Amman: 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, with Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh in attendance.
According to Jordan News Agency, former culture minister Barakat Awajan, who served as the film’s creator and general supervisor, explained that the documentary was crafted to visually document a crucial chapter in Ma’an’s modern history. It explores the role of Ma’an’s early leaders in welcoming the late King Abdullah I, the founder of the Kingdom.
Awajan emphasized the contributions of Jordan’s tribes in fortifying the state’s foundations, recalling the legacies of notable figures from Ma’an who played significant roles during the Kingdom’s formative years.
Historian Omar Armouti, the documentary’s writer, highlighted its significance in chronicling Ma’an’s role during the establishment of the Kingdom under the Hashemite rule. The documentary draws on firsthand accounts from the residents of Ma’an to convey this history.
Directed by Burhan Saadeh, the film includes testimonies from Ma’an figures who held official positions. These individuals spoke about the city’s historical contributions to building modern Jordan and affirmed its deep-rooted national identity.
The documentary featured key landmarks in Ma’an, such as the palace of the late King Abdullah I, which functioned as a national defense center; the first newspaper, “Al-Haqq Ya’lu”; “Sabeel Ma’an,” a rest stop offering hospitality to pilgrims from Iraq, Palestine, and Turkiye; 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 in the film emphasized the unwavering patriotism of Ma’an’s people and their allegiance to the Hashemite leadership, recalling the sacrifices made by its sons for the nation and in defense of Jerusalem and Palestine.
At the conclusion of the screening, Awajan, representing 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 event featured a performance by the Ma’an Folklore Troupe, who entertained attendees with traditional songs and national chants.