Amman, May 24 (Petra) – On the eve of Jordan’s 79th Independence Day, the Jordan News Agency (Petra) released a special video on Saturday to mark the occasion, spotlighting key turning points in the country’s history that paved the way toward building a modern state founded on national principles, firm values, and constitutional integrity.

Produced by Petra’s Digital Media Directorate, the video recounts major milestones leading to Jordan’s independence, portraying a nation that has steadfastly upheld its freedom, sovereignty, and dignity.

The production features commentary from experts who emphasized the significance of independence in shaping Jordan’s national journey and strengthening its regional and international standing. They highlighted the Kingdom’s leading role in the region in promoting sustainable development and comprehensive progress under the wise leadership of the Hashemite monarchy.

Speakers stressed that national unity and collective effort remain the cornerstone of Jordan’s advancement, noting that safeguarding independence requires ongoing commitment, sincere dedication, and a deep sense of belonging to the nation.

They described Independence Day as the beginning of a new chapter that altered the course of history and etched the contours of national sovereignty. Jordanians, they noted, continue to express immense pride in their homeland and in a national legacy built on sacrifice and heroism to uphold identity, freedom, and justice, all while advancing under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II.

Mohannad Mubaideen, Director General of the Royal Hashemite Documentation Centre (RHDC), described Jordan’s independence as a milestone deeply rooted in national memory. He linked the May 25, 1946 declaration of independence to earlier efforts in 1923, when Emir Abdullah and British High Commissioner Herbert Samuel attended a significant ceremony in Marka, signaling the early stages of sovereignty.

He explained that the period between 1923 and 1946 was marked by institutional groundwork: the development of legal frameworks, the holding of elections in 1929, the formation of legislative councils, the 1928 Anglo-Jordanian Treaty, and efforts to end foreign occupation and solidify state authority. He pointed to progress in education, healthcare, and institutional building as part of a broader national movement.

“This was a profound institutional journey,” Mubaideen said. “Independence wasn’t merely declared in a royal speech. It was the culmination of a long struggle and part of the wider Arab independence movement, which saw countries like Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon gain sovereignty around the same period.”

Historian and researcher Ali Mahafzah emphasized that the demand for independence had always been central to the Jordanian national consciousness. Jordanians, he said, consistently opposed the British Mandate and rejected its terms over nearly a quarter of a century.

He recalled the significance of the first Jordanian National Congress held in Amman in 1928, where delegates called for independence, rejected the Balfour Declaration, and supported the Palestinian struggle for freedom.

Mahafzah added that Independence Day is a moment to remember the sacrifices of Jordanians and the blood of martyrs shed in defense of the homeland, highlighting a collective national pride and determination to preserve the values of freedom and sovereignty.

He underlined that protecting independence is a national duty that must be upheld with vigilance and resolve. “True independence must be maintained. It is neither symbolic nor superficial it is a national imperative,” he said.

Economic expert Mousa Saket reflected on independence as an evolving journey under Hashemite leadership. “Independence has never been a final destination,” he said. “It is a continuing launchpad toward progress, reform, innovation, and modernization.”

Saket stressed that political independence is incomplete without economic independence, which he argued should be grounded in local production, youth empowerment particularly in technology and innovation and robust support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

He concluded that the sacrifices of the founders must be honored by building a strong and thriving economy that meets the aspirations of future generations and safeguards national dignity.

//Petra// AF
24/05/2025 19:38:01