Historical Sites and Archaeological Landmarks in Mafraq Governorate

Overview of Mafraq Governorate

Mafraq Governorate is one of the twelve governorates that make up the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It is the second largest governorate in terms of area, second only to Ma'an. The vast majority of its land constitutes the Northern Badia (desert) region.

Economic Importance

Over the past few years, the governorate has seen clear growth in the industrial and agricultural sectors. The Northern Badia region has transformed into a major source of agricultural and livestock production. This transformation occurred as the desert turned into green fields, largely due to the widespread drilling of artesian wells in the area. Mafraq is now considered the second largest source of agricultural produce in Jordan, after the Jordan Valley.

Location and Naming

The city of Mafraq was previously named Al-Faddain (the diminutive of Al-Fadn, meaning 'a fortified castle or palace'). It was later named Al-Mafraq (literally 'the junction city') due to its crucial location at the cross-road of international roads. Mafraq connects Jordan with neighboring countries through vital border crossings:

Iraq: Via the Al-Karama border point, located 285 km from the city center.
Syria: Via the Jaber border point, located just 20 km from the city center.

Mafraq Governorate consists of (4) brigades:

Qasabat Al-Mafraq Brigade, Northern Badia Brigade, Northwestern Badia Brigade, Al-Ruwaished Brigade

Cities, Towns, and Villages of Mafraq

1. Al-Mafraq District (Liwa Qasbat Al-Mafraq)

Main Cities & Clusters: Al-Mafraq (Center), Manshiyat Bani Hassan, Aidoun.

Subordinate Villages and Towns: Um an-Na'am Al-Sharqiyah, Um an-Na'am Al-Gharbiyah, Hayyan Al-Mushrif, Al-Muzzeh, Al-Ghadeer Al-Abyad, Bwaidat Al-Hawamdeh, Tayyib Ism, Rajm Saba' Al-Shamali, Al-Ba'aj, Umm Al-Sarb, Al-Mansoura, Thughret Al-Jub, Al-Zubaidiyah, Al-Nahda, Manshiyyat Al-Sulta, Al-Mufradat, Huwayjah, Rawdat Al-Ruway'i, Al-Rabiya, Al-Fuhayliyah, Al-Mushrif, Rawdat Abu Al-Hayyal, Al-Sawaleha, Al-Nasiriyah (Bani Khalid), Al-Bawadi, Al-Khalidiya, Al-Mabrooka, Al-Mushayrifah, Bal'ama, Al-Ziniya, Hayyan Al-Ruwaybid, Khirbat As-Samra', Al-Mazra'a, Al-Nuzha, Al-Bustan, Al-Zaytoona, Khraysan, Manshiyyat Al-Ulayyan, Al-Qahwajee, Al-Faysaliyyah, Al-Zmilah, Al-Nizamiyah, Al-Nahda, Al-Nimra, Al-Marajim, Hamnanah, Umm Suwayweenah, Niyan, Abu Al-Thuhour, Al-Rabwa, Al-Dhahiriyah, Al-Sharifiyah, Al-Tawq, Madawir Al-Nuzha, Al-Qadiriyah, Tall Al-Madhabe', Al-Zughaylah, Al-Qa'ra, Al-Rawda.

2. Northern Badia District (Liwa Al-Badia Ash-Shamaliyya)

Main Clusters: Al-Safawi, Al-Manara, Al-Salhiyyah, Al-Hamidiyya, Al-Ashrafiyya, Al-Bashriyyah, Baladat Bani Hashem, Rahbat Rakkad, Rawdat Prince Hamzah, Nayfeh, Zimlat Prince Ghazi.

Subordinate Villages: Al-Sa'adah, Al-Bustaneh, Al-Qaisouma, Al-Hashimiyya Al-Sharqiyya, Manshiyyat Al-Khalifa, Aliyyat Ash-Shway'er, Al-Zaatari, Umm Al-Jamal, Rawdat Basma, Al-Koum Al-Ahmar, Al-Aqib, Umra wa Umayrah, Al-Sa'idiyyah, Rasm Al-Hissan, Manshiyyat Al-Judou', Al-Nuzha, Al-Rahamat, Manshiyyat Al-Khamees, Manshiyyat Al-Luwaibid, Al-Zuhoor, Hamidiyyat Al-Masa'eed, Taybet Al-Masa'eed, Deir Al-Kahf, Al-Rifaiyyat, Rawdat Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein, Al-Jubaiha, Deir Al-Qinn, Mathnat Rajel, Qasim, Al-Jad'a, Tall Rummah, Uraynibah Al-Nu'aymat, Madwar Al-Qinn, Al-Thallaj, Khusha' Al-Qinn, Al-Suwaylimiyya, Al-Mansoura, Al-Tall Al-Asfar, Jāwa, Murayjib, Umm Hussein, Al-Munaysa, Umm Al-Qittayn, Khusha' Silayteen, Al-Makayfta, Al-Ma'zoola, Manshiyyat Al-Qinnu, Ghadeer An-Naqa, Al-Husainiyyah.

3. North-Western Badia District (Liwa Al-Badia Ash-Shamaliyya Al-Gharbiyya)

Main Clusters: Sama As-Sarhan, Mughayyer As-Sarhan, Ruba' As-Sarhan, Jaber As-Sarhan, Manshiyyat Al-Ku'aiber, Sumayya As-Sarhan, Housha, Al-Hamra, Briqa.

Subordinate Villages: Jaber (Border Center), Zimlat Al-Turqi, Al-Mutilla, Al-Harfooshiyyah, Fa', Al-Harsh, Al-Akida, Al-Khanasiri, Al-Suwaylma, Al-Mushayrifa, Al-Dindaniyya, Al-Durziyya, Al-Khalidiyya, Al-Mabrooka, As-Sahl, Al-Mushrifa, Dhahiyet Al-Hussein, Al-Husayniyyat, Irhab, Al-Dajaniyya, Huwayshan, Al-Ma'mariyya, Bwaidat Al-Ulaymat, Al-Bwaida Al-Gharbiyya, Hamamat Al-Ulaymat, Hamamat Al-Amoush, Al-Duqmusa, Nadira, Al-Madwar, Umm Buttayma, Dahel, As-Suhah, Humayd, Al-Karm, Ain, Al-Za'faranah, Al-Munayfah, Sa'd, Abu As-Sous, Al-Suhri, Umm Husaymasa, Khutla, Umm Rummanah, Madawir Ain, Al-Rishadah, Ain An-Nabi, Deir Waraq, Umm Al-Lulu, Subha, Al-Dafyana, Saba' Asayyer, Subhiyyah, Koum Al-Raff, Manshiyyat Al-Qublan, Al-Faysaliyyah, Al-Hararah.

4. Al-Ruwaished District (Liwa Al-Ruwaished)

Main Towns & Clusters: Al-Ruwaished, Manshiyyat Al-Ghayath, Salhiyyat An-Na'eem, Al-Rawda.

Subordinate Villages: Ar-Risha Al-Gharbiyya, Al-Raqban, Al-Athna, Al-Fayda, Ar-Risha Ash-Sharqiyya, Al-Karama, Al-Mashaqeeq, Rawdat Al-Ruwaished.

The Climate of Mafraq Governorate

Mafraq Governorate is characterized by its vast area and a predominantly desert and dry climate. The average annual rainfall is typically less than 200 mm.
Despite the low rainfall, the governorate is vital for its major water basins (Al-Dulayl, Al-Aqib, and Sama Al-Sarhan Basins), which are crucial to the region's water security and its growing agricultural sector.

Archaeological and Historical Sites in Mafraq Governorate

Mafraq city holds numerous heritage sites that reflect the region's long history and deep cultural significance.

Notable Sites and Monuments

1. Jawa Dam: The Oldest Dam in the World

Jawa Dam

Jawa Dam (سد جاوا)
The Jawa Dam, located in the Mafraq Governorate of eastern Jordan, is the oldest known dam in the world, dating back to the late 4th millennium BC. It is part of a sophisticated water system at the Jawa archaeological site, a proto-urban settlement that engineered dams, canals, and reservoirs to manage scarce seasonal water and support agriculture in its arid environment. The masonry gravity dam was a remarkable feat of early engineering, using gravel and rock fill for stability, and is a testament to the ingenuity of its builders. is not just an archaeological site, but a testament to incredibly ancient engineering ingenuity.

Historical Significance: It is considered the oldest known dam in the world, dating back to around 3000 BC (Early Bronze Age), predating many major civilizations.

Location and Purpose: Located in the far east of Jordan, within the Black Desert (Harrat Ash Sham), a very arid region. It was built by the inhabitants of the "Jawa" settlement to collect and store scarce rainwater for sustaining life and agriculture.

Construction Method: The dam is built from local basalt stones and was part of a sophisticated water system that included channels and cisterns to ensure the settlement's water sustainability.
2. Umm Al-Jimal: The Black Oasis

Umm Al-Jimal is an integrated city reflecting a succession of civilizations, and was recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List (2024).
Architectural Style: The city is renowned for its unique architecture, built entirely from black basalt rocks, earning it the nickname "The Black Oasis."

Successive Civilizations: It flourished first as a Nabataean center, then as a Roman frontier post, later developed in the Byzantine era, and remained inhabited through the Umayyad and Abbasid Islamic periods.
Site Features (Sustainable City):
- It encompasses approximately 150 abandoned structures, including Byzantine churches and fortresses.
- Its water system (cisterns and channels) is evidence of early sustainable engineering for water management.
- It is considered the largest ancient rural settlement in the southern Hauran region.

The Desert Castles of Mafraq (Qusur)

These castles belong to a series of Umayyad and ancient Roman structures in the Eastern Desert, used for various purposes including rest, resource administration, and local governance:

Qasr Burqu' (Burqu' Palace)

Location: Northeast Jordan, Harrat Ash Sham desert.
Origin: Features an old Roman fortified tower that was expanded during the Umayyad era.
Function: Served as an important rest stop on trade routes, surrounded by a large water reservoir.

Qasr Deir al-Kahf (Deir al-Kahf Palace)

Origin: Believed to have begun as a Roman military camp, then converted into a Byzantine monastery.
Development: Became a large settlement or palace complex during the Umayyad period.
Materials: Characterized by its sturdy construction using local black basalt stones.

Qasr al-Seikhein and Rock Inscriptions

Qasr al-Seikhein: An Umayyad palace (administrative center/caravan station).
Rock Inscriptions: Ancient drawings and writings (Thamudic and Nabataean) scattered across the Harrat Ash Sham desert, documenting the lives of early inhabitants.

Did You Know? Quick Facts about the Desert Castles

Multiple Functions: The Desert Castles were not solely for leisure. Umayyad Caliphs used them as watchtowers, temporary governance centers, and sites for hunting and recreation.
Qasr Burqu': Its location is unique because it blends the surrounding volcanic nature with the military architecture of its fortified Roman tower.
Adventurer's Destination: Most of these castles are currently uninhabited, but they remain open to visitors, making them an ideal destination for adventure and exploration.

Jordanian cuisine

Popular foods in Jordan:

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 Mafraq Governorate: (651,100)
Governorate area:- (26,551 km²) (10,251 mi²)

Summary: Mafraq - Where Ancient Engineering Meets Desert Heritage

Mafraq Governorate stands as a testament to human ingenuity with the world's oldest dam at Jawa, the architectural marvel of Umm Al-Jimal's black basalt city now on UNESCO's World Heritage list, and the enduring legacy of desert castles that dot its vast eastern landscapes, making it a crossroads of ancient civilizations and modern resilience.

Keywords:
Mafraq Jordan, Umm Al-Jimal UNESCO, Jawa Dam oldest dam, Desert Castles Mafraq, Qasr Burqu, Black Desert, Harra Sham, Mafraq archaeology, Eastern Desert Jordan, Mafraq tourism, Ancient water management, Basalt architecture

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