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The Anjara Cultural Forum, in collaboration with the Ajloun Directorate of Culture, launched a cultural, environmental, and tourism trail in the western and southern regions of Anjara, titled “Walking Paths and Spoken Tales.” The trail starts from the archaeological site of Al-Badiya and extends to the areas of Hamrait, Al-Sarabeess, and their surrounding regions on the outskirts of Anjara. These areas boast archaeological treasures, breathtaking natural scenery, and numerous ancient water springs dating back thousands of years.
At the beginning of the trail, which commenced from the Al-Badiya archaeological site, participants included Ajloun Culture Director Samer Freihat, Ajloun Tourism Director Firas Khatatbeh, Dean of Ajloun University College Prof. Dr. Wael Al-Rabadi, former Ajloun Antiquities Director and archaeologist Dr. Mohammad Abu Abeelah, President and members of the Anjara Cultural Forum, former MP Ahmad Hassan Freihat, as well as heads and members of cultural organizations, local community representatives, faculty members from Jordanian universities, and Turkish nationals from Yarmouk University.
Dr. Abu Abeelah provided a historical overview of Al-Badiya and the restoration work carried out by the Department of Antiquities since its discovery. The tour also included visits to Hamrait, the historic Ein Al-Haneesh spring, the Al-Sarabeess area, and some newly established tourist facilities in the region. Dr. Abu Abeelah elaborated on the historical significance of the area and the civilizations that once thrived there.
Ajloun Culture Director Samer Freihat emphasized the importance of linking culture with tourism and the environment, noting that Ajloun Governorate possesses a rich and significant cultural heritage. He called for concerted efforts to highlight this heritage and educate younger generations about it.
Ajloun Tourism Director Firas Khatatbeh stated that the governorate is home to over 250 tourist and archaeological sites, along with approximately 40 licensed private tourist facilities, with many more under construction and awaiting licensing.
The President of the Anjara Cultural Forum, Prof. Dr. Aref Al-Zghoul, explained that the goal of launching this cultural, environmental, and tourism trail is to blend culture, history, heritage, and the stunning natural landscapes of western and southern Anjara, which are rich in historical and heritage sites and diverse plant life. He noted that the forum will follow up with relevant authorities to include the area on the tourism map of the governorate and the Kingdom.
The Dean of Ajloun University College, Prof. Dr. Wael Al-Rabadi, affirmed that the college will spare no effort in highlighting the historical significance of the governorate and the attention it has received from the Hashemites, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II.
At the end of the tour, many participants stressed the importance of officially recognizing the Al-Badiya – Al-Haneesh – Al-Sarabeess trail as a new tourist route, given its wealth of historical and tourist sites, as well as its dense forested areas. They also called on the concerned authorities to develop serious plans and programs to preserve the forest wealth in the region and other areas of the governorate.
The tour concluded with the Anjara Cultural Forum and Dr. Rifaat Al-Zghoul distributing gifts to participants, including a collection of valuable books donated by the library of the late Prof. Dr. Mohammad Raji Al-Zghoul.