Irbid

Overview

Irbid, Arabella, the ancient city of the Aramics, now the 2nd city of Jordanian Arabs. Lies in midst of the country side that used to be a legendary scene of vast wheat fields in the nothern region of Jordan. The "Bride of the North" Jordanians call it well meaning that they consider it the "Pride" of  their north as well. It has most of Jordan universities.

Before Islam, Irbid was famous for some of the best wines in the ancient world. Made from rich transparent and honey-toned, green, red, or black grapes. Nourished by extremely fertile deep-brown soil, growing under beautiful horizons, dominated by an assuring presence of  Jabal El-Shiekh, the all seasons snow tipped mountain of the Middle East. Warmed by the pleasant sun of a lovely mediterranean moderate climate.

After Islam Arabella became known as Irbid, and continued with the wheat but took to great olive oil instead of wines. However, Irbid has her claim to Islamic fame and glory, In her rich long history, written with blood and sacrifice. Irbid takes a fare share in thrilling epics of longing heroes, and memory dwelling laments of poets.

No worthy historian managed to leave Irbid - the ancient Arabella of the Aramics' - unmentioned,  because of the Yarmouk battle, a decisive heroic battle that took place across the banks of the Yarmouk river some 30 kilometers to the north of Irbid.

Yarmouk battle, was between the new young power, Islam, against the ancient world dominating superpower, Rome. It is a landmark of the history of both, Rome and Islam, and a landmark in the history of Irbid, as well.

The outcome of Yarmouk battle changed the course...more

History

Irbid, the bride of the north, is considered as one of the most beautiful Jordanian cities. Its population amounts to 650,000 and situated on a plain land, 65 k.m. to the north of the capital, Amman. It is situated in the north west of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, surrounded by fertile agricultural lands from north, east and south, Irbid was named 'The Daisy' after the daisy flower grows in its plains. Irbid witnessed human settlements 5000 B.C., such as settlements of the Adomites ,Ghassenids and Southern Arab civilizations.

It was distinguished by the Greek, Roman and Islamic civilizations leaving behind them historical and archaeological sites. Roman and Greek cities such as, Arabella (Irbid), Capitolias (Beit Ras), Dion (Al-Husin), Gadara (Umm Qais), Pella (Tabeqt Fahel) and Abello (Qwailbeh) were established. They were members of the Decapolis: a pact that consists of the ten Roman cities in the area. Ghassenids had established their country in the north of Jordan covering Irbid, Golan and and Horan plains. It was described as the most beautiful Syrian countries. Also it had the Islamic soldiers supplies. Christianity spread out there in the second and the third century A.D.

Irbid witnessed the Adomites and Ammonits civilizations. Its significance was reflected in the Helesnic age. With the missionary work of Islam, the Islamic opening armies achieved an advance. As a result, Sharhabeel Bin Hasnaa made a glorious Islamic victory in 13 A.H (634 A.D.). He opened Irbid, Beit-Ras and Umm Qais. The Islamic leader Abu Obideh Amer Bin Al-Jarrah was able to open Pella. In 15 A.H. (636 A.D.) and in the prime of these victories, Khalid Bin Al-Walid managed to crush out the Roman armies in the everlasting Yarmouk Battle. Consequently, he managed to put an end to the Roman existence. In 583 A.H (1187 A.D.) Saladin⿿s armies advanced to Hittin in which the most ferocious battle in the history of the Crusading war took place, This battle was followed by liberating Jerusalem and returning it back to the Islam sovereignty.

During this time, Irbid played an essential role as a strategic area during the Mamluke age especially in the field of serving the pilgrims' caravans coming from Turkey, the north of Iraq and the south of Rassia. It was an important center for the communication net, which the Mamluke and a passageway to Egypt, Hijas and Palestine coast founded, especially during the time in which Irbid was linked...more