Table of Contents
Introduction
Cultural fusion refers to the blending and coexistence of different cultures, traditions, religions, languages, architecture, cuisine and other elements that make up the identity of a place and its people. Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a prime example of cultural fusion in the Middle East. With a history stretching back over 7,000 years, Amman has been home to many ancient civilizations that have left their mark. Wave after wave of immigrants over the centuries has created a tapestry of diverse cultures that continue to thrive today. Amman is a modern, cosmopolitan Arab city that proudly celebrates its multicultural heritage.
Ancient Civilizations in Amman
Amman has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Several important civilizations have ruled the city and contributed to its cultural makeup.
The Ammonites
The Ammonites were an ancient Semitic-speaking people who settled in Amman during the 13th century BCE. They established the capital city of Rabbath Ammon on the site of present-day Amman. The Ammonites worshipped their own gods and developed unique pottery and other crafts.
The Romans
After conquering Ammonite territory in the 1st century BCE, the Romans renamed Rabbath Ammon as Philadelphia. As part of the Decapolis League, Philadelphia grew into a major Roman city with colonnaded streets, theaters, baths and pagan temples. The Roman amphitheater, citadel and temple ruins stand as reminders of Roman rule.
The Byzantines
With the establishment of Christianity as the official religion of Rome in the 4th century CE, Philadelphia came under Byzantine control. The Byzantines built churches and converted the pagan temples into Christian places of worship. Mosaics dating from this era can be seen at the Citadel and Jordan Archaeological Museum.
Early Arab Civilization
Amman became part of the Arab Islamic empire after the Muslim conquests of the 7th century. The Umayyads took control and the city’s name was changed to Amman. Grand mosques were built and trade with Damascus thrived during Umayyad rule. Abbasid and Fatimid caliphates later took over Amman.
Modern Influences and Immigrant Communities
Over the past few centuries, waves of immigrants have settled in Amman, adding new layers to its culture. Some of the notable communities include:
Circassians
Muslim immigrants from the Caucasus region were encouraged to settle in Amman in the late 1800s during Ottoman rule. They established villages and farms near Amman and introduced their unique handicrafts, dances, cuisine and physical features that stand out among native Jordanians.
Palestinians
The largest wave of immigrants arrived after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Palestinian refugees poured into Amman and have had an enormous influence on the character of the city. West Amman has many affluent Palestinian neighborhoods while East Amman absorbed poor refugees living in camps.
Iraqis
Jordan took in over 700,000 Iraqis after the Gulf War in 1990 and the Iraq War in the 2000s due to its proximity and refugee policy. Iraqis brought their food, dialects, music and traditions, opening restaurants and shops catering to the expatriate community.
Syrians
Since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011, over 1.5 million Syrians have fled to Jordan, most residing in Amman. Syrians have started new businesses, especially restaurants, bringing a taste of Aleppo and Damascus to Amman.
Cultural Fusion in Amman Today
The diversity of those who call Amman home is apparent across all aspects of cultural life in the city.
Language
Most Jordanians in Amman speak the local dialect of Levantine Arabic, while Circassians, Armenians and Chechens speak their own languages. The Iraqi and Syrian dialects can be heard in refugee areas. English is widely spoken in cafes and businesses.
Cuisine
Food in Amman incorporates influences from its many communities. Local Jordanian fare like mansaf lamb dish is served alongside Palestinian favorites like falafel, Iraqi dishes like masgouf fish, and Syrian staples like hummus and tabbouleh.
Music and Dance
Amman has a thriving indie music scene. The traditional dabke folk dance is popular. European classical and jazz has an audience. Iraqi musicians play oud and percussion. Circassian, Chechen and Armenian performers maintain their folkloric dances.
Architecture and Cityscape
Modern high-rises and shopping malls blend with older stone buildings, mosques and the Roman amphitheater. West Amman has more Western-style bars and cafes, while East Amman feels more traditional. Jerash has ancient Roman ruins.
Historic Sites Reflecting Amman’s Diverse History
Many sites around Amman reflect its layered history.
The Citadel
This jebel hilltop has ruins from Roman and Umayyad periods, like the 2nd century Temple of Hercules. Spectacular views of Amman can be seen from the Citadel’s highest point.
Roman Amphitheater
This amphitheater from the 2nd century CE could seat 6,000 spectators for sporting events and theater performances. Reused for Arab ceremonies in the Middle Ages, it’s still an impressive sight.
King Abdullah Mosque
With a magnificent blue dome and Quranic inscriptions, this 1989 mosque is an iconic Amman landmark. It sits on top of one of Amman’s seven original hills.
Raghadan Palace
Built as a residence for King Hussein, this marble and granite palace has fountains, gardens and intricate mosaics that display Jordan’s history and heritage.
The Jordan Museum
This modern museum houses 2,500 years of Jordanian artifacts highlighting influences from the Nabateans to the Islamic empire. The Dead Sea Scrolls and Mesha Stele are among its prized exhibits.
Cultural Events Celebrating Amman’s Diversity
Amman has a lively calendar of festivals and events that bring the community together and celebrate Jordanian culture.
Amman International Theatre Festival
This annual event hosts performances from Jordan, the Middle East and internationally. Plays, musicals and street performances attract large crowds.
Amman Jazz Festival
Local and international jazz musicians come together for this festival at venues across Amman. The wide range of performers highlights fusion in music.
Souk Jara Street Market
Every Friday, this open-air market in Jabal Amman features handmade crafts, antiques, food stalls and cultural displays from Jordan and beyond. It draws tourists and residents.
Conclusion
Amman stands as one of the Middle East’s most diverse and cosmopolitan cities. Its openness to immigrants and refugees over the centuries has created a cultural fusion unique in the region. Respect for heritage combines with a forward outlook. Amman provides a model of how a shared identity can be forged from a mosaic of cultures. Preserving this diversity must be a priority as Amman continues to modernize and grow.
FAQ
Question 1: What ancient civilizations influenced the culture of Amman?
Amman has been shaped by many ancient civilizations throughout its long history, including the Ammonites, Romans, Byzantines and early Arab/Islamic civilizations such as the Umayyads and Abbasids. Each left their unique mark on the city.
Question 2: How did Circassian and Chechen immigrants influence Amman?
Muslim immigrants from the Caucasus settled in Amman in the late 1800s during Ottoman rule. They brought their own languages, cuisine, dances and crafts and formed their own villages around the city. Their culture remains distinct within Jordan.
Question 3: How did Palestinian refugees impact Amman after 1948?
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians settled in Amman after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. They heavily influenced the growth, cuisine, business and character of the city. Palestinians now make up a sizable portion of Amman’s population.
Question 4: How can you see evidence of Amman’s history by visiting sites like the Citadel?
The Citadel hilltop in downtown Amman features ruins dating back to the Roman and Umayyad periods. Standing atop the Citadel lets you look out over the city and imagine how it has changed over the millennia. Other sites like the Roman amphitheater also provide visible links to the past.
Question 5: Why is Amman considered a model of cultural fusion in the Middle East?
With waves of immigrants bringing new cultures, Amman embraces diversity and fusion in its language, food, music, and architecture. Long-established communities coexist alongside new refugees. Respect for Jordanian heritage combines with openness to outside influences.