One of the best known groups from Jordan’s ethnic groups is the Bedouin. As they are known in Arabic, the Bedu, or “desert dwellers,” endure the desert and have learned to survive its unforgiving climate. It is difficult to count Bedouins, but it is generally known that the majority of Jordan’s population is of Bedouin origin.
Local Communities Map
Situated to the northeast of the archaeological park, the people of Baidha preserve and share the traditional Bedouin ethos of coexisting harmoniously with nature. The local folklore museum is accessible to tourists and showcases their exceptional history and cultural traditions.
The people of Umm Sayhoun are deeply connected to their Bedouin traditions, which they carefully preserve and pass down through generations. These traditions include the intricate art of Henna design and playing traditional musical instruments like the 'Rababah' and 'Shababah'
Wadi Musa, situated at the heart of the Petra region, serves as the primary gateway for tourism in Petra. In Wadi Musa, you can find well-preserved historical water systems dating back to the Nabataean era, which formed a crucial ecosystem that supported urban life during that time.
Taybeh, the Petra’s second largest town, is located at a high elevation overlooking the villages of Wadi Musa and Rajif. In the evening, the sunset over Wadi Araba illuminates the entire village in orange.
Rajif is a Bedouin community known for its plentiful agricultural produce, which includes olives, apricots, almonds, figs, and lentils. Within this small village, the local population actively preserves Bedouin culture, which encompasses traditional dances and more.
Located just off the King’s Highway, the village of Dlaghah is a place where traditional Bedouin life persists. The local residents continue to practice a nomadic way of life, herding livestock and primarily sustaining themselves with a traditional dairy diet, oftencrafted from goat milk.
The Culture
Their communities are marked by characteristic black goat-hair tents.These are known as beit al-sha’ar,or “house of hair.”
In Bedouin culture, serving coffee is more than a gesture; it's hospitality woven into tradition.
Bedouin food is a celebration of flavors and tradition, and every meal is a communal feast. Trying zarb is a must—a mouthwatering dish of meat and vegetables slow-cooked underground.
In the heart of a Bedouin tent, a cup of Bedouin tea is more than a drink – it's a window into their heritage and hospitality.