Ma'an: The Gateway to Jordan's Hidden Gems

• 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/SorryAssef
  [as-sef]
• How are you?Kif halak?
  [kif ha-lak]
• Fine. And you?Tamam. Wa ant?
  [ta-mam. wa ant]
• Do you speak English?Betetkalem inglizi?
  [be-tet-ka-lem in-gli-zi]
• I don't understandAna mish fahim
  [a-na mish fa-him]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBiddi ara il-qeemat, min fadlik
  [bid-di a-ra il-qee-mat, min fad-lik]
• I don't eat meatAna mish bakul lahme
  [a-na mish ba-kul lah-me]
• Cheers!Sahtein!
  [sa-ha-tein]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBiddi asir, min fadlik
  [bid-di a-sir, min fad-lik]

• Help!Najduni!
  [naj-du-ni]
• Go away!Ruh hunaak!
  [ruh hu-naak]
• Call the Police!Ida' al-shurta!
  [i-da al-shur-ta]
• Call a doctor!Ida' Tabib!
  [i-da' ta-beeb]
• I'm lostGha'iyab
  [gha-i-yab]
• I'm illAna mareed
  [a-na ma-reed]

• I'd like to buy...Biddi ashtri...
  [bid-di ash-tri]
• I'm just lookingAna bakhudh hawa
  [a-na ba-khudh ha-wa]
• How much is it?Kam haleeh?
  [kam ha-lee]
• That's too expensiveHatha ghali jiddan
  [ha-tha gha-li ji-dan]
• Can you lower the price?Momken takhaf al-siir?
  [mom-ken tak-haf al-seer]

• What time is it?Kam el-sa'a?
  [kam el-sa-a]
• It's one o'clockHuwa el-wahid
  [hu-wa el-wa-hid]
• Half past (10)Nisf el-ashra
  [nisf el-ash-ra]
• MorningSabaah
  [sa-baah]
• AfternoonDuhur
  [du-hur]
• EveningMasaa
  [ma-saa]
• YesterdayAms
  [ams]
• TodayAl-yom
  [al-yom]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [gha-dan]
• 1Waahid
  [wa-hid]
• 2Ithnayn
  [ith-nayn]
• 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]
• 10Ashra
  [ash-ra]

• Where's a/the...?Wayn il...
  [wayn il]
• What's the address?Shu il-alamat?
  [shu il-a-la-mat]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Momken tetrikni (ala al-kharita)?
  [mom-ken te-trik-ni (ala al-kha-ri-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Emta il-gaay il-aati?
  [em-ta il-ga-y il-a-ti]
• A ticket (to ....)Talat
  [ta-lat]

Ma'an's history stretches back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting that the area was inhabited as early as 4,000 BCE. The city was significantly influenced by the Nabateans, an ancient Arab people who established a powerful trading network across the region. Ma'an served as a crucial stop on the trade routes that connected the Arabian Peninsula with the Mediterranean, and it played a vital role in the exchange of goods such as spices, textiles, and incense.

In 106 CE, the Roman Empire annexed the Nabatean Kingdom, incorporating Ma'an into the newly established province of Arabia Petraea. Under Roman rule, the city continued to thrive as a commercial hub. The Romans built roads and infrastructure that enhanced Ma'an's connectivity with other major cities of the empire. The remnants of Roman architecture and roadways can still be seen in and around Ma'an, offering a glimpse into its prosperous past during this era.

With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, Ma'an became an important site for the early Islamic Caliphates. The city was strategically located along the pilgrimage route to Mecca, known as the Hajj route, which brought a steady flow of travelers and pilgrims to the region. During the Crusader period, Ma'an saw various conflicts as the Crusaders and Muslim forces vied for control. The Ayyubid Sultan Saladin eventually captured Ma'an, further solidifying its status within the Islamic world.

Ma'an fell under Ottoman rule in the early 16th century and remained part of the Ottoman Empire until World War I. During this period, the city continued to serve as a key juncture on the pilgrimage route to Mecca. The Ottomans built a number of forts and caravanserais to protect and accommodate travelers. The construction of the Hejaz Railway in the early 20th century, which connected Damascus to Medina, further enhanced Ma'an's importance as a transportation and logistics hub.

Ma'an played a significant role in the Great Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule during World War I. Led by Sharif Hussein bin Ali and his sons, including the famous Lawrence of Arabia, the revolt aimed to establish an independent Arab state. Ma'an was a strategic target due to its location on the Hejaz Railway. The successful capture of Ma'an by Arab forces in 1918 marked a turning point in the revolt. Following the war, Ma'an became part of the newly established Emirate of Transjordan, which later evolved into the modern Kingdom of Jordan.

Today, Ma'an is a bustling city that continues to reflect its rich historical tapestry. It is home to several educational institutions, including Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, and serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of southern Jordan. The city's historical significance, coupled with its vibrant culture and community, makes it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking to explore the depths of Jordanian history and heritage.

Ma'an is located in the southern part of Jordan. The closest international airport is Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, which is about 210 kilometers away. From Amman, you can take a bus from the JETT Bus Company, which offers regular services to Ma'an. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to make the journey, which typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by road.

Ma'an is a small city, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public minibuses (known as 'servees') operate within the city and connect to nearby villages. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Ma'an, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Ma'an is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Ma'an does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Ma'an. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city 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. Women should cover their heads 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. Men should wait for women to extend their hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ma'an like a local, visit the local souks (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 city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the ancient city of Petra, which is a short drive from Ma'an and one of Jordan's most famous attractions. For a unique experience, attend a traditional Bedouin tea ceremony.