“Cultural heritage is an expression of a society’s vision of itself, of its history and identity,” German Ambassador to Jordan Birgitta Siefker-Eberle said at the opening of Yarmouk University’s “Cultural World” exhibition in Irbid.

Every culture is a world in itself and these worlds of culture must be preserved and developed, the ambassador noted at the launch of the event on Sunday.

The exhibition displays 15 highlights of Germany’s Cultural Preservation Programme, a German embassy statement said, adding that the exhibits range from the restoration of an open-air museum on the site of the Sun Temple of Heliopolis in Egypt to the creation of a sound archive in Afghanistan.

In Jordan, the exhibition displays cultural awareness programmes in the ancient city of Gadara (modern day Umm Qais), one of the country’s most important cultural monuments, the statement said.

Talking about cultural ties between Jordan and Germany, President of Yarmouk University Zeidan Kafafi underlined the fruitful cultural relations between Jordan and Germany, which have resulted in “many joint projects”.

“Cultural heritage gives us orientation and support; it is part of our identity and our memories. Its destruction is much more than a physical loss, but aims at the heart of civilisation, the dignity of man. This makes our efforts to protect cultural heritage at the national and international level all the more important,” stressed Kafafi, adding that the exhibition furnishes the space for exchanging ideas and skills.

Consequently, in time of crisis and turmoil cultural heritage is threatened by multiple dangers both natural and man-made, such as looting, illicit excavations and smuggling, outlined Professor Hani Hayajneh from Yarmouk University

This exhibition showcases the restoration and conservation of historical buildings and objects, which includes assistance in the repair and conservation of world heritage sites, collection and documentation of oral traditions such as music and literature, documentation of endangered sites; training and education of restorers, archivists, scientists and museum staff, Hayajneh said.

“The examples exhibited in this foyer show that archaeology has not only something to do with lifting old stones. Our institutions worldwide should work together to design an active future, with the aim of preserving the cultural memory of humanity,” emphasised Hayajneh.

“I should like to conclude by expressing the hope that many people will visit this exhibition [which lasts until August 27th] to enjoy these exceptional examples of the preservation of the cultural heritage of humanity. But, also to get a better picture of our shared past — a past that can inspire us to work towards a shared future,” Kafafi underscored.

The President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi, met with Dr. Roberto Gabrielli of the Institute of Technological Applications of Cultural Heritage in Italy, discussing the ways of cooperation in the implementation of a scientific project on the site of Umm Al-Rasaas. Prof. Zeidan Kafafi pointed out that the Faculty of Archeology at Yarmouk University has always been the pioneer in conducting research and scientific projects in various archaeological and heritage sites in Jordan and that its researchers have contributed to the discovery and documentation of much information about such sites, stressing the importance of using modern scientific methods in documenting data and collecting information about heritage and civilization sites.

He also confirmed Yarmouk's readiness to cooperate with the Italian Institute through the implementation of the research project, which aims at providing the visitors of Umm Al-rasaas with information about the site through, for instance, images of GPS. Such information should be documented in a database so that researchers can use whenever necessary. He then praised the efforts of the research team members, including Dr. Ahmed Al-Orood, the project Manager, Dr. Khalid Nahar, Dr. Rami Malkawi, and Dr. Abdulrahman Al Asmar of the Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Science.

In his turn, Dr. Gabrieli stressed the importance of cooperation with YU in the field of the implementation of this project, as it includes researchers and specialists who are distinguished in the field of archeology and information technology. He pointed out that Jordan is a country full of heritage sites and civilization, which makes of it the destination of many researchers in the field of archeology all over the world.

He then explained that this project will be implemented using AR technology, which is based on the projection of virtual objects and information in the real user environment in order to provide additional information or serve as a vector, in contrast to the virtual reality based on the projection of real objects in a virtual environment. The user can deal with information and virtual objects in reality through several devices, being either portable, smart phone or devices that are worn as glasses or contact lenses. Such devices use a tracking system that provides precision projection, appropriate display of information in the right place, such as GPS, camera, and compass.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Fawwaz Al-Abed Al-haq, Vice President for Student Affairs and External Communication, the Deans of Information Technology and Archaeology Faculties, Dr. Samer Samara and Dr. Hani Hayajneh, and Dr. Eva Malfini, an archaeologist.

His Majesty King Abdullah II met with a group of students of the University of Jordan and Yarmouk University at Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman on Thursday, July 11, 2019.

The interview, released on the two universities’ social media pages, covered King Abdullah’s reflections on key events and moments in his life.

His Majesty talked about what makes him angry or happy, and spoke about his favourite and least favourite character traits.

The King reflected on the past 20 years since his assumption of constitutional powers, and described his feelings when his eldest son, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, was born.

His Majesty also spoke about his hobbies, his love for sports, and why he could not compete in the Olympics.

“Jordanians are my brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, and my extended family. Jordan is the most beautiful place in the world,” the King said in the interview.

The interview was conducted by students Arwa Sarhan and Luma Hammouri from Yarmouk University’s Faculty of Mass Communication, and Aseel Rawashdeh from the University of Jordan’s Faculty of Law.

Following is a translation of the interview’s transcript.

Arwa Sarhan: First of all, Your Majesty, what was your reaction when King Hussein, God rest his soul, informed you that you will be Crown Prince?

His Majesty King Abdullah II: His Majesty King Hussein, God rest his soul, requested my presence and personally informed me that he wants to appoint me as Crown Prince. I experienced a mixture of emotions: surprise, responsibility, and sadness. As a son, I felt that I was going to lose a father, a leader, and a protector. It is a difficult feeling like no other, and Al Hussein was no ordinary man.

Arwa Sarhan: In 2005, the Amman bombings took place. This was the first internal crisis facing Jordan under Your Majesty’s reign. What were your feelings when you received the sad news?

King Abdullah II: I will never forget that day. I felt a mixture of sadness and anger, and I had the sense that there was a grave threat facing our nation that requires our unity and readiness to fight it and counter any new challenges.

Aseel Rawashdeh: Looking at the past 20 years, what situation bothered you or angered you the most?

King Abdullah II: I was extremely angered when the hero Muath Kasasbeh was martyred, may God rest his soul. I was even angrier when some people used this to question Jordan’s position. These people have no idea about the great efforts we exerted to rescue the martyr. They don’t know that we never leave our men—our brothers in arms—behind. They don’t know that we soldiers know how to defend and protect each other no matter what.

Aseel Rawashdeh: To get the full picture, we need to ask about the opposite extremes. We asked what angers you, so please allow us to ask: what makes you happy and gives you the energy to undertake your daily work?

King Abdullah II: Jordanians. Nothing beats the feeling when you are among your people and see them acting spontaneously and sincerely. Youth, in particular, give me the energy and stamina. As long as our young people are eager and motivated, we will all be well.

Luma Hammouri: I would like to take you back to childhood, simpler, carefree times, when we have many dreams and wish that they would come true. What was something you really wanted to do as a child and could not achieve?

King Abdullah II: I used to really love sports when I was young. I was captain of the school gymnastics and track and field team, and I came in first place in a Greco-Roman wrestling competition covering 13 US states. I would have loved to represent Jordan in the Olympics, but I had a car accident in my last year. I was not the driver, but I sustained a back injury, so I came in second place in wrestling that year, and the injury prevented me from pursuing this sport further.

Luma Hammouri: When you address the Jordanian people, you refer to them as the sons and daughters of Jordan, and when you talk to young Jordanians, you say “my sons and daughters”. So I would like to talk about your feelings as a father. How did you feel the first time you saw Prince Al Hussein?

King Abdullah II: It was a great feeling, but difficult to describe. It was, no doubt, a turning point for me, because from that moment onwards, I felt that I had a bigger responsibility as a parent. One of the greatest moments was seeing my father, God rest his soul, holding my son Al Hussein for the first time.

There was a special relationship between King Hussein and his grandfather, King Abdullah. They were very close, and I knew that my father wanted to have that same relationship with his grandson. So sometimes, my father would visit our home in the evening and ask me, “is your son here?”, and when I tell him no, he would take his leave, saying, “I just wanted to see Hussein”. I see that look in my son’s eyes when we talk about his grandfather.

Aseel Rawashdeh: This year marks the 20th anniversary of your assumption of constitutional powers; congratulations on this occasion. Allow me to ask, how have you spent those years?

King Abdullah II: I have lived them moment by moment. People think that when you are king, you get everything you want. I wish that were the case. The reality is far more difficult; the responsibility is enormous and you can see this in my greying hair!

Arwa Sarhan: Your Majesty, the Hashemites give us, Jordanians, a sense of security. What does that mean to you?

King Abdullah II: It adds to my sense of responsibility. It is an extraordinary responsibility to be in charge of an entire country, including the future of its sons and daughters with which I am entrusted.

Luma Hammouri: What does Jordan mean to you?

King Abdullah II: Jordan is my homeland, where I was born and raised. Jordanians are my brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, and my extended family. Jordan is the most beautiful place in the world, in my opinion, and I always strive to improve Jordanians’ standard of living.

Arwa Sarhan: We would also love to know which places you like the most in Jordan and visit frequently.

King Abdullah II: Throughout my military service, I visited every single area in Jordan, north to south and east to west. Each region is unique in its own way, and some areas are amongst the most beautiful in the entire world, but some people are unaware of them. One of the top items on my agenda when I took office was promoting Jordan to show the world what it has to offer. In 2002, I participated in a Discovery Channel documentary, which was unusual at the time for a head of state, but I insisted to be personally involved. We visited the most important tourist attractions, such as Aqaba, Petra, Wadi Rum and Mujib.

Aseel Rawashdeh: I guess a good way to get to know someone is through what they do in their free time, but I don’t imagine you have the luxury of free time. We still hear that you have many hobbies; what are your favourite hobbies and do you have the time to practise them?

King Abdullah II: I have many hobbies but I don’t have the time to pursue them these days. I enjoy riding motorcycles, parachuting, and scuba diving, and for me, it is important to develop this sport in Aqaba because it is one of the most beautiful areas for scuba diving in the world.

Luma Hammouri: What is your favourite character trait in a person and what trait do you dislike the most?

King Abdullah II: The character trait I like the most is honesty—being honest no matter the cost, and not just with others but also being honest with yourself. Jordanians are highly regarded abroad, and Jordan’s reputation goes far beyond its size and borders because Jordanians are honest wherever they are. The character trait I dislike is dishonesty and hypocrisy, which, to me, are cowardly traits that I cannot stand.

Arwa Sarhan: Some people, including us, may have a hard time imagining that the King is a regular person who leads a normal life like us. Has anyone ever said that to you?

King Abdullah II: I hear questions like this a lot, especially from children who think that my life as king is different from anyone else’s. Children are innocent and say things from the heart without filters. Many of them ask me questions about what I eat and drink, and I laugh and tell them I’m just like you! My favourite dish is galayet bandora (tomato stew) and those who served with me in the army know that nothing beats having galayet bandora while sitting on the ground next to an armoured tank. I prefer the simple life.

Luma Hammouri: Your life must have changed after you became King. What are the things that you miss doing after becoming King? What are the things that have actually changed?

King Abdullah II: I used to go out as I pleased and meet my friends more often. I had fewer concerns and responsibilities, but now I am responsible for my country and for my people. Back in those days, I used to lead a normal life just like any other citizen or father responsible for a small family.

Aseel Rawashdeh: You are from the 1960s generation. Jordan has certainly changed since then. How much has Jordan changed in your view; what has actually changed?

King Abdullah II: The entire world has developed rapidly. Jordan, praise be to God, was able to keep up with those developments in all areas; for example, we only had one university in Jordan in the 1960s and now we have over 20. All Jordanians should be proud of their great achievements over the past 50 years.

Aseel Rawashdeh: We have spoken a lot about the past; allow us to look ahead now. What does Jordan’s future look like to you?

King Abdullah II: Jordan is a small country but it has a huge impact. Jordan, praise be to God, is greatly respected regionally and internationally, and it is a key player in various regional issues. Jordan has experienced difficult times but has always come out stronger. Jordanians show their true mettle in the most trying times; you see the people standing united, and this is what sets Jordan apart.

Discussing means of cooperation between Yarmouk University and the Turkish University of Ahi Evran, the President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi, met with a delegation from the Turkish University of Ahi Evran, including the vice President, Dr. Ahmed Jokbil, and the Director of the International Relations Office at the University, Dr. Erman Akili.

Prof. Zeidan Kafafi reviewed the establishment of Yarmouk, which offers specialties in the various fields of the scientific, medical, and humanitarian majors, thus providing an attractive learning environment for international students. He stated that Yarmouk includes international students representing 42 different nationalities, which positively influence the cultural diversity of the university community. Prof. Zeidan Kafafi stressed the keenness of Yarmouk to strengthen relations of academic cooperation, research, and cultural relations with the various universities and educational institutions in Turkey, as this strategy contributes to the exchange of experiences and scientific competencies and enhances the teaching process in the two parties.

He also emphasized Yarmouk's readiness to strengthen its cooperation with the University of Ahi Evran through the implementation of the terms of the agreement between the two sides, which focuses on the exchange of faculty members and students between the two universities, conducting joint scientific research, participating in seminars and scientific conferences organized by both sides, and exchanging publications issued by both universities .

In his turn, Jokbil praised the reputation of Yarmouk in the Turkish society, stressing that the University of Ahi Avran is keen to continue cooperation with Yarmouk University and expand its base to include other scientific disciplines in addition to Sharia, Islamic studies, and Arabic. He mentioned that Ahi Evran recently received a group of faculty members from Yarmouk as part of an official scientific visit to the University to see the stages of development and modernization experienced by the University of Ahi Avran in the various fields of academia. He then reviewed the establishment of the University of Ahi Evran, which offers many scientific and humanitarian disciplines, grants bachelor and postgraduate degrees, and includes vocational training institutes, research center, and other applications.

Noteworthy mentioning that this meeting was attended by Yarmouk University's Vice President for Student Affairs and External Relations, Prof. Fawwaz Al-Abd Al-Haq, the director of International Relations, Dr. Mowafaq Al-Otoom, and the faculty and administrative staff who participated in the latest official visit to Ahi Evran.