Umm EL Jimal: home to 2000 years of culture

Rising out of Jordan’s northern basalt plain, beautiful Umm al-Jimal is both a modern town and an ancient archaeological site, home to almost 2000 years of fascinating history and culture – Nabataean, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad, Mamluk, Ottoman and Modern. It was a thriving agricultural center and a stop on the Hijaz to Damascus caravan route. One can explore over 150 well preserved ancient structures, built in neighborhoods along meandering alleys and around hosh-like plazas. Umm al-Jimal is also a modern community with much to offer to its visitors. Your visit to this town will enrich your archaeological experience with a still living Bedouin cultural heritage, in the downtown shops and residents’ homes. Just 90 minutes from Amman by car, a visit to Umm al-Jimal makes an easy day trip that can include other similar sites in Northeast Jordan, or even the Desert Castles.

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Umm el jimal

Umm El Jimal was built in an ancient Nabataean settlement using black basalt blocks supported with similar rectangular blocks.

This amazing city contains many basins for public or private use. The antiques of the Byzantium churches in Umm El Jimal include an ancient mosaic representing the Jordan River with the cities and villages mentioned in the Holy Book. Near Umm El Jimal, there is a residue of a Byzantium settlement in Umm El Rasas with a 15-meter tower on its upper end, used by the Monks for solitude. Historically, Umm El Jimal was famous as the link to the roads of Palestine and Jordan with those of Syria and Iraq.

The bedouin experience

Experience Bedouin life by wandering with a shepherd or camel herder. Visit a ‘beit shahar’ or bedouin tent to taste Arabic coffee while listening to Rababa and stories about Bedouin life: customs, traditions, and values.

Experience basalt stone carving

Transform basalt stone in to a piece of art using the right tools and the help of a local trainer. Take the pieces of art home to share with your family and friends.

Local cuisine

Taste traditional Jordanian food prepared by local families like lebneh, olives, Mansaf. Enjoy a demonstration of cooking Zarb underground. Share your experiences over coffee and tea.

The City Map

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