Basateen Ma’an
The gardens of Ma’an remain a living heritage that tells the story of the deep connection between people, land, and water. These gardens are divided into two main areas:
the Shami Gardens, located to the north of the city, and the Hejazi Gardens, to the south.
This section focuses on the Hejazi Gardens, which were part of our study on earthen architecture in Jordan. They represent a unique model of sustainable agriculture and ecological architecture, developed in a harsh environment through a profound understanding of water, soil, and climate.
The gardens were surrounded by mudbrick (adobe) walls, made from local soil mixed with animal dung and water, left to ferment before being molded and sun-dried. These walls were not merely boundaries; they helped create a moderate internal microclimate, protecting the crops from wind and dust.
Some gardens also included small earthen watch towers, used seasonally for residence and supervision.
The irrigation system was highly precise and community-managed, relying on earthen channels (sawaqi) that carried water from nearby springs or wells, mainly from Ain Al-Dhawawi. Each family had a specific turn (“dawr”) for irrigation, based on a socially organized schedule that reflects an advanced cooperative water management system.
Traditional irrigation techniques were used, such as forming small basins around tree trunks and leveling the land to facilitate the flow of water.
The Hejazi Gardens were planted with a rich variety of crops — date palms (to provide shade and reduce evaporation), figs, pomegranates, grapes, mulberries, carob, and herbs and vegetables such as mint, parsley, coriander, radish, and onions.
Over time, urban expansion, the decline of groundwater levels, and the abandonment of traditional agriculture led to the gradual disappearance of these gardens. Many mudbrick walls collapsed, small palaces deteriorated, and springs dried up. Much of the younger generation has lost touch with the ancestral knowledge once rooted in these lands.
The Hejazi Gardens of Ma’an are far more than green fields — they are a living example of sustainability long before it became a modern concept. Reviving them is both a cultural and environmental duty, reconnecting people with their history and land.
Efforts must focus on:
Documenting traditional building and irrigation techniques,
Restoring earthen walls and buildings,
Replanting native trees,
Training youth in ecological farming, and
Reusing the gardens as educational or sustainable tourism centers.
Special thanks to Mr. Abdel Qader Al-Rawad, whose knowledge, dedication, and personal initiatives have greatly contributed to preserving his ancestors’ legacy through the restoration of what remains of these historic gardens..
