March 19th-31st, 2009 Jordan: Ancient Petra

Jordan: Ancient Petra

and 21st Century Challenges

A worldwide internet contest has recently proclaimed Petra one of the “seven wonders of the world”. This ancient Nabatean city cut into the rock face of southern Jordan had impressed the intrepid European traveler since the early nineteenth century. Today it is no longer a secret but understanding the sources of its achievements still remains elusive. How did this peaceful ancient trading kingdom flourish in an environment where water resources were so scarce and empires with great war machines were advancing?

Jordan, like the Nabatean kingdom, flourishes on trade and maintaining peaceful coexistence with its neighbors and the world at large. It has provided a safe haven for many different nationalities. This has brought both dynamic growth and severe pressures on the manmade and natural environment. A tiny country one tenth the size of the nearby Middle Eastern giants of Turkey and Egypt, it has produced a surprising number of noted architects, urban planners and environmental specialists.

Our trip will expose us to the ancient and the modern at close hand. We will walk the passes of Petra, listen to scholars who are delving into its secrets and explore its delicate eco-systems at national nature preserves. We will also meet with leaders among Jordan’s architects, urban designers and ecologists. It will be an opportunity to have an insider’s view of how they are facing 21st century challenges and to exchange views.

Unlike many tourists, you will spend enough time in Petra to absorb the site and in Jordan to gain a real appreciation from Jordanians for how it functions today.

The total cost of the trip, all inclusive with economy air fare, superior hotels, meals, guide, and transfers is $4500. Please contact Suhail Bisharat at suhailbisharat@hotmail.com to reserve a place.

 

Please visit the links at the top left of this page for detailed program, flight, contact and reading information.

Map courtesy Jordan Tourism Board, please visit www.visitjordan.com for extensive information on traveling to Jordan