Ahlan wa Sahlan
Welcome to the Umm Al-Jimāl Archaeological Project
About Umm Al-Jimāl
Umm Al-Jimāl's impressively well preserved architectural remains rise up from the desert-like steppe lands of northeast Jordan. The ancient town was primarily populated from the 1st through 8th centuries CE, but retains the imprint of important historical and cultural developments up to the present.
The archaeological site is encircled by the modern town of Umm Al-Jimāl, home to a vibrant community that that has embraced the stunning ruins as part of their heritage.
About the Project
The Umm Al-Jimāl Archaeological Project (UJAP) was founded by Dr. Bert de Vries in 1972, and slowly developed from a research-based venture into a collaborative, multidisciplinary community archaeology project. The UJAP works alongside the local community as well as local and regional governments in Jordan to ensure the protection and preservation of Umm Al-Jimāl, and also to create opportunities for sustainable development and growth in the living community.
About the Community
Encircling the ancient site, the modern town of Umm Al-Jimāl is home to thousands of residents, many of whom still traverse the site on foot to go to work or school. Over the course of research and excavations at the site, two generations of residents have made valuable contributions to the history and conservation of the site, and to sustainable development within the modern community. Cultural heritage in Umm Al-Jimāl is found not only in the astounding architectural remains, but also in the continuation and preservation of local traditions.