Amman, Feb. 1 (Petra) – Under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the “Jordan: Dawn of Christianity” exhibition was inaugurated in Rome, Italy.

According to a Ministry of Tourism statement, the opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Tourism Lina Annab, officials, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Jordan Tourism Board, and the Department of Antiquities, along with a delegation from the Senate and Jordan’s Ambassador to Italy, Qais Abu Dayyeh. The event also drew Italian and international media representatives.

The exhibition, which runs from January 31 to February 28, 2025, aims to raise awareness among Italian and international audiences, particularly visitors to Rome during the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee Year, themed Pilgrims of Hope.” It highlights Jordan’s historical role as the birthplace of Christianity, particularly Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas), the baptism site of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist, and the preservation of this religious heritage under Hashemite leadership.

Featuring over 90 rare artifacts, the exhibition presents intricate mosaics, ancient Christian symbols, and interactive historical narratives, guiding visitors through different eras from the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River to the Byzantine and Islamic periods, and into the modern Hashemite era.

Speaking to the press, Minister Annab emphasized that the exhibition is part of a long-term initiative to introduce the world to Jordan’s deep-rooted Christian and Islamic history and to showcase the civilizations that have flourished on Jordanian soil, enriching global heritage.

“The exhibition highlights Jordan’s efforts, under His Majesty King Abdullah II’s leadership, to preserve Christian presence in the region as an integral part of our past, present, and future,” Annab said.

The event marks the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s recognition of Bethany Beyond the Jordan as a Christian pilgrimage site in 2000. It serves as a global invitation to explore Jordan’s religious and historical heritage, further cementing its position as a key destination for Christian pilgrimage. With an expected high visitor turnout at the Vatican, the exhibition is anticipated to inspire many to visit Jordan and experience its unique spiritual and historical landmarks.

//Petra// AF
01/02/2025 20:11:37