Aqaba, April 18 (Petra) -- As nations globally marked World Heritage Day on April 18, the coastal city of Aqaba stood out as a premier example of Jordan’s rich cultural and historical tapestry. Recognized by UNESCO since 1983, the day serves as a reminder of Aqaba’s unique position as a crossroads of civilizations linking the Levant, the Hijaz, and Egypt.

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), heritage researcher Abdullah Manzalawi described Aqaba as more than just Jordan’s gateway to the sea. He characterized the city as a "spatiotemporal window" overlooking human history, noting that its geographical surroundings serve as a record for the Pharaonic, Nabataean, Canaanite, Edomite, and Arab Hijazi civilizations.

Manzalawi noted that Aqaba has been inhabited since the dawn of history. Key archaeological sites include Tall al-Maqass, located near the city’s airport, which dates back to the late Chalcolithic period approximately 6,000 years ago. He also highlighted the site of Hujeirat al-Ghizlan north of the city and the Edomite city of Ayla on Tall el-Kheleifi, which dates back to the Bronze Age.

The city’s historical significance is further cemented by the presence of a Byzantine-era church considered one of the oldest in the world alongside Nabataean Ayla and the Islamic city of Ayla, the latter of which serves as a primary model for early Islamic urban planning. Other landmarks contributing to Aqaba’s status as an open-air museum include the Mamluk-era Aqaba Fort, the House of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, the Great Arab Revolt Plaza, and the traditional fishing harbor and palm groves.

Manzalawi emphasized that Aqaba’s cultural heritage is deeply tied to its diverse geography. As a coastal port, the city’s folklore is saturated with maritime themes, ranging from traditional fishing techniques and sea stories to unique musical instruments like the "simsimiyya" and "mirwas".

"The city’s location between major deserts Sinai, Wadi Araba, the Hijaz, and the Syrian Badia has left a clear mark on its traditional dress, dialect, and folk dances," Manzalawi said. He noted that while some residents perform Bedouin-style dances and play the "rababa", others maintain a rural agricultural heritage centered on the "Hafayer," or traditional sunken palm groves, using every part of the palm tree for food, housing, and furniture.

The researcher stressed that despite sharing similarities with neighboring regions, Aqaba’s heritage possesses a distinct identity, particularly evident in the local dialect and traditional women’s attire. This cultural fusion has been molded into a cohesive and attractive social fabric.

The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, in cooperation with the Department of Antiquities, continues to work on preserving these sites. Current efforts are focused on documenting local heritage for potential inclusion on the World Heritage List, enhancing archaeological excavations, and restoring historical landmarks to integrate them into Jordan’s national tourism products.

//Petra// AF

18/04/2026 20:00:45