Tales of Amman is an oral history project documenting stories of the city’s deep and diverse heritage. This series is about al-Muhajireen neighborhood, an area that used to be largely populated by migrants (مهاجرين) from Syria. Having lived not too far from this now bustling, urban area, I was surprised to learn that the neighborhood used to flood every spring and was full of lush orchards. Many residents of Amman still vividly remember the homes, plants, and people that called al-Muhajireen home.

Tales of Amman interviews are all in Jordanian Arabic and each episode is roughly 5-7 minutes in length. Every episode of the series has a parallel English version with excerpts of the Arabic interviews, partial translations, and more extensive narration from the host. The website is available in both Arabic and in English so you can toggle between the two to check for understanding. Both the English and Arabic versions of Tales of Amman are full of rich history and detail.

Anyone can access the online stories about the topographical and cultural history of this Amman neighborhood. If you’re in the city, you can walk around the area and scan the QR codes as you go to experience the full walking tour experience!