Mafraq: The Crossroads of History and Culture

• 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/SorryAfwan
  [Af-wan]
• How are you?Kif halak?
  [Kif ha-lak]
• Fine. And you?Mni7. O inta?
  [Mn-i7. O in-ta]
• Do you speak English?Bititkalam inglizi?
  [Bi-tit-ka-lam in-gli-zi]
• I don't understandMa fahimt
  [Ma fa-himt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBiddi ashuf il menu, min fadlik
  [Bid-di a-shuf il me-nu, min fad-lik]
• I don't eat meatAna ma bakul la7m
  [An-a ma ba-kul lah-m]
• Cheers!Saha!
  [Sa-ha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBiddi a-salli, min fadlik
  [Bid-di a-sal-li, min fad-lik]

• Help!Musa3ada!
  [Mu-sa-3a-da]
• Go away!Imshi!
  [Im-shi]
• Call the Police!Itell il boulis!
  [Itell il bou-lis]
• Call a doctor!Itell tabib!
  [Itell ta-bib]
• I'm lostGhareb
  [Gha-reb]
• I'm illAna mareed
  [An-a ma-reed]

• I'd like to buy...Biddi ashtri...
  [Bid-di ash-tri]
• I'm just lookingAna bafham
  [An-a ba-fham]
• How much is it?Kam hada?
  [Kam ha-da]
• That's too expensiveHada ghali kteer
  [Ha-da gha-li ktee-er]
• Can you lower the price?Bitit7asaf 3al siir?
  [Bi-ti-t7a-saf 3al siir]

• What time is it?Kam il waqt?
  [Kam il waqt]
• It's one o'clockHada sa3a wahda
  [Ha-da sa-3a wah-da]
• Half past (10)Nisf 3ashra
  [Nisf 3a-shra]
• MorningSabah
  [Sa-bah]
• AfternoonDuhur
  [Du-hur]
• EveningMasa
  [Ma-sa]
• YesterdayAms
  [Ams]
• TodayLyom
  [L-yom]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [Gha-dan]
• 1Wahid
  [Wa-hid]
• 2Itnain
  [It-nain]
• 3Tleta
  [Tle-ta]
• 4Arba3a
  [Ar-ba-3a]
• 5Khamsa
  [Kham-sa]
• 6Sitta
  [Sit-ta]
• 7Saba3a
  [Sa-ba-3a]
• 8Thamania
  [Tha-ma-ni-a]
• 9Tis3a
  [Tis-3a]
• 10Ashra
  [Ash-ra]

• Where's a/the...?Wayn il...
  [Wayn il]
• What's the address?Shu il address?
  [Shu il ad-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bitirini (3ala il khareeta)?
  [Bi-ti-ri-ni (3a-la il kha-ree-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Izay il 7areek il talet?
  [Izay il 7a-reek il ta-let]
• A ticket (to ....)Talat (ila ....)
  [Ta-lat (il-la)]

Mafraq, historically known as 'Qasr Al-Mushatta,' boasts a rich tapestry of ancient civilizations dating back to the early Bronze Age. Archaeological digs have unearthed artifacts that indicate the region was a crossroads for ancient nomadic tribes and settled communities. Its strategic location on the trade routes connected it to major cities like Petra and Jerash.

During the Roman era, Mafraq became an important military outpost. The Romans established the city as part of the Provincia Arabia, and it served as a crucial hub for Roman legions. The ruins of Qasr Al-Mushatta, a Roman palace, stand as a testament to this period, showcasing intricate stone carvings and elaborate architectural designs.

In the Byzantine period, Mafraq continued to flourish under Christian rule. Numerous churches and monasteries were built, reflecting the city's growing religious significance. The remnants of Byzantine-era mosaics and religious artifacts can still be found in the area, providing insight into the spiritual life of its past inhabitants.

During the 7th century, the Islamic conquest brought significant changes to Mafraq. The city came under the rule of the Rashidun, Umayyad, and Abbasid Caliphates. The Umayyad Qasr Al-Mshatta palace, with its grandiose architecture and ornate decorations, exemplifies the artistic and cultural renaissance that occurred under Islamic rule.

Under Ottoman rule, Mafraq evolved into a vital administrative center. The Ottomans expanded the city's infrastructure, building roads and fortifications. The arrival of the Hejaz Railway in the early 20th century marked a significant milestone, connecting Mafraq to major cities like Damascus and Medina, and spurring economic growth and modernization.

In the 20th century, Mafraq played a pivotal role during the Great Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule. The city became a base for Arab forces and witnessed several key battles. Post-independence, Mafraq emerged as a vital military and logistics hub for Jordan, with the establishment of the King Hussein Air Base and other strategic installations.

Today, Mafraq is a melting pot of cultures, reflecting its historical legacy as a crossroads of civilizations. The city hosts a diverse population, including Bedouin tribes, Circassians, and Palestinians. Mafraq's cultural heritage is celebrated through various festivals, traditional crafts, and culinary delights, offering a glimpse into the rich and varied tapestry of its history.

Mafraq is located in northern Jordan and is accessible via several routes. The nearest international airport is Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, which is approximately 80 kilometers away. From Amman, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use public buses to reach Mafraq. The journey by road typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. There are also minibus services (known as 'servees') that operate between Amman and Mafraq.

Within Mafraq, taxis are the most common form of transportation and are relatively inexpensive. Public buses and minibuses (servees) are also available and connect various parts of the city and nearby villages. Car rentals are an option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Walking is feasible for short distances, especially in the city center.

The official currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available in Mafraq, making it easy to withdraw cash as needed.

Mafraq is generally safe for tourists, but standard 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 high-crime areas targeting tourists; however, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Mafraq has local police stations and medical facilities available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the town for minor health issues 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 and remove shoes 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, but be mindful that some may prefer not to shake hands with the opposite gender. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mafraq 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 city's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the ancient ruins and historical sites that are scattered throughout the region. For a unique experience, attend a traditional Bedouin event or festival to immerse yourself in the local culture.