Jordan: Land, people, and the power of a unified national narrative
The visionary outlook expressed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Hussein during his meeting in Tafila Governorate, when he emphasized the importance of the national narrative and the necessity of documenting it, formed the cornerstone for launching this major national project. This proposal came at a crucial time, affirming that building the future cannot be separated from a deep understanding of the past, nor from possessing a clear and coherent national narrative that expresses the experience of both the state and society.
The launch of the project to document the Jordanian narrative, 'Jordan: Land and People,' represents a strategic step that transcends merely collecting historical accounts, reaching the level of formulating a comprehensive national consciousness based on science, knowledge, and societal experience. This project, launched in response to the vision of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein, and coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Kingdom's independence, reflects a profound understanding of the importance of the national narrative as a pillar of political and social stability, and a fundamental foundation for strengthening national identity and instilling a sense of national belonging in future generations.
The national narrative is a central tool in building a modern state. It is not merely a sequence of events or a recounting of dates, but rather the cognitive and symbolic framework that explains the state's origins, defines its place in its regional and international environment, connects the past with the present, and provides a clear direction for the future. In the Jordanian case, this narrative acquires a distinctive character, as the Kingdom was founded on land rich in human history, which has witnessed successive civilizations and has been, throughout the ages, a crossroads between East and West, and a space for cultural, economic, and political interaction.
Hence the importance of scientifically documenting the Jordanian narrative, from prehistoric times to the present, to offer a coherent reading of Jordan's natural and human trajectory, free from reductionism, selectivity, or ideological manipulation. A nation with a clear self-narrative is better equipped to protect its memory and counter attempts at distortion or fragmented interpretations of history. It is also better able to build a unifying national identity that fosters belonging and trust in institutions.
One of the project's greatest strengths lies in its integration of science and society in the construction of memory. This is achieved through the formation of specialized scientific committees comprised of leading researchers in the fields of culture, archaeology, history, geography, geology, and other disciplines. This approach reflects an understanding that a national narrative cannot be built solely on impressions or oral accounts, but requires a documented scientific foundation based on evidence and academic research.
However, the project does not limit itself to the academic aspect. It also opens avenues for community participation through the 'Stories from Jordan' platform, which allows Jordanians to document their experiences and stories related to the history of their society. This integration of scientific and community narratives creates a more vibrant and realistic narrative that reflects the voice of the people alongside that of historians. History is not made solely in palaces, battles, and grand decisions; it is also shaped in people's daily lives, in their customs, crafts, migrations, and experiences with the land, the city, and the desert. Therefore, involving citizens in documenting this memory contributes to strengthening their sense of belonging and responsibility towards their nation's history.
In a world witnessing identity conflicts, where narrative serves as a lever for national identity and amidst the proliferation of conflicting accounts, the national narrative becomes an essential tool for safeguarding social cohesion. Jordan, characterized by its social, cultural, and geographical diversity, needs a unifying narrative that emphasizes the commonalities among its components and highlights the shared historical experience that shaped the state and society.
Documenting this narrative contributes to consolidating the concepts of citizenship and belonging, and gives new generations a deeper understanding of their nation's roots, moving beyond fragmented or ideologically driven narratives. It also strengthens trust in national institutions and presents a model of a state that respects its history and invests in building its future. The impact of a national narrative extends beyond the domestic sphere, shaping a nation's image abroad. Countries with a clear and coherent self-narrative are better positioned to present their cultural and political identity to the world, whether in diplomacy, tourism, or cultural spheres.
In the case of Jordan, which plays a significant regional role, documenting the national narrative contributes to highlighting its historical role as a bridge of civilizations and a center of stability in a turbulent region. It also supports cultural tourism by offering a comprehensive story about the land and its people, connecting archaeological sites to the historical experience of the Jordanian people.
Launching dialogues at the governorate level to document Jordanian memory indicates a strategic direction toward building a participatory narrative that is not limited to the capital but includes the peripheries and local communities. This promotes equitable representation of history and prevents the monopolization of the narrative by any one group or region, thus forming a sustainable national memory.
This project, in its essence, is not merely a cultural initiative but a long-term investment in national consciousness. The narrative being built today will form the basis for future generations' understanding of their identity, their nation, and their place in the world. The project to document the Jordanian narrative represents a significant step in building national memory on solid scientific and societal foundations. It combines specialized academic research with broad public participation, ensuring a balanced narrative that reflects both the voice of institutions and the voice of society.
The project also contributes to strengthening a unified national identity, consolidating shared values, and bolstering Jordan's standing both domestically and internationally. In light of rapid regional and global transformations, possessing a clear and coherent national narrative has become a strategic imperative for safeguarding stability, fostering a sense of belonging and guiding future generations toward a future of greater awareness and trust in the state and its institutions.
Hasan Dajah — Professor of Strategic Studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University
The visionary outlook expressed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Hussein during his meeting in Tafila Governorate, when he emphasized the importance of the national narrative and the necessity of documenting it, formed the cornerstone for launching this major national project. This proposal came at a crucial time, affirming that building the future cannot be separated from a deep understanding of the past, nor from possessing a clear and coherent national narrative that expresses the experience of both the state and society.
The launch of the project to document the Jordanian narrative, 'Jordan: Land and People,' represents a strategic step that transcends merely collecting historical accounts, reaching the level of formulating a comprehensive national consciousness based on science, knowledge, and societal experience. This project, launched in response to the vision of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein, and coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Kingdom's independence, reflects a profound understanding of the importance of the national narrative as a pillar of political and social stability, and a fundamental foundation for strengthening national identity and instilling a sense of national belonging in future generations.
The national narrative is a central tool in building a modern state. It is not merely a sequence of events or a recounting of dates, but rather the cognitive and symbolic framework that explains the state's origins, defines its place in its regional and international environment, connects the past with the present, and provides a clear direction for the future. In the Jordanian case, this narrative acquires a distinctive character, as the Kingdom was founded on land rich in human history, which has witnessed successive civilizations and has been, throughout the ages, a crossroads between East and West, and a space for cultural, economic, and political interaction.
Hence the importance of scientifically documenting the Jordanian narrative, from prehistoric times to the present, to offer a coherent reading of Jordan's natural and human trajectory, free from reductionism, selectivity, or ideological manipulation. A nation with a clear self-narrative is better equipped to protect its memory and counter attempts at distortion or fragmented interpretations of history. It is also better able to build a unifying national identity that fosters belonging and trust in institutions.
One of the project's greatest strengths lies in its integration of science and society in the construction of memory. This is achieved through the formation of specialized scientific committees comprised of leading researchers in the fields of culture, archaeology, history, geography, geology, and other disciplines. This approach reflects an understanding that a national narrative cannot be built solely on impressions or oral accounts, but requires a documented scientific foundation based on evidence and academic research.
However, the project does not limit itself to the academic aspect. It also opens avenues for community participation through the 'Stories from Jordan' platform, which allows Jordanians to document their experiences and stories related to the history of their society. This integration of scientific and community narratives creates a more vibrant and realistic narrative that reflects the voice of the people alongside that of historians. History is not made solely in palaces, battles, and grand decisions; it is also shaped in people's daily lives, in their customs, crafts, migrations, and experiences with the land, the city, and the desert. Therefore, involving citizens in documenting this memory contributes to strengthening their sense of belonging and responsibility towards their nation's history.
In a world witnessing identity conflicts, where narrative serves as a lever for national identity and amidst the proliferation of conflicting accounts, the national narrative becomes an essential tool for safeguarding social cohesion. Jordan, characterized by its social, cultural, and geographical diversity, needs a unifying narrative that emphasizes the commonalities among its components and highlights the shared historical experience that shaped the state and society.
Documenting this narrative contributes to consolidating the concepts of citizenship and belonging, and gives new generations a deeper understanding of their nation's roots, moving beyond fragmented or ideologically driven narratives. It also strengthens trust in national institutions and presents a model of a state that respects its history and invests in building its future. The impact of a national narrative extends beyond the domestic sphere, shaping a nation's image abroad. Countries with a clear and coherent self-narrative are better positioned to present their cultural and political identity to the world, whether in diplomacy, tourism, or cultural spheres.
In the case of Jordan, which plays a significant regional role, documenting the national narrative contributes to highlighting its historical role as a bridge of civilizations and a center of stability in a turbulent region. It also supports cultural tourism by offering a comprehensive story about the land and its people, connecting archaeological sites to the historical experience of the Jordanian people.
Launching dialogues at the governorate level to document Jordanian memory indicates a strategic direction toward building a participatory narrative that is not limited to the capital but includes the peripheries and local communities. This promotes equitable representation of history and prevents the monopolization of the narrative by any one group or region, thus forming a sustainable national memory.
This project, in its essence, is not merely a cultural initiative but a long-term investment in national consciousness. The narrative being built today will form the basis for future generations' understanding of their identity, their nation, and their place in the world. The project to document the Jordanian narrative represents a significant step in building national memory on solid scientific and societal foundations. It combines specialized academic research with broad public participation, ensuring a balanced narrative that reflects both the voice of institutions and the voice of society.
The project also contributes to strengthening a unified national identity, consolidating shared values, and bolstering Jordan's standing both domestically and internationally. In light of rapid regional and global transformations, possessing a clear and coherent national narrative has become a strategic imperative for safeguarding stability, fostering a sense of belonging and guiding future generations toward a future of greater awareness and trust in the state and its institutions.
Hasan Dajah — Professor of Strategic Studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University
The visionary outlook expressed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Hussein during his meeting in Tafila Governorate, when he emphasized the importance of the national narrative and the necessity of documenting it, formed the cornerstone for launching this major national project. This proposal came at a crucial time, affirming that building the future cannot be separated from a deep understanding of the past, nor from possessing a clear and coherent national narrative that expresses the experience of both the state and society.
The launch of the project to document the Jordanian narrative, 'Jordan: Land and People,' represents a strategic step that transcends merely collecting historical accounts, reaching the level of formulating a comprehensive national consciousness based on science, knowledge, and societal experience. This project, launched in response to the vision of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein, and coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Kingdom's independence, reflects a profound understanding of the importance of the national narrative as a pillar of political and social stability, and a fundamental foundation for strengthening national identity and instilling a sense of national belonging in future generations.
The national narrative is a central tool in building a modern state. It is not merely a sequence of events or a recounting of dates, but rather the cognitive and symbolic framework that explains the state's origins, defines its place in its regional and international environment, connects the past with the present, and provides a clear direction for the future. In the Jordanian case, this narrative acquires a distinctive character, as the Kingdom was founded on land rich in human history, which has witnessed successive civilizations and has been, throughout the ages, a crossroads between East and West, and a space for cultural, economic, and political interaction.
Hence the importance of scientifically documenting the Jordanian narrative, from prehistoric times to the present, to offer a coherent reading of Jordan's natural and human trajectory, free from reductionism, selectivity, or ideological manipulation. A nation with a clear self-narrative is better equipped to protect its memory and counter attempts at distortion or fragmented interpretations of history. It is also better able to build a unifying national identity that fosters belonging and trust in institutions.
One of the project's greatest strengths lies in its integration of science and society in the construction of memory. This is achieved through the formation of specialized scientific committees comprised of leading researchers in the fields of culture, archaeology, history, geography, geology, and other disciplines. This approach reflects an understanding that a national narrative cannot be built solely on impressions or oral accounts, but requires a documented scientific foundation based on evidence and academic research.
However, the project does not limit itself to the academic aspect. It also opens avenues for community participation through the 'Stories from Jordan' platform, which allows Jordanians to document their experiences and stories related to the history of their society. This integration of scientific and community narratives creates a more vibrant and realistic narrative that reflects the voice of the people alongside that of historians. History is not made solely in palaces, battles, and grand decisions; it is also shaped in people's daily lives, in their customs, crafts, migrations, and experiences with the land, the city, and the desert. Therefore, involving citizens in documenting this memory contributes to strengthening their sense of belonging and responsibility towards their nation's history.
In a world witnessing identity conflicts, where narrative serves as a lever for national identity and amidst the proliferation of conflicting accounts, the national narrative becomes an essential tool for safeguarding social cohesion. Jordan, characterized by its social, cultural, and geographical diversity, needs a unifying narrative that emphasizes the commonalities among its components and highlights the shared historical experience that shaped the state and society.
Documenting this narrative contributes to consolidating the concepts of citizenship and belonging, and gives new generations a deeper understanding of their nation's roots, moving beyond fragmented or ideologically driven narratives. It also strengthens trust in national institutions and presents a model of a state that respects its history and invests in building its future. The impact of a national narrative extends beyond the domestic sphere, shaping a nation's image abroad. Countries with a clear and coherent self-narrative are better positioned to present their cultural and political identity to the world, whether in diplomacy, tourism, or cultural spheres.
In the case of Jordan, which plays a significant regional role, documenting the national narrative contributes to highlighting its historical role as a bridge of civilizations and a center of stability in a turbulent region. It also supports cultural tourism by offering a comprehensive story about the land and its people, connecting archaeological sites to the historical experience of the Jordanian people.
Launching dialogues at the governorate level to document Jordanian memory indicates a strategic direction toward building a participatory narrative that is not limited to the capital but includes the peripheries and local communities. This promotes equitable representation of history and prevents the monopolization of the narrative by any one group or region, thus forming a sustainable national memory.
This project, in its essence, is not merely a cultural initiative but a long-term investment in national consciousness. The narrative being built today will form the basis for future generations' understanding of their identity, their nation, and their place in the world. The project to document the Jordanian narrative represents a significant step in building national memory on solid scientific and societal foundations. It combines specialized academic research with broad public participation, ensuring a balanced narrative that reflects both the voice of institutions and the voice of society.
The project also contributes to strengthening a unified national identity, consolidating shared values, and bolstering Jordan's standing both domestically and internationally. In light of rapid regional and global transformations, possessing a clear and coherent national narrative has become a strategic imperative for safeguarding stability, fostering a sense of belonging and guiding future generations toward a future of greater awareness and trust in the state and its institutions.
Hasan Dajah — Professor of Strategic Studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University
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Jordan: Land, people, and the power of a unified national narrative
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