Irbid Governorate

About Irbid Governorate

• 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 (متحف دار السرايا)
• Dar Al-Nabulsi has become a museum and a park for the downtown area (دار النابلسي)
• Antiquities Museum in Irbid (متحف الآثار في إربد)
• Tel Irbid (تل إربد)
• Old goldsmiths market (سوق الصاغة القديم)
• Home of the Jordanian poet Arar (منزل عرار)
• Sharif House (adjacent to Nabulsi House) (بيت الشريف)
• Old Mamluk mosque (المسجد المملوكي القديم)

• Umm Qais or (Gadara) (Arabic: أم قيس, lit. 'Mother of Qais') is the most popular tourist destination in the governorate.
• Bayt Ras (بيت راس)
• Tabaqat Fahli - Bila (طبقة فحل – بيلا)
• Quilibat - 'Abila (قويلبة – أبيلا)
• Beit Ras Cemetery (مدفن بيت رأس)

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)