Karak, April 6 (Petra) -- Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh officially inaugurated the Al-Qasr district as the "Jordanian City of Culture" on Monday, launching a year-long program intended to celebrate the historical identity and creative potential of the southern highlands.
The ceremony, held in the presence of Karak Governor Qablan al-Sharif and local officials, marks the start of a national initiative that decentralizes cultural activity and highlights the heritage of Jordan’s various districts.
Rawashdeh described the occasion as a pivotal moment for the region’s "land, history, and people." He noted that the name Al-Qasr meaning "The Palace" traces its roots back to the first millennium B.C., reflecting a deep historical narrative that local writers and artists are now tasked with documenting through modern creative works.
"The Cultural Cities program is one of our most vital tools for sustainable development," Rawashdeh said. "It is an opportunity for local communities to discover hidden talents in the arts and to foster creative industries that contribute to economic empowerment." The minister called for the preservation and restoration of the district’s ancient stone arches and gates, suggesting they be repurposed as functional spaces for artistic and cultural gatherings. He urged the district’s intellectuals to capture the stories of their ancestors through novels, poetry, film, and traditional crafts.
Ismat Deliwan al-Majali, Chairman of the Karak Governorate Council, emphasized that the selection of Al-Qasr was an earned recognition of its diverse archaeological wealth. He highlighted sites such as Khirbat al-Qasr, Khirbat al-Balua, and the ancient city of Ar-Rabba, which contains ruins spanning the Nabataean, Roman, and Islamic eras, as well as some of the oldest Christian churches in southern Jordan.
"Al-Qasr has never been just a geographical location; it is a witness to successive civilizations," al-Majali said, adding that the district’s infrastructure and active cultural centers made it a transparent choice for this year’s title.
Alaa al-Majali, representing local cultural societies, spoke on the role of culture as a shield for national identity and a catalyst for civilizational growth.
The inauguration featured a documentary film on the district’s heritage, poetry recitals and a photography exhibition. The event concluded with traditional folklore performances, including a "Samer" heritage dance by a local troupe and musical segments by students from the Yarout Secondary School for Girls.
//Petra// AF
