Jerash
Located in the northern region of Jordan, Jerash is situated approximately six hundred meters above sea level and is home to about 153,000 residents across the wider governorate. To the west, it is bordered by Ajloun, while Irbid lies to the north. The capital, Amman, surrounds Jerash from the south and east.
Jerash is renowned as an archaeological site of significant historical and touristic value, attracting visitors from around the globe. It features remnants from the Greek and Roman eras, and notably suffered extensive damage during a devastating earthquake in 747 AD, which destroyed many of its ancient structures. Subsequently, it endured further destruction due to wars. In 1806, the German orientalist Ulrich Jasper Seetzen rediscovered the city, allowing it to regain some of its former glory. Jerash is recognized as one of the ten cities of the Decapolis.
Historical Background
During the Roman occupation of the Levant, Jerash emerged as an important city due to its strategic location along crucial trade routes. By 130 AD, it stood as a pivotal member of the Decapolis confederation, fostering unprecedented commercial prosperity through robust trade relations with the Nabataeans. However, its significance waned when trade routes shifted following the destruction of Palmyra by the Romans, coupled with escalating insecurity during the expansion of the Russian Empire in the region, marking one of the city’s bleakest periods.
Name Origins
In the era of the ancient Semitic Arabs, Jerash was referred to by various names such as “Graša” and “Grašo,” which denote a place with lush greenery. When the Greeks arrived, they named it “Gerasa.” In 63 BC, Jerash became part of the Decapolis cities, established by Pompey in northern Jordan to act as a bulwark against the Nabataeans in the south, acquiring the title “Pompeii of the East.”
By 350 AD, Jerash experienced a resurgence, flourishing during the Roman era. Christianity was introduced, leading to an architectural boom, including the construction of churches and monasteries, many of which were later destroyed by Persian invaders. In 635 AD, Islamic armies led by the companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Sharhabil ibn Hasana, captured Jerash, restoring security and stability to the city.
Population
Ranked the fourteenth among Jordanian municipalities in terms of population, Jerash holds the second position in terms of population density. The city is home to diverse ethnic groups, with the majority adhering to Islam, while a minority practice Christianity.
Tourism
Jerash is a premier tourist destination, ranked second only to Petra. The city showcases a blend of Hellenistic and Roman influences, maintaining its unique cultural fabric that marries Eastern and Western elements. This integration is evident to visitors through its architecture, engineering, religious structures, and language.
Jerash Archaeological Sites
The city of Jerash features numerous archaeological sites that attract tourists. Among the remarkable remnants reflecting both Roman and Greek civilizations are the following:
South Theatre
Annually, the Jordanian Ministry of Culture and Arts hosts the “Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts” at the South Theatre, which accommodates around three thousand spectators. This theatre was constructed in the late first century AD.
Nymphaeum
Built at the end of the second century AD, the Nymphaeum comprises multiple water fountains and remains intact today. Initially constructed in 191 AD, it features a luxurious marble basin and is designed with two distinct levels. The lower level is adorned with marble, while the upper level exhibits intricate geometric motifs.
Southern Gate
Known as the Philadelphia Gate, this structure was erected in the second century AD but was destroyed during the war in 268 AD.
Colonnaded Street
Stretching approximately 800 meters, this street serves as the city’s main thoroughfare.
North Theatre
Regarded as a significant component of the northern archaeological area, it was constructed between 164-165 AD, accommodating around 1,500 spectators, and hosts numerous events of the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts.
Temple of Artemis
This temple stands as one of the most splendid monuments in Jerash, encompassing structures such as the temples of Zeus and Zefs, a parliamentary hall, a cemetery, a racetrack, as well as luxurious baths, serving as a sanctuary for the city’s protective deities.
Oval Plaza
The oval-shaped plaza is elegantly surrounded by Greek columns and is centrally located within the city.
Hippodrome
Shaped like the letter U, the Hippodrome served as a horse racing venue, also known as the circus. It features a series of grandstands rising on three sides, which were historically used for horse and chariot races.
Catholic Cathedral
With its imposing stone gates, the cathedral is adorned with intricate carvings and is recognized as one of the most beautiful religious landmarks, originally built as a Roman temple dedicated to Dionysus.
Jerash Cisterns
The Romans utilized the Jerash Cisterns for springtime celebrations, which serve as a primary water source for the city. Currently termed “Ain Qirwan,” the waters flow through the city’s ancient walls, engineered through a network of clay pipes and stone channels, surrounded by a stone amphitheater.
Al-Hamidi Mosque
Named after the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II, this mosque was constructed by Circassians in 1887 after they settled in Jerash. It ranks among the most significant mosques in Jerash, surrounded by Roman ruins to the north and west, overlooking the Roman Theatre and the Colonnaded Street. It is believed that a Roman aqueduct once passed nearby, with a capacity to accommodate approximately 1,500 worshippers, and its cylindrical minaret rises to about fifteen meters.
Umayyad Mosque in Jerash
The Umayyad Mosque was discovered in Jerash in 2002, strategically situated at the intersection of the main Cardo street and a secondary Diocletian street. Its origins date back to the reign of Caliph Al-Walid bin Abdul Malik.
The Shrine of Prophet Hud
Jerash houses the shrine of Prophet Hud (peace be upon him), perched atop a high mountain east of Jerash in the village of “Hud,” named after the prophet. This shrine includes a narrow, steep path leading to a room of approximately sixteen square meters, topped with a dome, and its floor is covered with carpets and mats, while its total area spans about one hundred sixty square meters.
Jerash Festival
Each year, Jordan hosts the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts at the South and North Theatres in July. The festival features folkloric performances by local and international troupes, alongside musical evenings, opera showcases, plays, ballet dances, and bazaars selling traditional handicrafts.