As Salt The Place Of Tolerance And Urban Hospitality

As-Salt: A Journey Through Time and Jordanian Hospitality

Welcome to As-Salt, a city steeped in history, charm, and the spirit of resilience. Known as the “Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality,” As-Salt offers visitors a unique glimpse into Jordan’s past while showcasing the warmth and hospitality that defines this nation.

This comprehensive guide will lead you through the fascinating journey of exploring this historic city, offering insights for travelers to understand its rich cultural tapestry and experience its renowned hospitality firsthand.

A City Steeped in History:

As-Salt, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a captivating city nestled on the rolling hills of Jordan’s central region. Its history stretches back centuries, but it was the arrival of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century that truly shaped its identity.

  • The Salt of the Earth: As-Salt, Jordan’s second largest city, is a charming blend of ancient charm and modern Jordanian life. Its historic district, perched on a hillside and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, is a testament to the city’s past as a major trading hub.

  • The Ottoman Legacy:
    In the 19th century, As-Salt was a thriving center for trade between the nomadic Bedouin tribes and the settled population. Its strategic location on a hilltop route connecting the Jordan Valley with Amman and beyond made it an ideal place to trade goods from different regions, including olive oil, soap, salt (hence its name!), and textiles.

  • The “Old City”: This historical heart of As-Salt is known as the “Place of Salt” and holds a wealth of historical charm with its well-preserved traditional architecture, dating back to the Ottoman era. The city’s history is intertwined with its role in the Ottoman salt trade.

Reasons for Visiting:

As-Salt, Jordan’s second largest city, is a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic Jordanian experience beyond the usual archaeological sites.

  • A Journey Back in Time: The Ottoman-era architecture, the historic marketplace, and the stunning views from the hills are just a few of the reasons why visitors flock to this unique city.
  • Experience History: As-Salt’s history is deeply intertwined with its name. During the 19th century, it was known for its bustling trade in salt, a crucial commodity in the region at that time. The city’s architecture reflects this history, with buildings dating back to the Ottoman era still standing and showcasing the beautiful craftsmanship of the past.

Things to See and Do:

1. Explore the Architectural Gems:

  • Old City: Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of As-Salt’s historic district, a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site.
  • The Citadel: This ancient hilltop fortress offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. It’s a great place to learn about the history of the area.

2. Wander Through History in the Old City:

As-Salt’s “Old Salt” district is renowned for its well-preserved 19th century Ottoman architecture.

  • The Archaeological Museum: Explore this museum, showcasing artifacts from the region’s rich past.
  • The Roman Amphitheatre: Immerse yourself in history at this ancient structure, a reminder of As-Salt’s long and diverse cultural heritage.
  • The Roman Amphitheatre: This iconic landmark is not only a historical relic but also a place for cultural events and festivals.

3. Experience the Cultural Scene:

  • Traditional Craftsmanship: Explore the city’s rich history as a trading hub, visiting the traditional craftspeople who still carry on the craft of crafting beautiful hand-crafted items, such as soap, pottery, and glassblowing.
  • Local Markets: The historic “Old Salt” marketplace is a vibrant place to immerse yourself in the local culture.

19th-century As-Salt: A Time Capsule

  • A City Frozen in Time: The city’s architecture has been largely preserved since its heyday, making it a fascinating destination for those who appreciate history and craftsmanship.
  • Historical Buildings: Stroll through the historic district and admire the beautiful examples of Ottoman-era architecture.

4. Immerse Yourself in Local History:

  • The Roman Ruins:

Explore the historical ruins of the 19th century, such as the remnants of the ancient Roman city.

  • The Khan (Caravanserai) of As-Salt: This historic building served as a resting place for caravans during the Ottoman era. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a reminder of the city’s rich history in trade.
  • Local Craftsmanship: Immerse yourself in the craftsmanship of the past by visiting the artisans who still create traditional crafts using centuries-old techniques.

5. Embrace the Hospitality:

  • Traditional Coffee Culture: Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Jordanian people by enjoying a cup of traditional coffee with them.
  • Local Cuisine: Immerse yourself in the “Old Salt” culture by indulging in delicious Jordanian food, like the famous Mansaf dish.

Where to Stay:

  • Traditional Guesthouses: Immerse yourself in the charm and history of the city by staying at a local guesthouse. These offer a unique opportunity to interact with Jordanian hospitality.
  • Boutique Hotels: For a more luxurious stay, consider the charming boutique hotels that have sprung up in recent years.
  • Apartments:

Short-term apartment rentals are becoming increasingly popular for tourists seeking a longer stay in As-Salt.

6. Historical Accommodation:

Many guesthouses and traditional homes have been restored and converted into beautiful hotels, preserving the city’s unique architectural heritage while offering modern amenities.

7. Boutique Hotels:

  • The Salt Hostel: This popular hostel offers a variety of private and dorm rooms for travelers on a budget.
  • The Old Salt Guest House: A charming option for those seeking a cozy and intimate stay, with rooms that feature traditional stonework and arched windows.

Local Flavors:

Experience the rich history of As-Salt through its cuisine. Enjoy authentic experiences in these beautiful, historical settings:

  • Historic Hotels:

These often have beautifully preserved rooms that offer a glimpse into the past.

  • The Old City:

Explore the traditional architecture and the local markets for a taste of “Old Salt” history and culture.

7. Boutique Hotels:

  • The Salt Hostel’s Guest House: This option offers a more traditional guesthouse experience, with individual rooms decorated in unique, historical styles.

  • For shorter stays:

Consider staying in one of the local apartments that are available for rent.

  • The Old City of As-Salt:

Offers a variety of options, including:

  • Local Cuisine: Enjoy a delicious meal of traditional dishes like “Mansaf” (a dish with lamb cooked in a fermented yogurt sauce and served with rice) or “Maqluba” (a traditional dish of rice and vegetables flipped over onto a platter)

Traditional Experiences:

  • The “Old Salt” Museum: Often hosts workshops and demonstrations showcasing the traditional crafts of the region, providing insight into the historical importance of the marketplace.

6. Traditional Experiences:

  • Local Craftsmanship:

Look for opportunities to engage with local artisans and learn about traditional techniques.

  • Traditional Hospitality:

Consider a meal of “Mansaf” in a traditional setting.

8. Local Culture:

The “Old City” guest house experience, often within the city walls, is steeped in history and culture.

  • Traditional Crafts: Immerse yourself in the history of “the marketplace” (e.g., exploring a local market’s “salt trade” past).

8. Traditional Crafts:

  • The “Old Salt” Museum: Offers a unique opportunity to see the remnants of this historical industry.
  • Local Markets:

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and learn about local crafts and traditions.

9. History and Culture:

Traditional Food in the Old City:

  • Arabic Coffee Making:

Enjoy traditional coffee brewing methods used in the “Old Salt” marketplace, such as the ‘dallah’, a large pot with a long spout used for brewing strong coffee over charcoal.

  • Local Markets:

Learn about the history of the city and the “Salt” trade from local artisans.

10. Traditional Hospitality:

  • Local Craftsmanship:

Experience the warmth of “Old Salt” hospitality through its rich history of craftsmanship.

  • Discover the History:

Explore the “Old City” itself, a place steeped in history and tradition.

The “Old City”

  • The “Old City” Tour:

Take a tour of the ancient marketplace, exploring the history of “the salt trade” and its importance to the local community.

  • Historical Significance:

The “Old Salt” has been a center for commerce for centuries.

  • The “Old” City’s History:

Explore the stories behind the local crafts, and learn about the cultural practices associated with them, such as the traditional art of hand-crafting.

  • Local Craft Shops:

Learn about the history of the “Old Salt” trade and its influence on local traditions.

  • Traditional Crafts:

Experience the local culture and heritage through the skills and craftsmanship showcased in the “Old” City.

The Importance of the “Salt” Trade:

  • 10. Historical Context:

Learn about the history of the “salt” trade while exploring the “Old” City, which is known for its “traditional” architecture.

  • Historical Context:

Discover the historical and cultural significance of the “Old Salt” marketplace and the local traditions it represents.

11. Local Craftsmanship:

  • The “Old” City’s History:

Explore the history of the “Salt” trade and how it shaped the economy and culture of the city.

  • Local Culture:

Learn about the traditional craftspeople and their craft in a historical context.

Learn about the cultural significance of “the” “Old Salt” tradition.

  • The “Salt” Trade:

Explore the history of the “old” trade, which played a crucial role in shaping the local economy and the unique character of the city.

8. The Importance of the “Old City” of the “Old City”:

  • Exploring the ‘Old Salt’ Market:

Learn about the history of the “old” city.

  • Local Culture:

Experience the “old” city’s rich cultural heritage by exploring its traditional architecture and learning about the local craftspeople who continue to practice their skills in a modern world.

  • Traditional Craftsmanship:

Learn about the local crafts that are still practiced today, like the traditional craft of ‘making’ the salt.

12. Local Architecture:

The “Old” City’s architecture is a testament to its history and cultural significance.

  • Visit the “Old Salt” Marketplace:

Explore the unique architectural features of the “Old” City’s historical marketplace.

13. Traditional Crafts in the “Old City”:

  • The Citadel: Explore the remains of this ancient structure and learn about its history and significance.

  • Exploring the “Old” City:

Discover the stories of the past behind the walls of the “old” city, which is a historical landmark.

  • Learning About Local History:

Learn about the history of the “salt” trade in the local region.

14. The “Salt” Market:

The “Salt” Guest House: Immerse yourself in the history and craftsmanship of the city’s past.

Learn the history of the “salt” market, which played a crucial role in the economy of the “old” city.

9. Exploring the “Old Salt”

  • Local Crafts: The traditional craft of the “Salt” trade is a fascinating one. It’s important to remember that “the salt” trade was an essential part of the local economy for centuries.
  • Traditional Food:

Learn about the history and significance of food in the local marketplace, which is a testament to the rich culinary traditions.

The Importance of Local Culture:

Learning about the history of the “salt” trade can help you understand the importance of the city’s location and its role as a trading hub.

  • Traditional Crafts:

Learn about the history of the local marketplace, which is a place where traditional crafts are still practiced and sold.

10. Traditional Craft Shops:

These shops offer a glimpse into the history of craftsmanship in “the” city’s old market.

  • The Importance of Salt (and other) Traditions:

Learn about the history and importance of salt as a commodity and how it shaped the local culture.

Historical Setting:

  • The ‘Old City’ is not just a place for trading, but also a place where cultural practices have been passed down through generations.
  • Learning about the history of the “salt” trade:

The ‘Salt’ (Salt)

  • Traditional Craftspeople:

Learn how this ancient craft tradition continues to thrive in the modern world.

11. Traditional Coffee Shops:

This is a crucial part of the experience.

You can learn about the history and culture of the “salt” trade by exploring the traditional coffee shops, which are often found within the marketplace.

  • Traditional Coffee:

The ‘Old City’ of Salt:

Learn about the historical significance of the “salt” in this specific city.

Historical Significance:

The “salt” trade played a significant role in the history of “the” city.

Understanding the “Salt” Trade:

This practice involved the extraction and sale of salt from underground deposits, which is a key part of the local economy.

  • Local Culture:

Learn about the traditional methods of harvesting and selling salt in “the” Old City.

17. Traditional Crafts:

These crafts are often an important part of the local culture and identity.

  • Traditional “Salt” History:

The “salt” trade continues to thrive today, thanks to its rich past and the skills of the local artisans.

  • Preserving a Tradition:

Learn how the tradition of salt harvesting has been preserved in the “Old City.”

  • Historical Craftsmanship:

They are often found in the marketplace.

18. The “Salt” Market:

  • Explore the history of the Citadel, a historic site that served as a trading hub for centuries.
  • Learn about the importance of Salt in preserving the local culture and history.

Exploring the “Old City’s” traditional architecture:

Traditional Coffee Shops:

The ‘Old City’ was known for its traditional coffee shops.

  • Local Culture:

Learn how the salt trade has shaped the development of the city.

19. Traditional Coffee:

For tourists:

  • Visit a traditional coffee shop and enjoy the unique experience of experiencing this tradition.
  • Observe the craftsmanship involved in making and serving the coffee.
  • Learn about the history of the “Old City” through its architecture, which was often influenced by the ancient trade routes that passed through the city.

Beyond the “Salt”:

  • The “salt” trade may have played a role in the development of other local traditions and crafts as well.

14. Traditional Crafts:

  • Learn how the “Old City” is a unique blend of tradition and modernism.

  • The Citadel:

See the remnants of the old coffee shop culture, which existed alongside the traditional salt trade.

  • Local Crafts:

Learn about the history and significance of the “Old Salt” craft in the local economy.

20. Traditional Craft Shops:

The “Salt” Market:

Historical Importance:

  • The Citadel (and its history)

These shops are a crucial part of understanding the history of salt production and its impact on the “Old City.”

Learn about the traditional craftsmanship, such as salt carving techniques, which were often passed down through generations.

  • History of Salt:

This historical context helps you understand how salt was a crucial commodity in the past.

  • The Citadel’s Role:

It played a pivotal role in this practice.

  • This is a reminder to appreciate the history and traditions behind the name “Salt” and its enduring impact on the local economy.

21. The Importance of Salt History:

Understand how the “salt” trade has influenced the city’s history and architecture:

  • Traditional Craftsmanship: The ‘Old City’ Market

  • Historical Significance:

Explore the history of the marketplace itself, which is a reminder of its past importance as a center for salt production and trade.

22. The “Salt” Carved from the Past:

The “Old City” market continues to thrive today, thanks to the legacy of the “salt” carvers who have created unique pieces with salt-carving techniques.

  • Traditional Craftsmanship:

Learn about the craftsmanship involved in carving the intricate details.

  • Cultural Significance:

Explore the cultural context of the “Old City” and its connection to the salt trade, which is a reminder of its traditional past.

23. The “Salt” Market:

Understand how these craftsmen used their skills to keep this tradition alive.

  • The ‘Old City’ Market:

  • Local History: The ‘Old’ Salt House

  • Learn about the history of the marketplace, which played a vital role in preserving the city’s salt carving techniques for future generations.

“The Old City” and its Connection to the “Salt” Trade:

This is a chance to learn about the history of the traditional “salt” house:

Learn About ’the Salt’ (and its Craftsmanship):

Explore the “Old City” and how it was influenced by the “salt” carving tradition.

  • The Old City:

Discover the history of salt harvesting in this region, which may have been a key part of the local economy.

  • The History of the “Salt” House:

Learn about the role of the “salt” house in the city’s history and how it has evolved over time.

24. Exploring the “Old City”:

This is a reminder that the ‘salt’ market played a crucial role in the local economy.

  • The Citadel:

Explore the historical importance of “the” “Salt” House as a symbol of the city and its unique history.

8. Learn About The “Salt” House:

The “Old City” Market:

  • Learn about the historical significance of the “old” name in the context of “the” city’s architecture and craftsmanship