Rawashdeh says technology, digital platforms central to preserving Jordan’s historical, cultural story

Mai Anati

AMMAN — Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh has said that the Kingdom is working to transform its national narrative into a global cultural message that reflects Jordan’s historical, human and civilisational identity.

In an interview with The Jordan Times at the Royal Cultural Palace on Thursday, Rawashdeh said that the "Narrative of Land and People” project represents a major national effort aimed at documenting Jordan’s story from prehistoric times to the present day.

He described Jordan’s image as historically rooted in "civilisation, culture, beauty and humanity”, stressing that the project seeks to preserve and communicate that legacy to future generations and international audiences.

"We are talking about documenting a Jordanian narrative that includes our stories, our values, our history and the story of land and people,” Rawashdeh said.

He added that the ministry aims to translate the narrative into multiple languages to reach audiences worldwide.

"This land is the land of history, civilisation, culture and beauty, and it is Jordan,” he said.

Rawashdeh also highlighted the ministry’s efforts to strengthen cultural engagement through digital platforms and modern technologies.

He said that Jordan continues keeping pace with developments in technology, digital media and artificial intelligence to modernise cultural outreach and communication tools.

The minister noted that the Ministry of Culture is continuously updating its digital platforms and social media channels while integrating artificial intelligence into several cultural initiatives, including the national narrative project.

"We are addressing a new generation, a generation of the future,” he said.

Rawashdeh stressed that the national narrative must reflect the language, concepts and priorities of younger generations.

"The narrative will not be presented in a traditional way or as an academic text,” he explained. "It must speak to emotion and intellect at the same time.”

Beyond digital outreach, Rawashdeh said the ministry is linking cultural programmes with local development through the "Culture Districts” initiative.

Under the programme, three districts are selected annually through a competitive process focused on cultural and developmental projects.

The minister said the initiative goes beyond festivals and artistic events to include long-term cultural infrastructure projects tied to local identity and economic empowerment.

He noted that several sculptures and murals representing the identity of local communities and historical heritage were implemented in previous projects.

Rawashdeh added that the initiative also supports handicrafts, mosaics, arts and small cultural industries to help generate economic opportunities for local families.

"We want the cultural sector to become part of the economic sector as well,” he said.

The minister also described the upcoming 80th Independence Day celebrations as an important national moment linked directly to Jordan’s broader national narrative.

"Independence is an important part of our Jordanian narrative and one of the central chapters of our national story,” Rawashdeh said.

He stressed that Jordan’s cultural message to the world remains centred on humanity, diversity, creativity and openness.

Rawashdeh pointed to events such as the Jerash Festival as evidence of Jordan’s role as a regional and international hub for culture, arts and cultural dialogue.

The Jordan Times