Overview

As-Salt, The Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality, is a remarkable city located in Al Salt, Jordan. This ancient settlement has been transformed into a thriving town with a distinctive layout and architecture, showcasing the blend of European Art Nouveau and Neo-Colonial styles combined with local traditions.

History

Built on three closely-spaced hills in the Balqa highland of west-central Jordan, As-Salt was an important trading link between the eastern desert and the west. During the last 60 years of the Ottoman period, the region prospered from the arrival and settlement of merchants from Nablus, Syria, and Lebanon who made their fortunes in trade, banking, and farming.

Architecture

The site's urban core includes approximately 650 significant historic buildings exhibiting a blend of European Art Nouveau and Neo-Colonial styles combined with local traditions. These structures feature large public buildings and family residences constructed of local yellow limestone.

Location

As-Salt is located in Al Salt, Jordan, at coordinates 32.0426111111, 35.7283055556.

Historical Significance and Events

The city's non-segregated development expresses tolerance between Muslims and Christians who developed traditions of hospitality evidenced in Madafas (guest houses) and the social welfare system known as Takaful Ijtimai'. These tangible and intangible aspects emerged through a melding of rural traditions and bourgeois merchants' and tradespeople's practices during the Golden Age of As-Salt's development between 1860s to 1920s.

Current Status and Use

Unfortunately, no specific details about the current use of As-Salt are available.

Heritage Status

As-Salt was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2021, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. It is also listed on the National Register, acknowledging its importance as a symbol of Jordan's rich heritage.

Visiting Information

Unfortunately, no specific details about visiting As-Salt are available.

Notable Features and Rooms

Unfortunately, no specific details about notable features and rooms in As-Salt are available.