The Enchanting Oasis of Dana

• HelloMarhaba
  [mar-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeMa'a as-salama
  [ma-a as-sa-la-ma]
• YesNa'am
  [na-am]
• NoLa
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeMin fadlik
  [min fa-dlik]
• Thank youShukran
  [shu-kran]
• Excuse me/SorryAasif
  [aa-sif]
• How are you?Kif halak?
  [keef ha-lak]
• Fine. And you?Mni7. Wint?
  [mni-h. win-t]
• Do you speak English?bet7ki inglizi?
  [bet-hki in-gli-zi]
• I don't understandAna mish fahim
  [a-na meesh fa-heem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBiddi ashuf il qaimat, min fadlik
  [bi-ddi a-shuf il qai-mat, min fa-dlik]
• I don't eat meatAna ma biakul la7m
  [a-na ma bi-a-kul la-hm]
• Cheers!Fe sa7teik
  [fe sa-h-teik]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBiddi asaffar, min fadlik
  [bi-ddi a-saf-far, min fa-dlik]

• Help!Musa3ada!
  [mu-sa-a-da]
• Go away!Ruh halak!
  [ruh ha-lak]
• Call the Police!Itsal al-shurta!
  [itsal al-shur-ta]
• Call a doctor!Itsal tabib!
  [itsal ta-bib]
• I'm lostTawwalt
  [taw-walt]
• I'm illAna mareed
  [a-na ma-reed]

• I'd like to buy...Biddi ashtari...
  [bi-ddi ash-ta-ri]
• I'm just lookingAna bas bi-shuf
  [a-na bas bi-shuf]
• How much is it?Kam huwa thamanu?
  [kam hu-wa tha-ma-nu]
• That's too expensiveHatha ghali jiddan
  [ha-tha gha-li jid-dan]
• Can you lower the price?Momkin takhaf althaman?
  [mom-kin ta-khaf al-tha-man]

• What time is it?Kam el sa3a?
  [kam el sa-a]
• It's one o'clockSa3a wahda
  [sa-a wah-da]
• Half past (10)Nisf el 3ashra
  [nisf el a-shra]
• MorningSaba7
  [sa-ba-h]
• AfternoonDuhur
  [du-hur]
• Evening3asha
  [a-sha]
• YesterdayMsaa elbari7
  [msa el-ba-rih]
• TodayEl yawm
  [el yawm]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [gha-dan]
• 1Wahid
  [wa-hid]
• 2Itnain
  [it-nain]
• 3Thalatha
  [tha-la-tha]
• 4Arba3a
  [ar-ba-a]
• 5Khamsa
  [kham-sa]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-ta]
• 7Saba3a
  [sa-ba-a]
• 8Thamania
  [tha-ma-ni-a]
• 9Tis3a
  [tis-a]
• 10Ashra
  [a-shra]

• Where's a/the...?Wen el...
  [wen el]
• What's the address?Shu el 3nwan?
  [shu el an-wan]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Momkin torini?
  [mom-kin to-ri-ni]
• When's the next (bus)?Ithani el bas?
  [i-tha-ni el bas]
• A ticket (to ....)Talat
  [ta-lat]

Dana, located in southern Jordan, has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological findings suggest that the area was first settled by the Edomites around 5000 BC. The region's rich natural resources, including copper, attracted early settlers who established a thriving community.

During the 4th century BC, the Nabataeans, an Arab tribe, took control of Dana and the surrounding areas. They developed an intricate system of water channels and reservoirs to support agriculture and trade. The Nabataeans are renowned for their rock-cut architecture and advanced engineering skills, which are still visible in the region today.

In 106 AD, the Roman Empire annexed the Nabataean Kingdom, including Dana. The Romans introduced new infrastructure, such as roads and fortifications. Dana became an important stop along the King's Highway, a major trade route that connected the Arabian Peninsula with the Levant and Egypt.

During the Byzantine period (330-1453 AD), Dana continued to flourish as a trading hub. Christianity spread throughout the region, and several churches were built. The remnants of Byzantine architecture and religious structures can still be seen in and around Dana.

The Ottoman Empire ruled Dana from the early 16th century until World War I. The Ottomans maintained the area's agricultural productivity and trade routes. Dana's traditional stone houses and terraced fields date back to this period, reflecting the Ottoman influence on local architecture and land use.

In the late 20th century, Dana gained recognition for its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage. In 1989, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) established the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan's largest nature reserve. The reserve aims to protect the area's diverse ecosystems and promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that Dana's historical and natural legacy is preserved for future generations.

Dana is located in southern Jordan, approximately 200 kilometers from Amman, the capital city. The nearest international airport is Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. From Amman, you can take a bus or hire a private taxi to Dana. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours by road. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive yourself, which allows more flexibility to explore the surrounding areas.

Dana is a small village, and most of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are available but might be limited. Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the Dana Biosphere Reserve and other nearby attractions at your own pace. Public transportation options are limited, so it's advisable to plan ahead.

The official currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas like Dana. ATMs are available in larger towns nearby, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash before arriving in Dana to ensure you have enough funds.

Dana is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific areas in Dana known for high crime rates targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always advisable.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The nearest medical facilities and police stations are located in towns close to Dana, such as Tafila or Ma'an. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the nearby towns where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a slight bow of the head as a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Dana like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Jordanian goods. Engage with locals, as they are friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss exploring the Dana Biosphere Reserve, which offers stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and bird-watching. For a unique experience, consider staying in one of the eco-lodges in the reserve, which offer a closer connection to nature.