Irbid Governorate

About Irbid Governorate
Also known as: Arabella or Arbela

• Irbid or Irbed (Arabic: إربد) is a governorate in Jordan, located north of Amman, the country's capital. The capital of the governorate is the city of Irbid. The governorate has the second largest population in Jordan after Amman Governorate, and the highest population density in the country.
• The importance of the governorate is highlighted by its strategic location (a transit station for neighboring countries) and its historical and archaeological importance, as previous civilizations in Irbid Governorate left behind many archaeological and historical sites, and Greco-Roman cities arose there.
• Irbid Governorate is considered the first agricultural region in Jordan, especially in the production of citrus, olives, grains and honey production. The governorate is distinguished by the availability of social, youth and cultural services and urban renaissance.
• It was known in the past as “Arabella,” which means “fertile land.” It is characterized by its fertile plains and many valleys.

Geographical location

• Al-Qasba Brigade, Bani Ubaid Brigade, Al-Mazar Al-Shamali Brigade, Ramtha Brigade, Bani Kenana Brigade, Al-Kora Brigade, Northern Jordan Valley Brigade, Al-Taybeh Brigade, Al-Wasatiya Brigade

Cities, towns, and villages

• Ar Ramtha The second largest city in Irbid Governorate.
• Um Qais or (Gadara) as it was called during the Byzantine period is the most popular touristic destination in the Governorate.
• Many towns and villages surround the city of Irbid including:

Climate

Archeological sites

• Dar Al Saraya Museum (Irbid Archaeological Museum)
  It is located at the top of the southern edge of the archaeological site of Tall Irbid, within the oldest traditional building in the city which was built during the Ottoman. Its resembles castles and caravansaries founded by the Ottomans. An Arabic inscription on stone above the southern gateway is dated with the year 1304 H. (1886 AD) implying that the castle became the new Governor's House (Dar As-Saraya) after that date.
  The museum includes several artefacts that were discovered in archaeological sites of Irbid Governorate.
  The museum building is made of seven halls surrounding an open square that includes a collection of big stone pieces such as tombs, crowns, columns and presses that stand for civilizational, cultural and artistic activity of the city throughout history.
  The castle has been consistently renovated since being initiated by the Department of Antiquities in 1994. If you’re into heritage this is an important stop for you.
  Al-Ma'amun Street (In the Department of Antiquities building), ☏ +962 2 724 5613. Sa-Th 08:00-14:00.

• Tel Irbid (تل إربد)
  One of the city's most important archaeological sites is Tell Irbid, an ancient hill that contains the ruins of Arabella, the Roman-era city. Here, visitors can explore the remnants of a Roman temple, a Byzantine church, and an Islamic fort, providing a fascinating glimpse into the various civilizations that once called this city home.

• Arar Cultural House (Beit Arar / منزل عرار)
  The Arar House Museum was established to host cultural and educational events in the city of Irbid, with some of his writings present to be viewed by visitors. This site is well prepared to host the visitors who want to know about the cultural history of the kingdom, and also contains memorials for the poet and some information about his personal life. Located in the house of the poet Mustafa Wahbi Al-Tal, nicknamed the poet of Jordan (Arar), located off Al-Hashemi Street.
  This museum consists of several rooms around a courtyard paved with black volcanic stones, and the museum includes a photographic display of the poet and some of his manuscripts. The inner walls of the house were made of bricks and mud straw, and in the center of the construction was a mulberry tree which is more than a hundred years old.

• Umm Qais or (Gadara) (Arabic: أم قيس, lit. 'Mother of Qais')
  An old archaeological site that reveals the spectrum of Greek and Roman presence in Jordan, the site of Umm Qais is a great place to slowly trek through the ruins of yesteryear.  Built out of black volcanic rock. Umm Qais (known also as Gadara) was renowned in its time as a cultural center. It was the home of several classical poets and philosophers, including Theodorus. Perched on a splendid hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee, Gadara is known today as Umm Qays, and boasts an impressive colonnaded street, a vaulted terrace, and the ruins of two theatres. You can take in the sights and then dine on the terrace of a fine restaurant with an astonishing view. Is the most popular tourist destination in the governorate.

• Umm Qais Archaeological Museum (متحف أم قيس)
  It is located within the archaeological site in the Acropolis of the ancient Gadara city. It was built in 1860. This building belongs to Al Rosan Family. It was called the House of Rosan (Bayt Ar Rūsān) to commemorate them. The building of the museum is made of a wide courtyard surrounded from all sides by rooms used for different purposes. This building itself is a unique cultural and touristic experience that takes the visitor back to the period when the museum was built and used.
  The museum has among its exhibits mosaics and coins that were found in excavations. The museum contains artifacts dating from the Hellenistic to the Islamic period, among the artifacts in the museum are masks, among them is Dionysius mask made of pure white marble, also the museum has statues of gods such as Zeus, Sator and Artemis, among the statues is a statue of a snake made of yellowish white limestone, and a statue of Hermes Arbach made of white marble that is on a pedestal.
  What distinguishes the museum is the famous quote of the poet Arabios that is carved on his tombstone, “You who pass by, I was the same as you are now, and as I am now, you will be. Enjoy life because you are mortal".

• Tabaqat Fahl (Pella) (طبقة فحل – بيلا)
  Is a favourite of archaeologists as it is exceptionally rich in antiquities, some of which are exceedingly old. Besides the excavated ruins from the Graeco-Roman period, including an Odeon (theatre), Pella offers visitors the opportunity to see the remains of a Chalcolithic settlement from the 4th millennium BC, the remains of Bronze and Iron Age walled cities, Byzantine churches and houses, an Early Islamic residential quarter, and a small medieval mosque.

• Quilibat - 'Abila (Qweilbeh / قويلبة – أبيلا)
  Abila, also known for a time as Seleucia, was a city in the Decapolis; the site, now referred to as Qweilbeh (Arabic: قويلبة; also Quwaylibah, Qualibah), occupies two tells, Tell al-Abila and Khirbet Tell Umm al-Amad.
  Terra-cotta figurines found in a tomb suggest also the worship of Dionysus History Quweilbeh /Abila is Known in literary history as belonging to that group of cities called the Decapolis ,along with such other cities as Damascus,Philadelphia (Amman),Scythopolis(Beisan), Gadara(Um Qeis), Hippos,Pella, Canatha,etc. A stone inscription in Greek with the name Abila was excavated in the Byzantine strata on Tell Abila. The site was inhabited , in the beginning, from the Neolithic times on down through Umayyad and ,to a limited extent ,into the Abbasid /Fatimid and Ayyubid/Mamluk periods. Extensive habitation was in the Middle Bronze /Late Bronze ,Iron Age and Hellinistic,Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods.
  The site was submitted to the list of tentative World Heritage sites under criteria I, III and IV on June 18, 2001, by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

• Irbid's offers visitors the opportunity to explore the country's stunning natural attractions and enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures. Just a short drive from the city, the Yarmouk Nature Reserve is a protected area that boasts lush forests, rolling hills, and various wildlife, including deer, hyenas, and different bird species. The reserve offers several hiking trails that cater to all fitness levels and opportunities for birdwatching and picnicking.
• Popular outdoor destination near Irbid is the Al Himma Hot Springs, located in the village of Al Himma, just 15 kilometers from the city. These natural hot springs have been used for their therapeutic properties since Roman times and continue to draw visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Beautiful gardens surround the springs and offer a serene escape from the bustling city.

Jordanian cuisine

• Mansaf (المنسف): Mansaf is considered the national dish in Jordan. It is known in all regions without exception. It is served on occasions such as wedding banquets, holidays, and at funeral tables as well.
• Makmoura: It is a well-known dish in the villages of northern Jordan.
• Kibbeh or kebab: It is one of the dishes that is prepared in all regions, as its spread extended from the villages north of Irbid, such as the villages of Bani Kenana.
• Al-Mutabbaq (Mutabbaq): It is known as one of the good dishes in the villages of Al-Taybeh and Al-Wasatiya Districts, and it is smaller than Al-Makmoura.
• Maqluba/Magluba (مقلوبة): A casserole made of layers of rice, vegetables and meat. After cooking, the pot is flipped upside-down onto the plate when served, hence the name maqluba which translates literally as "upside-down".
• Musakhan (مسخّن): Dish composed of roasted chicken baked with onions, sumac, allspice, saffron, and fried pine nuts served over taboon bread. It is also known as muhammar (Arabic: محمر).
• Maftul (مفتول): Large couscous-like balls, garbanzo beans and chicken pieces cooked in chicken broth.
• aldafin Freekeh (فريكة)
• Al-Jajil (Kaakil or Shaashil), all Jordanian governorates share the same popular dishes, due to the similarity between the regions and are considered one of the popular dishes.
• Shishbarak (ششبرك): Also known as Joshpara. A sort of dumpling or jiaozi dish. After being stuffed with ground beef and spices, thin wheat dough parcels are cooked with jameed then served hot. Another name for this dish is shishbarak.
• Galayet bandora (قلاية بندورة): Tomatoes sauteed and stewed with onions, olive oil, salt, and hot peppers, it can be served with rice but is more commonly eaten with bread in Jordan,It is indispensable for all classes of people in all governorates.
• Falafel (فلافل): Balls of fried chickpea flour and Middle Eastern spice. Dipped in every mezze, especially hummus. The Jordanian falafel balls tend to come in smaller sizes.
• Hummus, Ful medames (حمص وفول مدمس): These are foods usually served for breakfast, especially on Fridays. They are also served as appetizers for lunch and dinner.

Sweets

• Baklava (بقلاوة)—a dessert made with thin layers of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and soaked in honey or syrup.
• Knafeh (كُنافة)—a cheese pastry of shredded phyllo soaked in sugar-based syrup.
• Qatayef (قطايف)—a sweet dumpling stuffed with cream and pistachios. Consumed during Ramadan.
• Warbat (وربات)—a pastry of thin layers of phyllo pastry filled with custard. Often eaten during the month of Ramadan.

Area and population

• Population of Irbid Governorate: (2,095,700)
• Governorate area:- (1572 km²) (625.9 mi²)