Food
In Jordan, there is a popular cheese called halloumi, made from goat or sheep milk and often served in a sandwich of pita-style bread or cubed in salads. Rice, olives, yogurt, flat breads, vegetables, lamb or chicken, and fruits make up the basis for majority of the meals. Main dishes of rice with spices are eaten nearly everyday. The main meal is typically served in the middle of the afternoon. A covering is placed on the floor, with a large tray of rice and meat placed in the center surrounded by small dishes of yogurt and salad. Torn pieces of bread are folded and used to scoop the food. The left hand is never used to feed oneself.
When people visit family and friends, tea, Turkish-style or Arabic-style coffee, or fruit juice is served. This meal often includes sweets. The national main dish is Mansaf. It is always served on holidays and special family occasions. Mansaf unites everybody in Jordan.
Hospitality is found in Jordan in many areas such as Ajloun, where you are invited to share a meal with locals who are happy to share you stories and share the local customs and culture whilst enjoying amazing, delicious local homemade food. A meal isn't a Jordanian meal if it's without a nice cup of Turkish/ Arabic coffee with a little cardamom that helps you digest the large quantity and variety of food . It’s customary in Jordan to be presented with heaps of cups of coffee or tea when you are visiting a family.
Spices that have been used and traded through this region for centuries give Jordanian food character and great taste. It is these spices that are the signature of wonderful Jordanian food. There are many great spice shops in Aqaba.
Foul dates back thousands of years and can be traced around the Middle East. In Jordan, it is a side dish at every meal, and even given as a snack. Served with warm pieces of bread, it makes a delicious meal. The important ingredients in foul are fava beans, and a rich variety of spices and olive oil that together make a delicious, hummus-like meal or snack.
In Jordan, there is a popular cheese called halloumi, made from goat or sheep milk and often served in a sandwich of pita-style bread or cubed in salads. Rice, olives, yogurt, flat breads, vegetables, lamb or chicken, and fruits make up the basis for majority of the meals. Main dishes of rice with spices are eaten nearly everyday. The main meal is typically served in the middle of the afternoon. A covering is placed on the floor, with a large tray of rice and meat placed in the center surrounded by small dishes of yogurt and salad. Torn pieces of bread are folded and used to scoop the food. The left hand is never used to feed oneself.
When people visit family and friends, tea, Turkish-style or Arabic-style coffee, or fruit juice is served. This meal often includes sweets. The national main dish is Mansaf. It is always served on holidays and special family occasions. Mansaf unites everybody in Jordan.
Hospitality is found in Jordan in many areas such as Ajloun, where you are invited to share a meal with locals who are happy to share you stories and share the local customs and culture whilst enjoying amazing, delicious local homemade food. A meal isn't a Jordanian meal if it's without a nice cup of Turkish/ Arabic coffee with a little cardamom that helps you digest the large quantity and variety of food . It’s customary in Jordan to be presented with heaps of cups of coffee or tea when you are visiting a family.
Spices that have been used and traded through this region for centuries give Jordanian food character and great taste. It is these spices that are the signature of wonderful Jordanian food. There are many great spice shops in Aqaba.
Foul dates back thousands of years and can be traced around the Middle East. In Jordan, it is a side dish at every meal, and even given as a snack. Served with warm pieces of bread, it makes a delicious meal. The important ingredients in foul are fava beans, and a rich variety of spices and olive oil that together make a delicious, hummus-like meal or snack.
Language
The official language of Jordan is Arabic. Although, English is acceptably common among the cities. Many Jordanians have travelled, or have been educated, so languages such as French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken in some parts. The number of individual languages listed for Jordan is 10. All are living languages. Of these languages, 4 are institutional, 2 are vigorous, 2 are in trouble, 1 is developing, and 1 is dying. Here are some Jordanian language basics:
Yes - Na'am
No - Laa
Please - Min fadlak to a man, Min fadlik to a woman
Thank you Shukran
Hello Marhaba
Goodbye Ma'assalama
How much (price)? Aadesh?
I don't speak Arabic Ana laa ahkee Arabee.
Religion
Jordan is a great place to visit for those seeking cultural knowledge and spiritual enrichment. Jordan values its ethnically and religiously diverse population. This spirit of tolerance and appreciation is one of the central elements contributing to the stable and cultural climate flourishing within Jordan. Over 92% of Jordanians are Sunni Muslims and about 6% are Christians. Most of the Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, but there are also Greek Catholics, a small Roman Catholic community, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and a few Protestant denominations.
In Jordan, one can explore the principles of Islam through direct interaction with the people of this monotheistic religion. As the capstone of a long tradition beginning with Judaism and Christianity, Muslims believe that Islam completes the revelation of God's message to humankind. Islam is an assertion of the unity, completeness, and sovereignty of God. Muslims believe that Allah as He is known in Arabic, revealed his final message to humankind through the Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Qur'an, which is the divine immutable word of God. Islam heavily focuses on the equality of all humans before the one true God.
Islamic tradition has crystallized five fundamental observances, that are as significant as faith in defining Islamic identity and strengthening the bond that builds a relationship between all Muslims. They are Confession of Faith, Daily Prayer , Fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Alms giving, and Pilgrimage to Mecca.
The official language of Jordan is Arabic. Although, English is acceptably common among the cities. Many Jordanians have travelled, or have been educated, so languages such as French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken in some parts. The number of individual languages listed for Jordan is 10. All are living languages. Of these languages, 4 are institutional, 2 are vigorous, 2 are in trouble, 1 is developing, and 1 is dying. Here are some Jordanian language basics:
Yes - Na'am
No - Laa
Please - Min fadlak to a man, Min fadlik to a woman
Thank you Shukran
Hello Marhaba
Goodbye Ma'assalama
How much (price)? Aadesh?
I don't speak Arabic Ana laa ahkee Arabee.
Religion
Jordan is a great place to visit for those seeking cultural knowledge and spiritual enrichment. Jordan values its ethnically and religiously diverse population. This spirit of tolerance and appreciation is one of the central elements contributing to the stable and cultural climate flourishing within Jordan. Over 92% of Jordanians are Sunni Muslims and about 6% are Christians. Most of the Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, but there are also Greek Catholics, a small Roman Catholic community, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and a few Protestant denominations.
In Jordan, one can explore the principles of Islam through direct interaction with the people of this monotheistic religion. As the capstone of a long tradition beginning with Judaism and Christianity, Muslims believe that Islam completes the revelation of God's message to humankind. Islam is an assertion of the unity, completeness, and sovereignty of God. Muslims believe that Allah as He is known in Arabic, revealed his final message to humankind through the Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Qur'an, which is the divine immutable word of God. Islam heavily focuses on the equality of all humans before the one true God.
Islamic tradition has crystallized five fundamental observances, that are as significant as faith in defining Islamic identity and strengthening the bond that builds a relationship between all Muslims. They are Confession of Faith, Daily Prayer , Fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Alms giving, and Pilgrimage to Mecca.
Art
Poets, writers, novelists, painters and other artists preserve their rich Jordanian cultural heritage through their works. Jordan has 17 art exhibition galleries from cultural centers to privately owned exhibition halls. Amman pulls in art lovers from throughout Jordan and the Middle East. The city has many excellent theaters as well as national and privately operated art galleries.
Poets, writers, novelists, painters and other artists preserve their rich Jordanian cultural heritage through their works. Jordan has 17 art exhibition galleries from cultural centers to privately owned exhibition halls. Amman pulls in art lovers from throughout Jordan and the Middle East. The city has many excellent theaters as well as national and privately operated art galleries.
People
Traditional Clothing