in Jordan, along with stories and personal anecdotes to better illustrate the way they live.

Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities:
Activating the role of the tourism industry to highlight Jordan’s attractions and to distinguish Jordan as a unique tourism destination.

The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ:
Jesus left Nazareth, went to Bisan and crossed the Jordan River to the east bank. He slept his first night near Bela (the region of Fahl), then continued his journey on the eastern side of the Jordan valley until he reached Bethany and went to John for baptism.

Visit Jordan:
Discover Jordan with the Jordan Tourism Board.

Jordan Tours

Cycling Jordan:
Small group bike adventures for people who share the passion for a total experience of bicycles, natural beauty, history, culture and people.

Jordan Travel Guides

Books on Jordan Travel:
Browse Amazon's best-selling list of books on travel in Jordan.