Jordan Zarqa History: An Overview of a City's Rich Past
Jordan's Zarqa city is located in the Zarqa Governorate, east of the capital city Amman. It is the second-largest city in the country, with a population of over 1 million people. The city is known for its rich history and culture, having been inhabited since the Bronze Age. It has seen many civilizations pass through its borders, from the ancient Nabataeans to the modern-day Jordanians.
The earliest known inhabitants of Zarqa were the Bronze Age people known as the Amorites. They built a settlement in the area around 2000 BC, which was later conquered by the Assyrians in the 7th century BC. The city was then taken over by the Babylonians, who renamed it Zarga. During the Persian Empire, the city was known as Zarga-Shapir, and it was part of the Nabataean kingdom.
In the 4th century AD, the city was conquered by the Romans and renamed Diospolis. It was then taken over by the Umayyads in the 7th century and renamed Zaraq. During the Abbasid period, the city was known as Zirqah. In the 10th century, the city was taken over by the Fatimids and renamed Zirqah al-Kabir.
During the Ottoman period, Zarqa was an important trading center and was known as Zirqa al-Sharqiyya. The city was also a major hub for textile production. In the early 20th century, the city was taken over by the Hashemites and renamed Zarqa. The city was then incorporated into the newly formed kingdom of Jordan in 1946.
Today, Zarqa is a bustling city with a vibrant culture. It is home to many industries, including textiles, manufacturing, and food processing. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs. It is also home to several universities, including Zarqa University, the first private university in Jordan.
Zarqa has a long and rich history, and it is a great place to explore and learn about the past. The city is full of interesting sites, from the ancient ruins of the Amorites to the modern-day university. There are also many museums and galleries that showcase the city's history and culture. Whether you are looking to explore the past or experience the present, Zarqa is an ideal destination.