The social and cultural history of Jabal Amman is a rich reflection of the diversity of cultures, traditions, and values among its inhabitants, as its distinctive character embodied the spirit of the area and its development. This history has shaped people’s relationship with the place, giving it a unique identity and a vibrant memory, manifested in the various aspects of art and culture.
The preservation of cultural heritage through civic participation, especially by young people, is a guarantee that future generations can appreciate this rich heritage and contribute to its continuity. Several programs have proven successful in this field, such as Shoman Cultural Days, implemented in partnership with the Jabal Amman Old Neighborhood Residents Association (Jara), which has contributed to engaging residents in preserving cultural traditions through music, art, and academic participation.
In this context, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) held the fourth panel discussion of the "Jabal Amman: Past, Present, and Future" initiative, entitled: "The Social and Cultural Fabric", on Monday, November 18, 2024. The session was moderated by the consultant at ARDD, Eng. Marah Khayat.
Regarding the Jara Association, vice president of the association, Khader Qawas, pointed out that the association was established with the aim of preserving the heritage and character of the old Jabal Amman neighborhood, and works to introduce the neighborhood and its historical, artistic, and cultural origins, as well as preserving part of its cultural heritage.
On the Jara street market and its cultural and heritage importance, Qawas said: "The Jara street Market, which was launched in 2005, brings together the residents of the Kingdom as a whole. Most of the participants are women from the local community, interested in heritage and arts. They display their products every Friday, with the aim of bringing life back to Rainbow Street and Jabal Amman, this ancient area with its inhabitants, buildings, and streets."
Qawas stressed the importance of introducing the new generation to the Jabal Amman area and its heritage markets, pointing out that JARA keeps in touch with the local community through cooperation with schools, such as Al-Ahlia School. This cooperation resulted in the establishment of the "Haretna" festival, with the aim of reviving the social and cultural fabric in the area.
As for Jabal Amman as an incubator for culture and population diversity, the founder and general manager of Jabal Amman Publishers and Kotobi platform, Dr. Sinan Sweis, considered that the Jabal Amman area carried a culture of diversity, openness, and a spirit of partnership since its inception, and also constituted a model for the concept of the neighborhood, pointing out that Amman was a living example of the fusion of Arab cultures.
According to Sweis, having grown up in the Jabal Amman area, he pointed out that there have been great societal transformations that have taken place in the area, especially since it has been characterized by a strong and interconnected social fabric since ancient times, as large families of different races and religions built their homes there, and these homes have now become heritage sites, not to mention that the inhabitants of the area were known for their kindness, affection, humility, and cooperation on all occasions, in addition to the culture of productivity and leadership among the residents of the neighborhood, which has turned into a consumer culture today.
Finally, the participants in the session underscored the importance of reviving the cultural and social heritage in Jabal Amman, and sparking the interest of young people in the old areas and neighborhoods of their city, as well as the importance of developing, restoring, and preserving neighborhoods, which requires a comprehensive study of the area that includes all elements. It is also necessary to collect information and documents on the neighborhood's experience related to the cultural and social fabric, and about the history and civilization of the neighborhood, in order to enhance the skills of new generations, and encourage youth cultural initiatives in order to contribute to the sustainability of cultural and social work and preserve the Ammani identity that has been distinguished throughout history.
