This article forms part of a series of publications under MEDUSA project to promote less-known natural and cultural touristic assets in our partner territories Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, Puglia (Italy) and Catalonia (Spain).

Enjoy reading and hope to welcome you soon at one of the wonderful places you will get to know here.

Iraq Al-Amir village is located around half an hour from Jordan’s capital, Amman. Iraq Al-Amir is known as being one of the natural habitats of the black iris, Jordan’s national flower. Iraq Al-Amir village is an authentic reflection of ancient civilizations and heritage from the past. As such, it is a tourism destination for many visitors in Jordan.

The Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Association was established in 2001 with the aim of preserving the environment and the unique architectural heritage of the region. The association is now led and managed by women from the local community and offers a collection of tourism services and experiences.

Picture 1 - Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Association rest house

Amongst the many activities the association offers are the following:

Hand weaving: Visitors can enjoy the experience of hand weaving items of various colors and sizes, using different types of threads such as wool, cotton, polyester, silk and cloth.

Paper upcycling: a learning experience about paper upcycling in a chemical-free paper workshop. The paper is made by collecting the leaves and skin of halva plants, okra, roses, bananas, palms, and other plants and herbs, and transforming them into paper of different sizes, colors and textures.

Natural soap production: Visitors can take a tour of the natural soap workshop observing the using traditional methods of soap making with natural dyes and the purest local olive oil

Porcelain and ceramic craft: Visitors experience the production of porcelain and ceramics in a dedicated workshop equipped with the latest material to produce different types of ceramic and porcelain items of different sizes and colors.

Picture 2 - Porcelain and ceramic crafts

Local and authentic culinary experiences: an authentic culinary experience allowing visitors to enjoy a peaceful break inside the Association’s rest house and taste delicious traditional dishes from the region prepared by women from the local community.

Local products exhibition: a unique shopping experience showcasing all the locally-made products: handmade textile, ceramic and porcelain pieces, landscape carved on natural plant paper, olive oil sops, rugs, and many other products.