AMMAN — The Jordanian Narrative Project represents a “qualitative leap” in strengthening national identity and showcasing Jordan’s deep-rooted historical and civilisational heritage, Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh said on Sunday.

 

Speaking during a panel discussion at the Jerash Cultural Centre, Rawashdeh described the initiative launched by Crown Prince Hussein from Tafilah as a “pivotal moment” in documenting Jordan’s rich historical and cultural legacy, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

 

He said the project extends beyond connecting history to geography, seeking instead to examine the human experiences and transformations that have shaped Jordan across centuries and continue to influence the Kingdom’s present and future.

 

Rawashdeh noted that the Ministry of Culture had launched the nationwide “Hiwarat” dialogue programme, which tours governorates across the Kingdom to enrich the cultural content of the Jordanian narrative through discussions focused on the story of the land and its people.

 

Highlighting Jerash, the minister described the city as one of the most significant Roman cities outside Rome and an integral part of Jordan’s historical identity. He noted that its origins date back to the Bronze Age, before it later became one of the cities of the Decapolis.

 

He added that Jerash flourished during successive Islamic eras, particularly under the Umayyads, and later evolved into a modern cultural and tourism hub that hosts artists and intellectuals from around the world through the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts.

 

Rawashdeh also said the city continues to preserve Jordanian heritage through traditional crafts, folk arts, cuisine, literature, theatre and cinema, noting that some of the first Jordanian films were shot there.

 

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture Nidal Ayasrah reviewed the intellectual foundations and objectives of the Jordanian Narrative Project and highlighted Jerash’s historic role as a major trade centre along pilgrimage and commercial routes during the Umayyad era.

 

Jerash Governor Malek Khreisat said the Jordanian narrative reflects the Kingdom’s rich history and enduring national identity.