Amman, Sept 1 (Petra) – Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi on Monday sponsored the screening of the documentary “Ma’an: Where the Kingdom’s Sun Rose” at the Royal Cultural Center in Amman, in the presence of Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh.

Former culture minister Barakat Awajan, the film’s creator and general supervisor, said the documentary was conceived to visually document a pivotal chapter in Ma’an’s modern history and the role of its early leaders in welcoming the late King Abdullah I, the Kingdom’s founder.

Awajan highlighted the contributions of Jordan’s tribes in strengthening the foundations of the state, recalling the legacies of notable figures from Ma’an who accompanied the Kingdom’s formative years.

Historian Omar Armouti, the documentary’s writer, underscored its importance in recording Ma’an’s role during the establishment of the Kingdom under the Hashemites, drawing on firsthand accounts from its residents.

Directed by Burhan Saadeh, the film features testimonies from Ma’an figures who held official posts and spoke about the city’s history and its role in building modern Jordan, while affirming its deep-rooted national identity.

The documentary showcased key landmarks in Ma’an, including the palace of the late King Abdullah I, which served as a national defense center; the first newspaper, “Al-Haqq Ya’lu”; “Sabeel Ma’an,” which offered pilgrims from Iraq, Palestine, and Turkiye rest and hospitality; and the Hejaz Railway station. It also highlighted the city’s development, including the establishment of its first public university during the reign of His Majesty King Abdullah II, named after the late King Hussein.

Interviewees emphasized the unwavering patriotism of Ma’an’s people and their loyalty to the Hashemite leadership, recalling the sacrifices its sons made for the nation and in defense of Jerusalem and Palestine.

At the conclusion of the screening, Awajan, on behalf of Ma’an’s residents, presented His Majesty King Abdullah II with a gift: a silk-embroidered Arab Revolt banner and a framed copy of Al-Haqq Ya’lu.

Issawi also received a commemorative shield on behalf of the film’s team.

The Ma’an Folklore Troupe performed traditional songs and national chants at the event.

//Petra// AF
01/09/2025 21:12:19