Zarqa, Sept. 8 (Petra) -- The third Zarqa Culture and Arts Festival concluded on Tuesday evening at the King Abdullah II Cultural Center in Zarqa.

Held under the banner "Jordan: Land and People," the six-day event was organized by the Zarqa Culture Directorate in collaboration with local cultural organizations and in partnership with the Russeifa and Hashemiyah municipalities, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture.

Designed to decentralize cultural engagement, the festival hosted a diverse program of intellectual, artistic, and heritage events across the governorate's various districts, expanding access to local communities and reinforcing partnerships between municipal bodies and cultural institutions.

The closing ceremony featured a panel discussion titled "The Jordanian Narrative: A Nation’s Story and the Voice of the Ummah," focused on the evolution of Jordan's national identity, collective memory, and historical awareness.

Former Minister of Culture Sabri Rbeihat and historian Baker Khazer Al-Majali served as key panelists in a session moderated by writer Mohammad Abdul Kareem Al-Zyoud.

Rbeihat emphasized the role of the national narrative in interpreting Jordan's history and national milestones. He noted that culture acts as a catalyst for identity and belonging, transforming historical memory into continuous intellectual engagement that connects younger generations to the nation's achievements.

Al-Majali reviewed key historical and documentary phases of the Jordanian state, highlighting the national struggle and societal transformations that shaped the country. He underscored the importance of documenting these turning points to preserve them as an essential part of the national heritage.

Mohammad Al-Zoubi, Director of the Zarqa Culture Directorate, said the Ministry of Culture is committed to revitalizing cultural activity by integrating the national narrative into public events. He added that the festival served as an inclusive platform for thought, arts, and heritage, achieving its goal of cultural decentralization by engaging wider audiences across all areas of the governorate.

//Petra// AF