Historical reenactments in Jordan have become a leisure and tourism proposal for all types of visitors. They are organized by the Jordan Heritage Revival Company (JHRC) and take place in several of the country’s most emblematic destinations. In this post, we tell you about it, in case you want to join one of their activities during your trip.
The Work of JHRC
The Jordan Heritage Revival Company (JHRC) was created in 2010 with a dual objective: on one hand, to highlight the history and heritage of the territory that today makes up Jordan, and on the other, to contribute to local economic development through tourist experiences for national and foreign visitors. Two ideas related to responsible tourism that benefit local citizens and travelers.
The JHRC was directly promoted by King Abdullah II, the architect of its foundation, and not only sells its experiences directly to agencies and tourists, but also collaborates with major film production companies to facilitate period film shoots in its destinations, which have already served as perfect locations for past movies, such as Lawrence of Arabia.
What are the Historical Reenactments in Jordan
At the beginning of 2025, there are four places where JHRC conducts historical reenactments in Jordan: Wadi Rum, Petra, Shobak, and Umm Qais. In all of them, theatrical exhibitions are held and, in some cases, complementary activities are also offered, always with the utmost care to faithfully reflect the original spirit that has given it meaning.
Wadi Rum and its Train Adventure
Undoubtedly, the destination and proposal that have made JHRC famous is Wadi Rum and The Train Ride Adventure. It’s a short journey aboard the Hejaz Railway train, from its station in this desert. For this, the experience is set in the year 1916, when this territory was still under Ottoman domination and the Arab Revolt was beginning in search of independence. In this experience, passengers travel on this train used to transport weapons and goods, in the context of World War I. And it is raided by Arab rebels, who had one of their strategic points in Wadi Rum.
In addition to the train adventure experience, JHRC also organizes other activities in Wadi Rum, related to the attractions of the place. For example, paintball battles that recreate the fights between Ottomans and Arabs, horseback riding, astronomical observation, 4×4 routes, or dinners and accommodations in Bedouin tents.
Petra and its Nabataean Society
Another essential destination full of history is Petra. And here, JHRC deploys a theatrical visit in which the Nabataean soldiers are authentic protagonists, acting as guards and escorts for visitors through the Siq and the Treasury, observing rituals dedicated to the gods of that religion, until reaching the ancient market, with demonstrations of crafts, goldsmithing, or coin minting.
Shobak and the Ayyubid Soldiers
Shobak Castle, founded by the Crusaders as Montreal fortress, is also the site of another JHRC experience. In this case, recreating the life of Ayyubid soldiers and their intramural community, highlighting their rivalry with Christian and Mamluk troops, but also demonstrating the coexistence that existed between them. Bike or walking routes complete the proposals around the area, right on the King’s Highway.
Umm Qais and the Roman Life of Gadara
Another destination full of history and attraction is Umm Qais, where the important archaeological site of Gadara, a Roman city of the Decapolis, is preserved. The guided tour will highlight the daily life that existed there, but also a recent war episode: that of the Jordanian defensive positions in the Six-Day War (1967) against Israel, which were located here.
