Zarqa Governorate Facts for Kids

Map of Jordan showing Zarqa Governorate

The Zarqa Governorate (which means Muhafazat Az-Zarqa in Arabic) is one of the 12 main areas, or governorates, that make up the country of Jordan. You can think of a governorate like a large county or a state within a country. The most important city in this governorate, and its capital, is Zarqa. Zarqa is a very important place in Jordan, known for its history and its role in the country's development.

Where is Zarqa Governorate?
What is Zarqa City Like?
Important Places to See
- Azraq Wetlands
- Desert Castles
Modern Day Zarqa
Images for kids
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Where is Zarqa Governorate?

The Zarqa Governorate is located in the central part of Jordan. It's east of the capital city, Amman. This location makes it a key area for travel and trade within the country. The governorate has different types of land, from busy cities to open desert areas.

What is Zarqa City Like?

Zarqa is the second-largest city in Jordan, after Amman. It's a very busy place with lots of people living and working there. The city is known for its industries, which means many factories and businesses are located here. This helps create jobs and supports the economy of Jordan. Zarqa is also a hub for transportation, with important roads connecting it to other parts of the country.

Important Places to See

The Zarqa Governorate is home to several interesting historical and natural sites.

Azraq Wetlands

One special place is the Azraq Oasis, which includes the Azraq Wetlands Reserve. This area is a unique wetland in the middle of the desert. It's a very important stop for many different kinds of migratory birds that travel between Africa and Europe or Asia. The wetlands provide a vital source of water and food for these birds. It's a great place to learn about nature and see wildlife.

Desert Castles

The governorate also has some amazing old castles, often called "desert castles." These include:

Qasr Amra: This is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. It's famous for its beautiful and well-preserved fresco paintings inside, which show scenes from daily life, hunting, and even the night sky from long ago. It was built in the 8th century.
Qasr al Hallabat: This was originally a Roman fort that was later rebuilt and used by the Umayyad rulers. Near it, you can find the ruins of an old mosque.
Azraq Castle: This castle is made of black basalt stone. It has a long history, dating back to Roman times. It was also used by Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt in the early 20th century.

These castles tell us a lot about the history of the region and the different civilizations that lived there.

Modern Day Zarqa

Today, Zarqa Governorate continues to be an important part of Jordan. It has a mix of modern life and ancient history. The Shaheed Mwaffaq Air Base, an important air force base, is also located in Azraq, showing the governorate's role in national defense. The city of Russeifa is another significant urban area within the governorate, contributing to its population and economic activity.

Zarqa Governorate is a place where you can see how Jordan's past and present come together, from ancient castles to busy modern cities.