Umm Al-Jimāl is a historic rural settlement located in northern Jordan, which was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2024. The area is highly regarded for its cultural value, preserving Byzantine and early Islamic architectural remains and an innovative water collection system. This article provides a detailed overview of Umm Al-Jimāl and the reasons for its registration as a World Heritage Site.
Who is Umm Al-Jimal?
Overview of Umm Al-Jimar
Umm al-Jimar is a historic rural settlement located in northern Jordan. The settlement developed spontaneously on the remains of a Roman settlement around the 5th century and continued until the 8th century. The settlement's architecture is mainly made of basalt and consists of domestic and religious buildings. Byzantine and early Islamic architecture has been preserved and is a prime example of the local style of the Hauran region. Also, some early Roman military buildings were reused and incorporated into the town by later inhabitants.
Geographic location and access
Umm al-Jimar is located in the New Umm al-Jimar Municipality in Mafraq Governorate, Jordan. The region is part of the Hauran Plateau, which stretches from southern Syria to northern Jordan, and is a region with a rich historical heritage. It is relatively easy to access, and can be reached from nearby cities and tourist destinations via major road networks. There are also tourist facilities and information centres on-site, and visitors can take advantage of tours and guided services to explore the historical ruins.
Modern-day Umm al-Jimar
Modern Umm Al-Jimar is an area where historical heritage and modern life coexist. Parts of the ruins are still used by local residents, and conservation activities are also being carried out for tourists. After the site was enclosed in 1972, a modern town developed around it. Local residents cooperate in preserving the ruins and developing tourism while continuing to farm and raise livestock. In recent years, they have also focused on revitalizing the local economy by developing tourist facilities and offering guided tours. Modern Umm Al-Jimar offers a unique cultural landscape where the past and present blend together, making it a place where visitors can experience its rich history and culture.
History of Umm al-Jimar
Umm al-Jimar from the Nabataean period
Umm al-Jimar's history begins in the 1st century as part of the Nabataean Kingdom, a powerful trading kingdom stretching from the Red Sea to Jordan and Syria, under whose rule Umm al-Jimar became an important trading post. Remains from this period have been found in the area known as the "Early Village", located in the southeastern part of the settlement. This area is characterized by Nabataean-influenced architecture and agricultural techniques, which laid the foundation for the economic and cultural development of the region.
Development of the Roman Empire
When the Roman Empire annexed the Nabataean territories and began to rule them as a province of Arabia in the 2nd century, Umm al-Jimar entered a new period of development. The Romans built a large town here that served as the military and administrative center of the empire. Notable structures from this period include the Western Gate, the Praetorium, part of the town wall, and a water storage basin. These buildings, which combined Roman building techniques with the local building material basalt, formed the foundation of the town of Umm al-Jimar.
Byzantine and early Islamic settlements
Between the 5th and 8th centuries, Umm al-Jimar flourished as a Byzantine and early Islamic settlement. During this period, numerous basalt buildings were constructed that reflected local architectural styles. The town was surrounded by stone walls, with five gates, and multi-storey houses arranged in three neighborhoods. Sixteen churches were also built, six of which were freestanding and ten were located within residential complexes. The Islamic period also saw religious changes, with residential rooms being converted into mosques and minarets being added. During this period, Roman buildings were reused and integrated into Byzantine and Islamic architecture.
The decline and rediscovery of Umm al-Jimar
From the 8th century onwards, Umm al-Jimar was gradually abandoned due to environmental, political and economic factors, as the main trade routes changed and the local economy declined. The settlement was then used occasionally as a temporary shelter for nomads and pilgrims. In the 19th and 20th centuries, some buildings were reoccupied by the Druze and Mas'aid Bedouin communities. Archaeological interest grew in the early 20th century, and excavations began in 1956, which led to the rediscovery of Umm al-Jimar's historical value.
Modern-day reuse and conservation
In 1972, Umm al-Jimar was officially designated a protected area, and efforts to preserve and reuse the ruins began. In modern-day Umm al-Jimar, active conservation efforts are underway, and tourism facilities are being developed. Local communities participate in tour guides and archaeological excavations, contributing to the economic development of the area. Restoration of the cathedral was completed in 2016, and revitalization of the water collection system has been underway since 2019. These efforts have enabled Umm al-Jimar to coexist with modern society while maintaining its value as a historical heritage.
Why Umm al-Jimar was inscribed on the World Heritage List
Preservation of local architecture
Umm al-Jimar is recognised for its remarkable preservation of the architecture unique to the Hauran region. The town's buildings are built primarily using local basalt and their design and construction techniques reflect the architectural traditions of the region. Many buildings are multi-storey and feature narrow stone staircases and arched windows. These structures are typical of Byzantine and early Islamic rural settlements and their good state of preservation provides important evidence of the continuation and development of local building techniques.
Symbols of the Hauran culture
Umm al-Jimar is regarded as an iconic example of the Hauran culture, a vast plateau stretching from southern Syria to northern Jordan whose culture is based on agriculture and pastoralism. The inhabitants of Umm al-Jimar have used local traditions and techniques to sustain themselves in the harsh environment. The town's design and architecture reflect the social values and lifestyle of the Hauran culture, making it highly valued as a cultural heritage site.
Innovative water collection system
Umm al-Jimar has an innovative water collection system adapted to the arid environment of the region. The system forms a complex network that covers the entire settlement and includes many reservoirs and channels to efficiently collect and store rainwater, providing the water needed for agriculture and livestock farming, and supporting the lives of its inhabitants. This water collection system is found in other settlements in the Hawran region, but Umm al-Jimar's is the most complete and best-preserved example.
Adapting to socio-cultural changes
Umm Al-Jimar's history is an example of adapting to many socio-cultural changes. The town developed from the Nabataean period through the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic eras. In each period, its inhabitants maintained their own culture and traditions while adapting to new rulers and religions, as evidenced by the reuse of Roman buildings during the Byzantine period and the conversion of churches into mosques during the Islamic period. This makes Umm Al-Jimar an important place in the historical evolution of the region.
Value as an intangible cultural heritage
Umm Al-Jimar also has intangible cultural heritage value. Local residents continue to preserve traditional building techniques and lifestyles, knowledge and skills that have been passed down through generations. Local traditional ceremonies and customs are also continued to this day and are an important part of the cultural identity of the region. This makes Umm Al-Jimar a precious heritage that not only has physical remains but also intangible cultural values.
summary
Umm al-Jimar is a historic rural settlement in northern Jordan that was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2024 for its Byzantine and early Islamic architecture and water collection system. Through this article, you will learn about its architecture, cultural value, innovative water system, and other reasons for its inscription as a World Heritage Site.
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