Az Zarqā’, Jordan
Region: Az Zarqā’ is located in the Zarqa Governorate
Geographic Coordinates: 32.083300, 36.100000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 40.0°C (50°F to 104°F)
Climate: Dry and hot summers with occasional dust storms, and mild winters with some rainfall.
Population: 481300
Language: Arabic
Az Zarqā’ is a city in the northwestern part of Jordan, Located approximately 20 miles northeast of Amman. It has a population of over 1 million people, Making it the second-largest city in the country and an important center for trade and commerce. The history of Az Zarqā’ dates back to ancient times when it served as a trading hub for caravans traveling between Damascus and Mecca. Later on, During the Ottoman Empire, It became a significant military stronghold. Today visitors can explore some historic landmarks such as Al-Hussein Mosque from Ottoman-era and Qasr al-Abd Castle ruins.
For those interested in arts and culture, Az Zarqā’ offers numerous attractions showcasing Jordan’s vibrant arts scene. The Royal Cultural Center hosts regular exhibitions featuring local artists while the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts boasts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art from across the region. Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Az Zarqā’. The nearby Ajloun Forest Reserve provides hiking trails through lush forests filled with oak trees and wildlife like wolves and deer. Food enthusiasts will also find much to savor in Az Zarqā’.
Its diverse culinary scene influenced by traditional Arabic cuisine as well as international flavors offers local specialties like mansaf (a lamb dish served with rice) or maqluba (a layered rice dish with meat or vegetables). no visit to Az Zarqā’ would be complete without experiencing its bustling markets known locally as souks where visitors can browse stalls selling everything from spices to textiles while soaking up its lively atmosphere that characterizes this charming city. Overall, Whether you’re interested in history, Culture or nature – or simply want to experience authentic Jordanian hospitality – Az Zarqā’ has something for everyone!
- Azraq Wetland Reserve
- Qasr Amra
- Ajloun Castle
- Umm Qais
- Jerash Archaeological Site
- Mount Nebo
- Madaba Mosaic Map
- Petra
- Wadi Rum
- Aqaba Beaches
- Textile manufacturing
- Chemical production
- Food processing and packaging
- Construction materials manufacturing
- Automotive parts production
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Electronics assembly
- Retail and wholesale trade
- Service sector including healthcare, education, hospitality, and transportation
- The city of Az Zarqā’ was established in the early 20th century by Circassian immigrants who fled their homeland in the Caucasus region.
- During World War I, Az Zarqā’ served as a crucial military base for Ottoman forces and was seized by British troops in 1918.
- In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Az Zarqā’ became a center of political activism and resistance against British colonial rule.
- Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian terrorist who founded Al-Qaeda in Iraq and carried out various attacks on civilians and coalition forces during the Iraq War, is one of the most prominent figures associated with Az Zarqā’.
- Other notable individuals from Az Zarqā’ include former Prime Minister Adnan Badran, Olympic gold medalist Ahmad Abu Ghaush, and actress Saba Mubarak.
- In recent years, high unemployment rates and poverty levels have led to economic challenges for Az Zarqā’.
- Despite these obstacles, the city remains an essential cultural hub in Jordan with a rich history that continues to impact its people today.
- Qasr al-Hallabat
- Azraq Wetland Reserve
- Hammam al-Sarah
- Ajloun Castle
- Qasr Amra
- Jerash Archaeological Site
- The Jordan Museum in Amman
- King Abdullah Mosque in Amman
- Darat al Funun art center in Amman
- Petra Archaeological Site (a bit further from Az Zarqā’)
- After conducting thorough research, it appears that there are no specific sports teams in Az Zarqā’, Jordan with significant historical backgrounds.
- However, it is possible that there are local amateur teams or clubs in the city that participate in various sports activities and competitions.
- Football (soccer) is a popular sport in Jordan and has a strong following among the people of Az Zarqā’.
- The national team of Jordan has participated in several international tournaments such as the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
- Jerash Festival: This annual cultural festival is held in July at the ancient city of Jerash, near Az Zarqā’. It features music, dance performances, and other cultural activities.
- Ramadan Nights: During the holy month of Ramadan, many local businesses and organizations hold special events and activities throughout Az Zarqā’ to celebrate the occasion.
- Eid Al-Fitr: This religious holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of Ramadan. In Az Zarqā’, there are usually public celebrations with food, music and other festivities.
- Independence Day: Jordan celebrates its independence from Britain on May 25th every year with parades and other patriotic events across the country including in Az Zarqa.
- Arab Culture Week: This event celebrates Arab culture through various exhibitions, performances, and workshops that showcase traditional art forms like calligraphy or henna tattooing among others.
- Al-Zarqa Heritage Festival: A week-long festival celebrating local traditions such as Bedouin dances or camel races along with modern activities like concerts or food fairs among others.
Please note that these are just examples based on previous years’ events – they might not be held every year or may have been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions or other reasons.
- Mansaf: A traditional Jordanian dish made with lamb, rice, and a yogurt sauce. Some popular restaurants that serve Mansaf in Az Zarqā’ are Al-Quds Restaurant and Al-Jazeera Restaurant.
- Falafel: A deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. Some popular places to get falafel in Az Zarqā’ are Falafil Abu Ahmed and Abu Jbara.
- Shawarma: Thinly sliced meat (usually chicken or beef) cooked on a spit and served in a pita bread with vegetables and sauces. Some popular shawarma places in Az Zarqā’ are Shawerma Al-Reem and Shawerma Abul Abed.
- Kunafa: A sweet pastry made with shredded phyllo dough filled with cheese or cream, soaked in syrup, and topped with pistachios. Some popular places to get kunafa in Az Zarqā’ are Habibah Sweets & Pastries and Al-Arabi Sweets.
- Maqluba: A one-pot dish made of rice, vegetables (such as eggplant), spices, and meat (usually chicken or lamb). Some popular restaurants that serve maqluba in Az Zarqā’ are Beit Abu Ali Restaurant & Cafe and Al-Mashhadiya Restaurant & Cafe.
- Al-Hussein Public Park is a recreational area situated in the heart of Az Zarqā’. The park has amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking paths.
- King Abdullah II Park is another popular park located in the center of Az Zarqā’. The park features a large lake where visitors can rent paddle boats. Additionally, it has playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas.
- Al-Mashreq Garden is a public garden located on the outskirts of Az Zarqā’. It has beautiful landscaping with walking paths and benches for relaxation.
- Haddad Dam is just outside of Az Zarqā’ and offers fishing opportunities as well as hiking trails with scenic views.
- Wadi Al-Seer Nature Reserve is approximately an hour’s drive from Az Zarqā’ but offers hiking trails through stunning landscapes with waterfalls and natural pools for swimming.
