We experienced many magical, beautiful moments during our time in Jordan. One that still stands out was the live musical performance amid the ancient ruins of Jerash, given by local men in traditional costumes.
Jerash is an ancient Roman city, which for the most part is still standing. In fact, once a year a large festival is held there with period costumes and events. This day this particular photo was taken, however was like most others. The site was open for tourist exploration, and in the amphitheater were several men playing bagpipes, drums and such. Not only did they look and sound amazing, but they were so unexpected to see in the middle of our day of archaeological exploration.
Most people head to Jordan with Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea on their minds, missing this wonderful experience altogether. This is unfortunate, as Jerash was one of our favorite day trips from Amman. So how about it, readers? Have you been to Jordan? Did you include Jerash on your itinerary, or miss out on the opportunity?
Photo Credit: Trek Hound
This photo was submitted to the February 5, 2010 edition of Photo Friday at Delicious Baby.
VERY cool! i love bagpipers – anywhere!
Me too, but I’d NEVER seen it done in the Middle East before. It was just so unusual. We’ve always remembered it.
I bet this was a memorable performance! Thanks for capturing this photo — I love exploring places, but it’s the people that always make a more lasting impression.
The bagpipes in Middle East, Jordan and Egypt are inhereted from the time of British occupation to those countries. They were used in army and national festivities.
Thanks, Hazem. That explains it, then. I just hadn’t run across them before, even though I’d lived in the region previously. Thanks for stopping by!