Amman, Aug. 4 (Petra) -- Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh said the kingdom's national narrative is a national treasure and that efforts are underway to document and promote Jordan's history, heritage, culture, and achievements for future generations.

Speaking at a cultural event titled "The Jordanian Narrative: Horizons and Aspirations," organized by the Zay Cultural Forum and the Allan Cultural Forum in Salt, Rawashdeh said documenting Jordan's national narrative is a national necessity alongside the country's existing historical record in books and academic publications.

He said Jordan has served as both a crossroads and a home for numerous civilizations throughout history, making it essential to document the country's modern history since the establishment of the Jordanian state in 1921. He added that 50 academic researchers are currently working on the project under objective standards designed to produce historically accurate and engaging documentation.

"The goal is not merely to write history, but to preserve and institutionalize it for future generations," he said.

Senator Hind Abu Al-Shaar said the event reflected growing national interest in documenting Jordan's narrative, describing it as an expression of shared national identity that unites all segments of society.

She said every nation should have a unifying national narrative and collective memory, adding that Jordan, as a land of civilizations and stability and a historic gateway for global trade, possesses a rich historical legacy that deserves to be documented.

Abu Al-Shaar said the national narrative is closely linked to storytelling, which in turn is rooted in the country's land, history, and archaeological heritage.

Former President of the Hashemite University, Fawaz Abdul Haq Al-Zboun, discussed the role of the national narrative in academia, saying language reflects society and that the narrative is not simply history written on paper but a story conveyed from one generation to another, forming part of the nation's collective memory.

He said documenting the narrative requires multiple approaches and highlighted the role of universities and academic specialists in preserving all aspects of Jordanian life, past and present. He also described teachers as the primary and most credible storytellers, noting their role in shaping children's understanding of their country from an early age.

Former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture Mohammad Naji Al-Amayreh described the Jordanian narrative as a promising national initiative that would strengthen national awareness by documenting the interconnected history of the country's land, people, and heritage.

He said Jordanian and Arab historical sources contain extensive material that can support the project, describing the national narrative as a broad mosaic that incorporates diverse perspectives while documenting Jordan's cultural, social, and economic development.

Bashir Al-Zoubi, head of the Allan Cultural Forum, said the Jordanian narrative is founded on pride in national identity, Arab belonging, moderation, respect for diversity, the rule of law, and the belief that the state and its institutions provide the common framework for all citizens.

He said the narrative should promote national unity, be grounded in documented historical facts and academic research, embrace modern technology and media tools, engage younger generations in shaping the future, highlight Jordan's achievements, and reflect the country's humanitarian values, Arab identity, and regional role.

Opening the event, Zay Cultural Forum President Yousef Al-Amayreh said the Jordanian narrative is more than a historical account, describing it as a system of values and achievements built throughout the country's history.

//Petra// AF