The Enchanting Oasis of Dana Village

• 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 fad-lik]
• Thank youShukran
  [shuk-ran]
• Excuse me/SorryAfuwan
  [a-fu-wan]
• How are you?Kaif halak?
  [kaif ha-lak]
• Fine. And you?Jayyid. Wa ant?
  [jay-yid. wa ant]
• Do you speak English?Hal tatakallam al-ingliziya?
  [hal ta-ta-ka-lla-m al-in-gli-zi-ya]
• I don't understandAna la afham
  [a-na la af-ham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAwaddu an adhur al-qaeemat, min fadlik
  [a-wad-du an ad-hur al-qa-e-mat min fad-lik]
• I don't eat meatAna la akl lahman
  [a-na la a-kul lah-man]
• Cheers!Sahtain!
  [sah-tain]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAwaddu an adfa'a, min fadlik
  [a-wad-du an ad-fa-a min fad-lik]

• Help!Musaidah!
  [mu-sai-dah]
• Go away!Irhal!
  [ir-hal]
• Call the Police!Ittasil bil-shurta!
  [it-ta-sil bil-shur-ta]
• Call a doctor!Ittasil bil-tabib!
  [it-ta-sil bil-ta-bib]
• I'm lostGha'ib
  [gha-ib]
• I'm illAna mareed
  [a-na ma-reed]

• I'd like to buy...Awaddu an ashtar...
  [a-wad-du an ash-tar]
• I'm just lookingAna faqat atathabbat
  [a-na fa-qat a-ta-thab-bat]
• How much is it?Kam hadha?
  [kam ha-dha]
• That's too expensiveHadha ghali jiddan
  [ha-dha gha-li jid-dan]
• Can you lower the price?Hal yumkinuk tanzil al-sa'ar?
  [hal yum-ki-nuk tan-zil al-sa-ar]

• What time is it?Kam al-sa'ah?
  [kam al-sa-ah]
• It's one o'clockAlwaahid
  [al-wa-a-hid]
• Half past (10)Nisf
  [nisf]
• MorningSabaah
  [sa-baah]
• AfternoonDuhur
  [du-hur]
• EveningMasaa
  [ma-saa]
• YesterdayAms
  [ams]
• TodayAl-yawm
  [al-yawm]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [gha-dan]
• 1Waahid
  [wa-a-hid]
• 2Itnin
  [it-nin]
• 3Thalatha
  [tha-la-tha]
• 4Arba'a
  [ar-ba-a]
• 5Khamsa
  [kham-sa]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-ta]
• 7Saba'a
  [sa-ba-a]
• 8Thamania
  [tha-ma-ni-a]
• 9Tis'a
  [tis-a]
• 10Ashara
  [a-sha-ra]

• Where's a/the...?Ayna al...
  [ay-na al]
• What's the address?Ma huw al-alamat?
  [ma huw al-a-la-mat]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Hal yumkinuk an turiyani (ala al-kharita)?
  [hal yum-ki-nuk an tu-ri-ya-ni ala al-kha-ri-ta]
• When's the next (bus)?Mata sa yakun al-qadim?
  [ma-ta sa ya-kun al-qa-dim]
• A ticket (to ....)Tathiq (ila ....)
  [ta-thiq ila]

Dana Village, nestled in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, has roots tracing back to the Paleolithic era. Archaeological findings suggest human habitation in the area for over 6,000 years, marking it as a significant site of ancient human activity.

The Nabataeans, famous for their rock-cut city of Petra, extended their influence to Dana. Evidence of Nabataean presence is found in the terraced gardens and water channels that demonstrate their advanced agricultural and water management techniques.

During the Byzantine period, Dana Village saw the construction of several churches as Christianity spread through the region. The remnants of these structures are still visible today, offering a glimpse into the village's religious history.

In the 16th century, Dana Village became part of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans built several structures, including the caravanserai, which served as a rest stop for traders and travelers. This period brought economic growth and architectural development to the village.

In the late 20th century, Dana Village faced depopulation as residents moved to urban areas. However, conservation efforts in the 1990s revitalized the village. The establishment of the Dana Biosphere Reserve helped preserve its natural and cultural heritage, attracting eco-tourists and researchers.

Dana Village is home to the Ata'ta tribe, whose traditions and way of life continue to shape the cultural landscape. The village's stone houses, built in harmony with the surrounding environment, reflect the sustainable practices of its inhabitants.

Dana Village is located in the Tafila Governorate of Jordan. The nearest major city is Amman, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Tafila. From Tafila, Dana Village is about a 20-minute drive. The journey from Amman to Tafila typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by road. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive yourself, enjoying the scenic views along the way.

Dana Village is relatively small, and most of its attractions can be explored on foot. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available. Public transportation options are limited, so renting a car can be a convenient choice for exploring the surrounding areas. Make sure to have a map or GPS, as some rural roads may not be well-signposted.

The official currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger cities, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments in Dana Village. ATMs are not readily available in Dana, so it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Tafila or Amman before traveling.

Dana Village is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Dana Village, but staying vigilant is always best.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The nearest medical facilities are in Tafila, about a 20-minute drive from Dana Village. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Tafila 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 places. 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 smile and a handshake. Using the right hand is considered polite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Dana Village like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Jordanian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the village's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Dana Biosphere Reserve, which offers stunning views and unique wildlife. For a unique experience, consider staying in one of the eco-lodges in the village, which blend traditional architecture with modern comforts.