Below are the best books to read about Jordan before you visit…
Jordan is located in the Arab peninsula in the region known as the Levant, separated from ancient Palestine by the Jordan river. The vast diversity and complex history of this country can be seen through its literature. Before we dive into the best books about Jordan, let's learn a little bit more about its history, geography, and culture.
But first, A short history of Jordan
Jordan is a country abundant with ancient history and religious traditions. Archaeological studies have found human habitation from 2 million years ago. However, Jordan itself is a “young state” in historical terms. Jordan separated from the Ottoman Empire in 1918 and then in 1923 became a British protectorate. After World War II, Jordan achieved full independence in 1946.
Jordan weather and landscapes
Petra
Jordan’s landscape consists of a vast desert, rolling valleys, and rugged mountains as high as 1854 meters (6,082 feet). This country is also home to the dead sea, which is the lowest point on the earth’s surface.
Although many associate Jordan with a barren desert, the western and northern regions share a Mediterranean climate lush with olive groves, vineyards, and rolling green hills.
One of the most unique outdoor aspects of the country is the extensive hiking network along the challenging Jordan Trail. The whole hike can take up to 40 days and 675 kilometers in distance to complete, making it quite the challenge.
You can actually take a mini version of that adventure, going from Little Petra to Petra (our favorite!) Up north lies the famous 13 sq kilometer Ajloun Forest Reserve is mostly dominated by woodlands where you can find a harvest of oak, pine, wild pistachio, and strawberry trees.
And a Bit about Culture in Jordan: hospitality and generosity
Hospitality in Jordan is show through many cups of tea. Photo: DJ Ramirez
On the cultural and religious side, Jordan is quite progressive in the region. The nation appreciates its diverse population, even if media stereotypes say the opposite. Although mostly a predominantly Islamic country, with more than 92% of Jordan’s being Sunni Muslims, the government and kingdom regime declared through the constitution that everyone is free to believe in any religion.
Jordanians have quite a warm and generous way of treating others, and food is the way they commonly express their hospitality. For Jordanians, mealtime is a sacred moment of the day, usually perceived more as a social event. If you ever receive a “Jordanian invitation,” you are in for a treat because they will make sure you bring nothing and leave with a stomach full of delicious homemade food and a spirit or soul radiating with joy.
Generosity and hospitality are quite important aspects in the Jordan way of living, which are directly reflected in into the food culture of the country. For people in Jordan, food is a symbol of community, love, and care, which can be seen with the abundance of traditional flavors, spices, vegetables, and treats. The best Jordanian foods are nutritious, delicious, and rich in cultural heritage like mansaf, their national dish, which is generously served in a big platter and enjoyed with the hands, or desserts packed with dates and pistachios.
Finally, Here are 6 books about Jordan to read:
Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life
by Queen Noor
This is an intense, yet inspiring story of Lisa Halabay, a young American woman that ends up falling in love with King Hussein, an Arab monarch. Hussein was quite the icon in the Arab world due to his lineage to prophet Muhammad, and his reach towards the people. However, for Halabay, she gets to tell her story living in Jordan from 1970 to 1999, which were quite the turbulent years.
The Language of Baklava
By Diana Abu-Jabe
This is a childhood memoir by writer Diana Abu-Jaber, exploring her life and upbringing as an American raised by a Jordanian father. As her family moves to Jordan from the U.S. a couple of times throughout her childhood, her Jordanian and American experiences enlighten culinary reflections and cross-cultural obstacles, making this book quite a treat. Growing up she heard family stories that often were about food, which made Abu-Jaber realize that food always represents something greater that can be translated to faith, love and even difference.
The Desert and the Sown: Travels in Palestine and Syria
by Gertrude Bell
In the early 20th century, Gertrude Bell, a British writer, archaeologist, and political analyst decided to embark on an adventure to Persia and fell in love with Arabic culture. She ends up traveling through Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, showcasing an inspiring portrait of how a woman surpassed the barriers imposed by her generation, as well as the complexity the Middle Eastern culture already has.
Married To A Bedouin
by Marguerite van Geldermalsen
Marguerite van Geldermalsen is a New Zealand-born nurse who married Mohammad Abdallah Othman, a Bedouin seller from the ancient “Rose City” of Jordan, also known as Petra. She ends up moving to a 2,000 year old Bedouin cave, where she fully adapted to this way of living, cooking over fires, taking care of donkeys, and even drinking black tea all day.
Pillars of Salt
by Fadia Faqir
Set in Jordan in the 1940s, during the British mandate, is the story of two women who meet in a mental hospital and begin to tell each other’s story in full confidence. One of them is a mother of eight children, whose husband neglected and denied her the chance to marry a younger woman.
Our Last Best Chance: A Story of War and Peace
by King Abdullah II of Jordan
An insightful and fascinating memoir by King Abdullah, a modern-day monarch thriving to see his nation in peace, even after so many years in conflict. Being one of the most dynamic young leaders of the Arab awakening, Abdullah uses this memoir to humanize the perception his people have of him, by opening up about his struggling upbringing.
From jaw-dropping archaeological sites, to the never seen before natural wonders, Jordan is a country that might be unexpected to consider, but will most definitely offer the most unique adventures. Now that you have got an insightful scoop of this diverse and magical country, you are all set to taste the rich and ancient trails of Jordan.
Want to join us in Jordan? Check out our itinerary here!
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