Ajloun Governorate

About Ajloun Governorate

• Ajloun Governorate (alternative spelling Ajlun Governorate) (Arabic: محافظة عجلون) is one of the governorates of Jordan, located north of Amman the capital of Jordan. Ajloun Governorate has the fourth highest population density in Jordan (after Irbid, Jerash, and Balqa Governorates) with a population density of 350.1 people/km2 (2012 estimate). It is bordered by Jerash Governorate from the south east and Irbid Governorate from the north and west.
• The town of Ajloun is dominated by a twelfth century fortress, a very good example of Islamic military architecture. Called Qal 'at al-Rabad, the fortress was built in the late 12th century by Izz al-Din, Saladin's nephew and one of his generals. It is surrounded by a moat dug out of solid rock.
• Along with Balqa and Karak governorates, Ajloun was formerly a united sanjak of the Ottoman Empire.

Geographical location

• Qasabat Ajloun Brigade, Kafranja Brigade

Cities, towns, and villages

Climate

Archeological sites

• Ajlun Castle (also Qalʻat 'Ajloun or Qalʻat ar-Rabad or Rabadh Castle, Arabic: قلعة الربض / قلعة عجلون).
  An Islamic fortress, built during the period of the Crusades. It is placed on a hilltop belonging to the Mount Ajloun district, also known as Jabal Auf after a Bedouin tribe which had captured the area in the 12th century.
  The castle is an interesting maze of passages and levels, and offers a wonderful view of the surrounding area, northwestern Jordan, and off into Galilee.
  The castle was built in 1184-1885 AD and was one of the few fortresses built to protect the country against Crusader attacks from both the west and the north. It also controlled the area around it, including another of its major objectives, to control the iron mines in the area. The castle is one of the best preserved and most complete examples of medieval Arab-Islamic military architecture.
  Ajloun Castle dominated the three main routes leading to the Jordan valley and protected the trade and commercial routes between Jordan and Syria. It became an important link in the defensive chain against the Crusaders who unsuccessfully spent decades trying to capture the castle and the nearby village.
  From the top of the castle, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and the highlands of north Jordan. Excavations have recently identified a church that was built on the castle site in the earlier Byzantine period, while restoration and conservation works have made all areas of the castle accessible and safe for visitors.
• Great Ajloun Mosque (مسجد عجلون الكبير)
  The Great Mosque of Ajloun is considered one of the oldest historical mosques in Jordan, dating back to 1247CE, after the Al-Husseini Mosque in Amman - considering that the Al-Husseini Mosque is built on the ruins of the old Umayyad Mosque - and is located in the center of the city of Ajloun in northern Jordan, and its construction dates back to the Ayyubid and Mamluk eras. It is distinguished by its antique and beautiful interior design, as well as its beautiful stone structure and high minaret from the outside.
• Listeb Mosque (مسجد لستب الأثري)
  One of the oldest historical mosques in Jordan, located in Ajloun Governorate/ in the Ishtafina area in the village of "Listab", which is known in heritage sources as Al-Istab. The mosque dates back to the Umayyad era, and the mosque has been recently maintained, restored and rehabilitated, but it is still closed and not used for prayer. Although it is not currently used for prayer, visiting the Listab Mosque is a unique experience. You can enjoy wandering inside the mosque and exploring its architectural and historical details, taking photographs and enjoying the tranquility and spirituality.
• Shrine for Al-Khadir (مقام الخضر )
• Ajloun Forest Reserve (محمية غابات عجلون)
  A 13-km² (5 sq mi) protected forest run by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in the area around the village of Umm Al-Yanabi. The reserve features multiple hiking trails of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty.
• Tell Mar Elias (كنيسة مار الياس (ليستب))
  An archaeological mound, located slightly outside the town limits and northwest of Ajloun in the Ajloun Governorate, northern Jordan, in the historical region of Gilead. It is close to the ruins of a village known as Listib.
  "Mar Elias", the site of two very old churches and the reputed area where the prophet Elijah was born.

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 Ajloun Governorate: (208,500)
• Governorate area: (420 km²) (160 mi²)