Skip to main content

Petra's former cave dwellers neglected by authorities

Although the Jordanian government implemented a plan in the 1980s to relocate the cave dwellers of Petra to modern villages, they are now facing governmental neglect, with some families threatening to return.
Salem Hammed, 23, a Bedouin guide, climbs to the top of ad Dayr (The Monastery) in the ancient city of Petra August 31, 2007. Ad Dayr has the largest facade (45 by 50 metres, or 130 by 164 ft) in Petra, Jordan. Petra was recently named among the modern-day seven wonders of the world chosen in a poll of 100 million online voters. Picture taken August 31, 2007.   REUTERS/Steve Crisp   (JORDAN) - RTR1TAY9
Read in 

PETRA, Jordan — Anyone traveling to Jordan should not miss out on a visit to the ancient city of Petra, located 250 kilometers (155 miles) south of the capital, Amman. This city is the primary tourist attraction in Jordan and won second place in the 2007 international competition of the seven "new" wonders of the world.

Petra is a historic city located in Wadi Musa, whose name derives from the Arabic name for the Prophet Moses. It is the location of the seven springs that — according to tradition — sprang from the site after Moses hit a rock with his cane. The entire city is carved into rose-colored rock, spread over 40 square kilometers (15.4 square miles). Petra was built by the Nabateans in 400 B.C., and they made it the capital of their empire, considered at the time to be one of the greatest civilizations in the world.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.