Kerak: A Fortress of History and Culture in Jordan

• HelloMarhaba
  [mar-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeMa'a as-salama
  [ma-a as-sa-la-ma]
• YesNa'am
  [na-am]
• NoLa
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeMin fadlak
  [min fad-lak]
• Thank youShukran
  [shuk-ran]
• Excuse me/SorryAfsos
  [af-sos]
• How are you?Kif halak?
  [keef ha-lak]
• Fine. And you?Mni7. Winta?
  [mnee-ha. win-ta]
• Do you speak English?Bititkalam inglizi?
  [bi-teet-ka-lam in-glee-zi]
• I don't understandMaba fahim
  [ma-ba fa-heem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBiddi ara al-qayim min fadlak
  [bid-dee a-ra al-ka-yim min fad-lak]
• I don't eat meatMaba akol lahm
  [ma-ba a-kol lahm]
• Cheers!Sahtain
  [sah-tayn]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBiddi adfa', min fadlak
  [bid-dee ad-fa, min fad-lak]

• Help!Musa'ada!
  [mu-sa-a-da]
• Go away!Iz3al!
  [iz-aal]
• Call the Police!Id3o al-bulisia!
  [id-a-o al-bu-lee-si-a]
• Call a doctor!Id3o tabib!
  [id-a-o ta-beeb]
• I'm lostGha'it
  [gha-it]
• I'm illAna mareed
  [a-na ma-reed]

• I'd like to buy...Biddi ashri...
  [bid-dee ash-ree]
• I'm just lookingAna bas bi-tshuf
  [a-na bas bi-tshoof]
• How much is it?Kam haza?
  [kam ha-za]
• That's too expensiveHaza ghali jiddan
  [ha-za ghah-lee jid-dan]
• Can you lower the price?Mumkin takhaff el-sar?
  [mum-keen tak-haff el-sar]

• What time is it?Kam el-sa'a?
  [kam el-sa-a]
• It's one o'clockHua al-wahid
  [hwa al-wa-heed]
• Half past (10)Nos sa3a (10)
  [nos sa-a (10)]
• MorningSaba7
  [sa-ba-ha]
• AfternoonDuhur
  [du-hur]
• EveningMasa'
  [ma-sa]
• YesterdayAms
  [am-s]
• TodayAl-yawm
  [al-yawm]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [gha-dan]
• 1Wahid
  [wa-heed]
• 2Itnayn
  [it-nayn]
• 3Thalatha
  [tha-la-tha]
• 4Arba'a
  [ar-ba-a]
• 5Khamsa
  [kham-sa]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-ta]
• 7Sab3a
  [sab-a]
• 8Thamanya
  [tha-man-ya]
• 9Tis3a
  [tis-a]
• 10Ashara
  [a-sha-ra]

• Where's a/the...?Wayn al...?
  [wayn al]
• What's the address?Shu el-3enwan?
  [shoo el-an-wan]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mumkin ti3ini (3ala al-kharita)?
  [mum-keen tee-a-nee (a-la al-kha-ree-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Emta al-bus al-tali?
  [em-ta al-bus al-ta-lee]
• A ticket (to ....)Takket (ila ....)
  [tak-ket (il-la)]

Kerak, known historically as Characmoba, has roots that trace back to the Iron Age. It was a prominent city within the ancient kingdom of Moab, mentioned in biblical texts. The city's strategic location on the King's Highway made it an important center for trade and military activity.

During the Byzantine era, Kerak continued to flourish as a key city in the region. It became a bishopric and saw the construction of several churches. With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, Kerak was incorporated into the expanding Islamic caliphates, and its strategic importance remained undiminished.

One of the most defining periods in Kerak's history came during the Crusades. In 1142, Pagan the Butler, a Crusader lord, began the construction of the formidable Kerak Castle. This fortress, perched on a hilltop, became a crucial stronghold for the Crusaders and played a significant role in their military campaigns in the region.

The Siege of Kerak in 1183 is one of the most dramatic episodes in the city’s history. Saladin, the Sultan of Egypt and Syria, laid siege to the castle in an attempt to capture it from the Crusaders. Despite the intense assault, the fortress withstood the siege, showcasing its formidable defenses. Eventually, however, the castle fell to Saladin in 1188.

Following the Crusader period, Kerak became part of the Mamluk Sultanate in the 13th century. The Mamluks reinforced the castle and used it as a strategic military outpost. Later, in the 16th century, Kerak came under Ottoman control. The Ottomans maintained the castle's military significance, and it continued to serve as a garrison and administrative center.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Kerak saw gradual modernization while retaining its historical charm. The town expanded around the ancient fortress, and today, Kerak Castle stands as a testament to the city's rich and tumultuous history. Efforts have been made to preserve the castle and other historical sites, making Kerak a vital destination for those interested in Jordan’s historical and cultural heritage.

Kerak is located approximately 140 kilometers south of Amman, Jordan's capital. The nearest major airport is Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Kerak. The journey by car takes around 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Amman's South Bus Station to Kerak; buses run several times a day and are an economical choice.

Kerak is a small city, and many of its attractions, including the famous Kerak Castle, are within walking distance. Taxis are available and can be hailed from the street or booked through hotel receptions. Public buses and minibuses (known locally as 'servees') connect Kerak with nearby towns and cities. Renting a car is also an option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

The official currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Kerak. However, it is advisable to carry cash for small purchases and in more rural areas. ATMs are available in Kerak, but it is a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash before leaving larger cities like Amman.

Kerak is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is recommended to take standard precautions, such as not 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 Kerak, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always wise.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Kerak has a local police station and medical facilities. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies in Kerak offer 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 remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. 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. A slight nod is also 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 Kerak like a local, visit the local souk (market) 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 city’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting Kerak Castle, a significant historical site. For a unique experience, try the local cuisine at family-run restaurants. Also, consider attending local festivals or cultural events if your visit coincides with one.