In July 2021, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee decided to list As-Salt on the World Heritage Site List. Described as a place of tolerance and urban hospitality, the town became the sixth Jordanian landmark to be declared a World Heritage Site.
What makes As-Salt a perfect addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List? What criteria did it have to meet? What places should you visit when visiting As-Salt? We answer these questions for you.
A Valuable Trade Link between the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Peninsula
As-Salt, also known as Al-Salt, is a charming town in the northwest of Jordan. It is located about 30 kilometers from Amman, the capital of Jordan. The town is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. That is what makes it a popular destination for tourists interested in exploring the country’s cultural heritage and nature.
In the 19th century, As-Salt gained prominence as the administrative headquarters for the region. The town’s strategic location attracted merchants from different religious and cultural backgrounds, who gradually settled and established prosperous neighborhoods.
Thus local Bedouin tribes started intermingling with Levantine traders and craftsmen. This significant cultural and economic exchange led to a unique blend of customs, traditions, and architecture and As-Salt became renowned for its welcoming atmosphere which continues to be a hallmark of the town. This makes As-Salt a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Jordanian experience.
“Situated at the crossroads of trade between the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Peninsula, As-Salt played a pivotal role in facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture. It was a significant stop for merchants and pilgrims making their way to Jerusalem, Damascus, Baghdad, or Mecca. Welcoming visitors with open arms, the locals offered them food and lodging, establishing the city’s reputation as a hospitable destination for people from all corners of the world,” Samer Mouasher, a member of the Salt Development Cooperation Board of Directors and the chairman of Discovery Bedu, explains.
The Town of Hospitality and Tolerance
As-Salt’s layout, including a network of interconnected stairways, shared courtyards, and public squares, has fostered a strong sense of community among its residents.
The town’s public buildings feature communal terraces, where neighbors can socialize and engage in shared activities such as cooking and dining. These spaces have become integral to the town’s community life, creating a culture of mutual support.
Samer Mouasher further explains: “What is most impressive about As-Salt is a strong sense of community and belonging, with neighbors supporting each other in various ways. Its church and mosque share the same entrance. Muslims and Christians go for prayer together and participate in each other’s celebrations. This makes As-Salt a perfect example of peaceful coexistence between different faiths.”
According to Mr Mouasher, another unique fact about As-Salt is the recognizable hospitality of the locals who for centuries have opened their homes to visitors, providing them with food and shelter for at least three days. Travelers, pilgrims, traders – they are all welcome. Given that the people of As-Salt consider it shameful not to host visitors, it is not surprising that there were no hotels until recently. Over the past few years, hotels and guesthouses have emerged in As-Salt, but the mere concept of charging guests for lodging remains controversial and much debated.
As-Salt as the UNESCO World Heritage Site
As-Salt meets all the criteria required by UNESCO to proclaim it a world heritage site.
Other UNESCO World Heritage sites in Jordan include Petra, Qusayr Amra, Wadi Rum Reserve, Umm Ar-Rasas, and the Baptism site.
The first criterion met is the authenticity of the place. The historic city center represents a unique blend of iconic architecture and urban morphology. This particular blend of materials, form, and design of As-Salt’s historic buildings make it a truly unique heritage site.
The second important criterion is As-Salt’s integrity. Irrespective of the town’s urban development and growth, its shared public places, buildings, mosques, churches, and other important landmarks have been and continue to be protected and preserved.
The most important criterion is, of course, the town’s cultural diversity and intercultural exchange. The flow of different cultures, religions, skills, traditions, and customs, combined with modern lifestyles, has made As-Salt “the place of tolerance and urban hospitality.” Not a single area of As-Salt is segregated by people’s race or religion.
Places to See in As-Salt
As-Salt is best known for its distinctive architecture and heritage sites that show us the city’s rich cultural tradition and value. Once an invaluable trading center in the region, As-Salt reflects the unique combination of various cultures, including Ottoman, Byzantine, and Arab. From historic homes and mosques to public buildings and markets, As-Salt’s architecture symbolizes its rich history and unique cultural identity.
One of the most eye-capturing architectural features of As-Salt is iconic homes that are known for their remarkable facades. Featuring an impressive combination of Ottoman, Arab, and European architectural styles, these homes are typically built from limestone. They feature gigantic wooden doors, Italian frescoed ceilings, and ornate details that will grab any visitor’s attention right away. Many of these homes have been restored in recent years, and they are now used as boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Below are a few iconic heritage sites any tourist should explore when visiting As-Salt, according to Samer Mouasher.
Abu Jaber Museum
The museum is located in the heart of the old town, proudly showcasing the rich culture and history of As-Salt. The Abu Jaber Museum features exhibits of the town’s unique architecture, traditional crafts, and daily life.
Dar Abu Jaber
Originally owned by the wealthy Abu Jaber family, the house has been converted into a cultural center. The museum showcases the traditional way of life in As-Salt, highlighting the town’s architecture, crafts, and cuisine.
Al-Khader Church
This 19th-century Greek Orthodox Church is located in the center of the town. Al-Khader Church is best known for its beautiful frescoes and ornate decorations.
Al-Hammam Street
This historic street is lined with traditional Ottoman-era buildings and is a great place to take a stroll and admire the town’s beautiful architecture.
Al-Hussein Mosque
As-Salt has a number of historic mosques that are notable for their distinctive domes and minarets, which are often decorated with intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy. Al-Hussein Mosque is one of the oldest and most important mosques in As-Salt and Jordan. Located in the heart of the city, it is known for its beautiful Ottoman-style architecture and ornate decorations.
The Duke’s Diwan
This historic building was built in the late 19th century and was used as a government office during the Ottoman period. Today, it is used as a community center and is open to visitors.
As-Salt Archaeological Museum
This museum features exhibits on the town’s archaeological history. Some of them include artifacts from the Bronze Age and the Roman and Islamic periods.
Conclusions
Located in the Balqa highland of west-central Jordan, As-Salt was built on three hills situated closely together. For centuries, the town served as a powerful trading hub, connecting the eastern desert to the west. It is its unique combination of traditions, religions, and customs that made it a perfect candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. For those who want to explore a genuine Jordanian experience, As-Salt is a perfect starting point.
