Amman, April 19 (Petra) -- Ghaleb Arabiat, President of the Jordanian Historians Association, stated on Sunday that protecting the kingdom’s tangible and intangible heritage is a shared national responsibility requiring synchronized efforts from both the government and the community.

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra) marking World Heritage Day, Arabiat emphasized that Jordan serves as a living model for the meeting of civilizations. He noted that the country’s physical heritage stands as a testament to a succession of cultures, ranging from the Nabataeans and Romans to the Islamic era.

World Heritage Day, observed annually on April 18 since its establishment by UNESCO in 1983, aims to highlight the importance of safeguarding human cultural legacies as vital components of collective memory and identity.

Arabiat highlighted several Jordanian sites on the World Heritage List, including the "Rose City" of Petra, the Roman ruins of Jerash, the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the historical sites of Umm al-Jimal, Qusayr Amra, and Salt. He stressed that heritage extends beyond these major landmarks to include historic castles, traditional markets, and heritage homes that maintain their authentic character.

The historian also pointed to the significance of intangible heritage, which he described as the "soul of Jordanian society." This includes authentic customs, folk arts such as the Dahiyya and Samer, traditional handicrafts, and Jordanian cuisine most notably Mansaf all of which strengthen national belonging across generations.

Arabiat noted a growing trend toward reviving traditional crafts that have been impacted by modernization. He called for increased support for artisans through training workshops and heritage festivals to market traditional products and bridge the gap between the past and present.

Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of employing modern scientific methods in the maintenance and restoration of archaeological sites to preserve their historical and architectural value. He added that raising community awareness to prevent encroachments on these sites is a fundamental part of sustainability efforts.

The historian concluded by asserting that heritage preservation cannot succeed without active community participation. He described citizens as primary partners in protecting this legacy through volunteer work and by fostering awareness among the youth regarding the importance of their ancestral inheritance.

//Petra// AF

19/04/2026 21:09:07