Filled with ancient ruins, biblical references, and local experiences, Jordan’s town of Ajloun is certainly worth visiting.
Ajloun is the place of the famous biblical site of Tell Mar Elias that is believed to be the home of prophet Elijah and where he was born. The site also consists of incredible archeological ruins of two Byzantine churches that are situated on the top of a hill overlooking vast greenery and hilly landscapes. Tel Mar Elias has long been identified with Tishbe, which is mentioned in the Bible as the home town or region of Elijah. The Bible states, “Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead” (1 Kings 17:1). The Jordanian Department of Antiquities has worked to uncover and excavate the ruins in order to ensure that the site remains well preserved.
Additionally, Ajloun is home to Summaga, one of the social enterprises on Jordan’s Meaningful Travel Map. The Map offers visitors unique cultural, authentic, and sustainable experiences that consequently help support the surrounding areas and communities through employment and increased tourism to the locations of these enterprises.
Summaga is a laid-back all-day café, restaurant, and shop that offers a local taste of Ajloun. The menu consists of traditional dishes made from local ingredients produced by the town’s farms, homemade dairy products, as well as honey, herbs, and spices. Local members of the community cook, prepare, and serve the food on the spot. The cooperative’s products are also on display for sale within the same space, including organic olive oil, apple cider vinegar, zaatar, and sumac. Summaga is the main outlet that channels the produce of Ajloun’s organic farms. The café has also created opportunities for local Ajlouni women to work on a full-time basis and become part of the tourism workforce as well as job opportunities for farmers on the area’s farms.
With its incredible religious importance and cultural experiences, the town of Ajloun is certainly a place that visitors should add to their itinerary during a trip to Jordan.