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Al-Karak (Arabic: الكرك), in English sources often simply Karak, is a city in Jordan known for its medieval castle, the Kerak Castle. The castle is one of the three largest castles in the region, the other two being in Syria. Al-Karak is the capital city of the Karak Governorate.

Key Information

Al-Karak lies 140 kilometres (87 mi) to the south of Amman on the ancient King's Highway. It is situated on a hilltop about 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) above sea level and is surrounded on three sides by a valley. Al-Karak has a view of the Dead Sea. A city of about 32,216 people (2005[1]) was formed around castle. The town is built on a triangular plateau with the castle at its narrow southern tip.

History

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Iron Age to Assyrian period

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Main article: Kir of Moab

Al-Karak has been inhabited since at least the Iron Age, and was an important city for the Moabites. In the Bible it is called Kir-haresh, Kir-hareseth or Kir of Moab, and is identified as having been subject to the Neo-Assyrian Empire; in the Books of Kings (2 Kings 16:9) and Book of Amos (Amos 1:5, 9:7), it is mentioned as the place where the Arameans went before they settled in the regions in the northern Levant, and to which Tiglath-Pileser III (r. 745–727 BC) sent prisoners after the conquest of Damascus. Later the Shamaili kingdom seized power, but little has been recorded about this period. In 1958, the El-Kerak Inscription was found in Wadi al-Karak, dated to the late 9th century BC.

Hellenistic to Early Muslim period

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During the late Hellenistic Period, Al-Karak became an important town, taking its name from the Aramaic word for town, Kharkha (כרכא).[3]

The area eventually became a Nabatean stronghold. The Roman Empire conquered it in 105 AD. The city was known in Late Antiquity as Harreketh.

Al-Karak is home to some of the oldest Christian communities in the world, dating back to the 1st century AD.[4] Under the Byzantine Empire, Charach (Ancient Greek: Χαραχ, Kharkh) or Charach of the Moabites (Χαραχμωβα, Kharakhmōba) was the seat of the Church of Nazareth, and remained predominantly Christian under Arab rule following the 629 Battle of Mu'tah. Its bishop Demetrius took part in the council of the three provinces of Palaestina held in Jerusalem in 536. Another bishop, by the name of John, is said to have lived there in the 9th century.[5][6]

Crusader, Ayyubid and Mamluk periods

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See also: Siege of Al-Karak (1183)

Al-Karak fell within the Crusader lordship of Oultrejourdain, the lands east of the River Jordan and the Dead Sea. In 1132, King Fulk of Jerusalem made Pagan the Butler Lord of Montreal and Oultrejourdain. Pagan made his headquarters at al-Karak, where he built a castle on a hill called by the Crusaders Petra Deserti - The Stone of the Desert.[7] His castle, much modified, dominates the town to this day.

The castle was in Crusader hands for only 46 years. It had been threatened by Saladin's armies several times, but finally surrendered in 1188, after the crushing Crusader defeat at the Battle of Hattin and a siege that lasted more than a year.[8] Saladin's younger brother, Al-Adil, was governor of the district until becoming ruler of Egypt and Syria in 1199.[9] Yaqut (1179–1229) noted that "Al Karak is a very strongly fortified castle on the borders of Syria, towards Balka province, and in the mountains. It stands on a rock surrounded by Wadis, except on the side towards the suburb."[10] Al-Dimashqi (1256–1327) noted that Karak: "is an impregnable fortress, standing high on the summit of a mountain. Its fosses are the valleys around it, which are very deep. They say it was originally, in Roman days, a convent, and was turned into a fortress. It is now a treasure house of the Turks."[10] Abu'l-Fida (1273−1331) noted that Al Karak "is a celebrated town with a very high fortress, one of the most unassailable of the fortresses of Syria. About a day's march from it is Mutah, where are the tombs of Ja'afar at Tayyar and his companions. Below Al Karak is a valley, in which is a thermal bath (hammam), and many gardens with "excellent" fruits, such as apricots, pears, pomegranates, and others."[10]

Al-Karak was the birthplace of Ibn al-Quff (1233–1286), an Arab Christian physician and surgeon, author of the earliest medieval Arabic treatise intended solely for surgeons.

In 1355, Ibn Battuta wrote: "Al Karak is one of the strongest and most celebrated fortresses of Syria. It is called also Hisn al Ghurab (the Crow's Fortress), and is surrounded on every side by ravines. There is only one gateway, and that enters by a passage tunnelled in the live rock, which tunnel forms a sort of hall. We stayed four days outside Karak, at a place called Ath Thaniyyah.[11]

The castle served as a place of exile and power base during the Mamluk sultanate. Its significance lay in its control over the caravan route between Damascus and Egypt and the pilgrimage route between Damascus and Mecca. In the thirteenth century, the Mamluk ruler Baibars used it during his ascent to power. In 1389 Sultan Barquq was exiled to al-Karak, where he gathered his supporters before returning to Cairo.[12]

Ottoman period

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See also: Siege of Al-Karak (1834)

In 1596 Al-Karak appeared in the Ottoman tax registers, situated in the nahiya (subdistrict) of Karak, part of the Sanjak of Ajlun. It had 78 households and 2 bachelors who were Muslim, and 103 households and 8 bachelors who were Christian. They paid a fixed tax-rate of 25% on agricultural products, including wheat, barley, olive trees/vineyards/fruit trees, a special product (bayt al–mal), goats and bee-hives; in addition to occasional revenues, for a water mill, and a market toll. Their total tax was 15,000 akçe.[13]

Al-Karak was inhabited by the Majali tribe,[14] the Tarawneh tribe and the Maaitah tribe.[15]

In 1844 Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt sent an expedition west of the Dead Sea. His troops occupied the castle at al-Karak but they were starved out with much loss of life.

Mohammed Al-Majali who had control of Al-Karak in 1868, was involved in the events that led to the destruction of the Moabite Stone.[16]

In 1893 the Sublime Porte Abdul Hamid II established the sub-province of Ma'an, with a resident governor (mutasarif) in Al-Karak, under the Wāli of Syria based in Damascus.[17] One of the first governors, 1895, was Hussein Helmy Bey Effendi (see also Hüseyin Hilmi Pasha), aged 40, formerly the General Secretary at Damascus. He ruled with a garrison of 1,200 troops, in 3 regiments, mostly conscripts from West of the River Jordan doing their three years of military service. There were also 200 Circassian cavalry.[18][19] One of his achievements was the disarming of the local population. He also established a Military Hospital with a Jewish doctor; enforced the regulation of coinage and weights and measures; introduced a weekly postal service to Jerusalem, Damascus and Ma'an; and set up agricultural projects such as the planting of 5,000 grape vines at Madeba.

One estimate of the population of the town and the surrounding area at this time gives a total of 10,000. Of these, 8000 were Muslims and 2,000 were Orthodox Christians whose Church, St George, had been built in 1849. The Latin Mission was established in 1874 and in 1886 Al Majali gave permission to the English Mission to work in the town.[20] The town's Orthodox school had 120 boys and 60 girls. The same source notes that the town's Mufti had been educated in Hebron and al Azhar, Cairo, and that there was a newly built mosque.[19] Merchants from Damascus came to the town twice each year.[21]

Jewish Settlement

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In 1896, the Ottoman governor of the Karak region, Hilmi Pasha, invited Shabtai Hizkiya, one of the first settlers of Hartuv, and offered him land to purchase for the purpose of establishing a Jewish colony near the city.[22]

The Ottoman authorities were asked to allocate land free of charge to 600 Jewish families from Bulgaria who were to settle in the settlement nucleus about four kilometers from the city.

In 1900, Abraham Moses Luncz's Eretz Yisrael calendar reported that there were 12 Jewish artists residing in the city without their families. Yitzhak Ben-Zvi wrote that in the 1920s, one Jewish family lived in Karak, but by the 1930s, there were no Jews in the city[23].

Karak revolt and Arab Revolt

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The Karak revolt erupted on 4 December 1910[24] as the governor of Damascus attempted to apply the same measures of conscription, taxation, and disarmament to the inhabitants of Al-Karak that previously provoked the Hauran Druze Rebellion.[25] The uprising ended with an indiscriminate massacre perpetrated by the governor's troops.[26]

During the Arab Revolt (1916–1918), the Turkish Army abandoned al-Karak after Sherif Abdullah ibn Hamza led a 70 horsemen attack on Mezraa. This Ottoman naval base was rendered useless, after the destruction of the flotilla used to transport grain across the Dead Sea, on 28 January 1918.[27][28]

British Mandate, Emirate of Transjordan

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Following the San Remo conference, 1920, Great Britain was given a mandate to govern the area. The newly appointed High Commissioner in Jerusalem, Herbert Samuel, sent several officials east of the River Jordan to create a local administration. Major Alec Kirkbride was based in Al-Karak with a small detachment of policemen. He established what he named The National Government of Moab with himself as president. In January 1921 Emir Abdullah Hussein began assembling an army in Ma'an and announced his intention to attack the French in Syria. After a brief consultation with his superiors Kirkbride's government welcomed the arrival of the Emir. At the Cairo conference, March 1921, Abdullah was recognised by the British as ruler of Emirate of Transjordan.[29]

In the 1920s, Al-Karak had a population of 8,000 and had the third largest urban population (after Amman and Salt with 20,000 each) in Transjordan.[30]

Kingdom of Jordan

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In 1961, the population of Karak amounted 7,422 persons,[31] of whom 1,622 were Orthodox Christian while the remaining were Muslim.[32]

In August 1996, there were food riots in the town after the government increased the price of bread.[33]

The town and castle were the scene of an attack by gunmen on 18 December 2016 in which at least 19 people were killed; 13 Jordanian civilians and security forces, a Canadian tourist, and all 5 attackers.[34]

Climate

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Al-Karak has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csa). Most rain falls in the winter. The average annual temperature in Al-Karak is 16.5 °C (61.7 °F). About 359 mm (14.13 in) of precipitation falls annually.

Climate data for Al-Karak (Rabba) (1989–2018 normals)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 12.4
(54.3) 		13.7
(56.7) 		17.5
(63.5) 		22.7
(72.9) 		27.1
(80.8) 		30.2
(86.4) 		31.8
(89.2) 		32.0
(89.6) 		30.3
(86.5) 		27.1
(80.8) 		21.0
(69.8) 		15.7
(60.3) 		23.7
(74.7)
Daily mean °C (°F) 7.9
(46.2) 		8.7
(47.7) 		11.7
(53.1) 		15.8
(60.4) 		19.8
(67.6) 		22.8
(73.0) 		24.8
(76.6) 		24.9
(76.8) 		23.1
(73.6) 		20.3
(68.5) 		15.0
(59.0) 		10.4
(50.7) 		17.1
(62.8)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 3.3
(37.9) 		3.7
(38.7) 		5.9
(42.6) 		8.8
(47.8) 		12.5
(54.5) 		15.4
(59.7) 		17.7
(63.9) 		17.8
(64.0) 		15.9
(60.6) 		13.4
(56.1) 		9.0
(48.2) 		5.1
(41.2) 		10.7
(51.3)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 90.9
(3.58) 		78.3
(3.08) 		46.3
(1.82) 		15.7
(0.62) 		5.6
(0.22) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.1
(0.00) 		8.7
(0.34) 		24.3
(0.96) 		53.7
(2.11) 		323.7
(12.74)
Average relative humidity (%) 74.2 70.4 64.1 52.5 45.7 46.9 49.0 53.0 56.8 57.5 62.1 69.6 58.5
Source: Jordan Meteorological Department[35]

Demographics

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Al-Karak's metropolitan population was estimated to be 68,800 in 2013, making up 31.5% of the total population of the Karak Governorate. Most of the population of the city is Muslim (75%) and there is also a significant Orthodox Christian population (25%). In general, the percentage of Christians in al-Karak is among the highest in Jordan.[citation needed]

Cuisine

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Al-Karak is famous for its traditional Jordanian lamb dish called mansaf.

[edit]
  • Karak is known for its crusader castle, one of the largest castles in the region
    Karak is known for its crusader castle, one of the largest castles in the region
  • A street in al-Karak
    A street in al-Karak
  • An al-Karak city police vehicle
    An al-Karak city police vehicle
  • Mosque
    Mosque
  • A statue of Saladin and mosque behind in the city center
    A statue of Saladin and mosque behind in the city center

Notable Person

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See also

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References

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Bibliography

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Al-Karak

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Al-Karak, also transliterated as Karak or Kerak, is a historic city in southern Jordan that serves as the capital of the Karak Governorate. Perched on a steep hill overlooking the Wadi al-Karak valley, approximately 140 kilometers south of Amman along the ancient King's Highway, the city is renowned for its imposing Kerak Castle, a 12th-century Crusader fortress constructed beginning in the 1140s under the orders of Pagan the Butler and Fulk, King of Jerusalem. One of the largest Crusader castles in the Levant, it played a pivotal role in the military conflicts of the era, including sieges by Saladin's forces between 1183 and 1188, before being incorporated into subsequent Islamic administrations under the Ayyubids, Mamluks, and Ottomans. The city's modern population stands at around 32,000 inhabitants, within a governorate exceeding 300,000, supporting an economy centered on agriculture, phosphate mining, and tourism drawn to the castle's extensive fortifications, towers, and subterranean features.

Geography

Location and Topography

Al-Karak serves as the capital of Karak Governorate in south-central , positioned within the Karak Plateau east of the Rift Valley. The governorate lies in the southern part of the country, with its northern boundary adjoining Madaba Governorate, southern boundary meeting Tafilah Governorate, eastern boundary bordering , and western boundary along the . The plateau itself spans approximately 750 km², bounded by Wādī al-Mūjib to the north, Wādī al-Ḥasā to the south, the Ghor/ Rift to the west, and a transition to the central Jordanian limestone area and to the east. The city of Al-Karak occupies a at the of Wādī Karak, surrounded by steep slopes and valleys on three sides that enhance its defensible character. The broader Karak Plateau consists of rolling uplands dissected by small wadis and grabens, such as Fajj al-ʻUsaykir, with step-like terrain resulting from differential erosion of the dominant Amman Limestone caprock. Elevations across the plateau vary from a low of about 900 m above in the east to a high of approximately 1,297 m in the southwest near Wādī al-Ḥasā, while outcrops, including Jabal at 1,054 m, punctuate the landscape. Key drainage features include Wādī Karak, Wādī Numayrī, and Wādī ash-Shuqayq, contributing to the region's rugged, undulating topography.

Climate

Al-Karak has a cold (Köppen BSk), characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wetter winters, influenced by its elevation of approximately 900–1,000 meters above on the Jordanian plateau. Annual mean temperatures average around 17.8°C, with extremes ranging from a low of 3°C in winter to highs near 32°C in summer. The hot season spans from late May to early , with average highs exceeding 28°C and peaking at 31°C in and ; lows during this period rarely drop below 15°C. Winters, from December to March, are cooler, with daytime highs around 12–17°C and nighttime lows averaging 3–5°C, occasionally dipping to freezing. remains low year-round, with muggy conditions rare (<1% of days), and from the west or north at 10–13 km/h, strongest in . Precipitation totals approximately 120–125 mm annually, concentrated in the from late to late , when over 90% of rainfall occurs, primarily as winter showers. and are the wettest months, each receiving about 30 mm, while summers are arid with negligible rain. The region experiences around 40–50 rainy days per year, supporting limited reliant on rainfall and seasonal wadis.
MonthAvg. High (°C)Avg. Low (°C) (mm)
January12330
February13430
March17620
April22910
May27135
June30150
July31170
August31170
September29160
October25135
November19815
December14420
Monthly averages derived from historical data (1980–2016).

History

Prehistoric and Iron Age

Evidence of prehistoric human occupation in the vicinity of Al-Karak is limited but includes (PPNA) sites located downstream from adh-Dhirāʾ, approximately one kilometer south of the Wadi al-Karak mouth, dating to around 10,000–9,000 BCE and indicating early foraging and proto-agricultural activities in the arid desert environment. These settlements reflect broader patterns of Epipaleolithic to transition in Jordan's southern deserts, with tool assemblages and structural remains suggesting adaptation to wadi-based resources, though no direct PPNA evidence has been confirmed within Al-Karak proper. By the (ca. 1200–586 BCE), Al-Karak developed into a major fortified center identified as Kir Moab (also Kir Hareseth or Qer Harreseth), a principal stronghold of the kingdom centered on the Kerak Plateau. This period marks the site's emergence as a strategic hub, with archaeological surveys revealing Iron Age fortifications, including walls and gate systems at nearby plateau sites, designed to control access to the King's Highway and defend against incursions from , , and . settlement hierarchy emphasized such defensible towns, with Al-Karak's elevated position (over 1,000 meters above sea level) enhancing its role in regional power dynamics from at least the 9th century BCE, as evidenced by ceramic and architectural parallels to sites like Khirbet al-Mudayna. The kingdom's Iron Age II expansion under rulers like (ca. 840 BCE) likely bolstered these defenses, though direct epigraphic evidence from Al-Karak remains scarce compared to the at Dhiban.

Biblical, Assyrian, and Hellenistic Periods

During the Biblical period, Al-Karak was identified as Kir Moab or Kir-hareseth, a principal fortress and probable capital of the kingdom in the . It appears in the as a site of lamentation and judgment, referenced in 16:7 and prophetic texts of and . In the mid-9th century BCE, under King Mesha of , the city withstood a prolonged by a coalition army comprising under King Joram, Judah, and ; Mesha's forces broke the encirclement after he sacrificed his firstborn son on the wall, prompting the attackers' withdrawal due to divine wrath or demoralization. Following Moab's subjugation to Assyrian expansion, Al-Karak fell under Neo-Assyrian dominion by the late 8th century BCE, as evidenced by Tiglath-Pileser III's campaigns around 732 BCE, during which Assyrian records describe deporting Syrian captives to the site as part of imperial resettlement policies to secure loyalty and repopulate frontiers. The city served as a strategic outpost in the Assyrian provincial system, though Moabite autonomy persisted through tribute payments rather than direct annihilation, reflecting Assyria's pragmatic control over Transjordanian buffer states. In the Hellenistic era, after Alexander the Great's conquests in 332 BCE, Al-Karak—deriving its name Kharkha from the term for "town" or "fortress"—gained prominence as a regional settlement amid Ptolemaic-Seleucid rivalries over Transjordan from circa 301 to 198 BCE. Seleucid rule predominated from 198 BCE until Roman intervention in 63 BCE, integrating the area into broader Hellenistic administrative networks, though archaeological evidence of direct Greek cultural implantation at the site remains limited compared to urban centers like Gerasa. The site's elevated topography continued to favor defensive roles, transitioning toward Nabataean spheres of influence by the late Hellenistic phase as trade routes shifted southward.

Roman, Byzantine, and Early Islamic Eras

During the Roman period, the settlement at Al-Karak, known as Charachmoba, was situated along the Via Nova Traiana, a strategic road built under Emperor after the annexation of the in 106 AD, integrating the area into the province of . The region's defensive infrastructure included legionary forts on the Limes Arabicus, such as Betthorus (modern El-Lejjūn) approximately 20 kilometers southwest, established in the AD to counter incursions from nomadic groups. Under Byzantine rule from the 4th to 7th centuries AD, Charachmoba remained an occupied urban center, as evidenced by sherds and its depiction on the 6th-century Madaba Mosaic Map, which highlights its position south of the Arnon River () amid Moabite territories. Byzantine-era inscriptions and structural remains, including potential ecclesiastical sites, indicate a Christian population, with the town functioning as a local see or bishopric amid broader provincial prosperity driven by trade and agriculture. The transition to Islamic rule began with the in September 629 AD, fought near the village of in present-day Karak Governorate, where an Arab Muslim force of about 3,000 clashed with a larger Byzantine-Ghassanid army, marking one of the earliest military encounters between the expanding and Byzantine forces. Following the full by 636-638 AD, Al-Karak's environs experienced settlement continuity under the (661-750 AD), with economic benefits from proximity to and integration into caliphal trade networks, though archaeological surveys note a partial decline in sites south of Wadi al-Mujib compared to northern areas. Early Abbasid records (post-750 AD) reflect ongoing habitation without major disruptions until later medieval fortifications.

Crusader, Ayyubid, and Mamluk Periods

Kerak Castle's construction commenced in 1142 under the direction of Pagan the Butler, with support from King Fulk of , establishing it as a key fortress in the Lordship of Oultrejourdain to secure Crusader control over Transjordan trade routes. The castle rapidly expanded into one of the largest Crusader fortifications in the , featuring extensive walls, towers, and subterranean vaults designed for defense and storage. Under lords such as Reynald de Châtillon, who governed from 1177, Kerak served as a base for raids into Muslim territories, provoking retaliatory campaigns. Saladin launched initial sieges against Kerak in November 1183, exploiting a wedding gathering of Crusader nobility, but relief forces under Baldwin IV lifted the blockade after about a month. A second assault followed in August 1184, again repelled by arriving reinforcements. Following his victory at the in July 1187, which decimated Crusader field armies, renewed the siege in May 1187; despite prolonged bombardment and mining attempts, the garrison held until starvation and external pressures forced surrender in November 1188, marking the end of Crusader control over the site. Under Ayyubid rule initiated by , Kerak transitioned into an administrative hub, with the castle functioning as a treasury and regional stronghold, though it saw limited major alterations during this era. Governance fell to Ayyubid appointees, but tensions arose under al-Mughith , a local ruler who rebelled against in the mid-13th century, prompting interventions that weakened Ayyubid authority. The Mamluks seized Kerak in 1263 when Sultan ousted al-Mughith and compelled the surrender of the fortress and surrounding castles, integrating it into their Syrian provincial system. enhanced defenses by adding a northwest tower and deepening the , while subsequent Mamluk rulers maintained Kerak as a vital administrative and fiscal center, housing ministries for finance and provisioning armies against Mongol threats. Archaeological evidence indicates ongoing infrastructure developments, including palace expansions, underscoring its enduring strategic role until the Ottoman conquest in 1517.

Ottoman Period

Following the Ottoman Empire's defeat of the at the in 1516, Al-Karak and the surrounding Transjordanian plateau fell under Ottoman control, ending Mamluk suzerainty over the region. By 1520, the Ottomans had installed a named Iyās Pāsha in Karak, replacing prior Mamluk-aligned local rulers like Janbirdī al-Ghazālī and introducing formalized tax collection and administrative oversight aligned with imperial and zeamet systems for land grants. This early phase emphasized revenue extraction from and , with the area integrated into the Eyalet of Damascus, though enforcement remained inconsistent due to the region's remoteness and tribal influence. Al-Karak initially functioned as a nahiya (subdistrict) within the of Ajlun, part of the broader , where local sheikhs retained autonomy in exchange for , fostering a period of relative stability but economic stagnation from 1516 to the mid-19th century. In 1840, during Muhammad Ali Pasha's Egyptian campaign against Ottoman rule, forces under his son Ibrahim Pasha occupied Al-Karak, destroying portions of the city's defensive ramparts to suppress resistance before withdrawing; Ottoman forces reoccupied the site shortly thereafter, reasserting nominal control. , originally a Crusader stronghold, continued to serve as a key Ottoman garrison and administrative outpost, underscoring the site's enduring strategic value for monitoring routes and tribal movements. Late Ottoman reforms under the Tanzimat era prompted intensified centralization efforts in peripheral districts like Al-Karak. In 1893, the empire established direct governance structures, including a permanent mutasarrif (governor) and bureaucracy, to curb Bedouin autonomy, enforce conscription, and collect taxes more rigorously—a policy dubbed "Colonial Ottomanism" in historical analyses for its blend of modernization and coercive control. By 1895, Al-Karak was elevated to the Mutasarrifate of Karak, a special administrative unit directly answerable to the Sublime Porte, with the city as its capital; this included infrastructure like telegraph lines and schools to integrate the region. Local elites, such as the Majali clan, navigated these changes by aligning with Ottoman officials while resisting overreach, amid a population of around 10,000-15,000 primarily Sunni Arab Muslims and Christians engaged in grain farming, goat herding, and trade. Tensions culminated in the Karak Revolt of December 4, 1910, when local tribes, led by figures like Nasir al-Majali, rose against Ottoman disarmament campaigns, land surveys, and tax hikes that threatened traditional livelihoods; the uprising involved several thousand rebels who briefly seized the castle before Ottoman reinforcements from suppressed it by early 1911, resulting in hundreds of casualties and executions. This event exposed the limits of centralization in tribal frontiers, prompting further military garrisons but eroding legitimacy. Ottoman rule persisted until 1918, undermined by strains, famine, and the , after which British forces incorporated the area into the Mandate system.

20th Century: Mandate, Revolt, and Independence

Following the Ottoman Empire's defeat in , the territory encompassing Al-Karak fell under British administration as part of Transjordan, separated from the in 1921 to form the semi-autonomous under Emir Abdullah I. Al-Karak functioned as the administrative center for the (liwa), one of four principal districts in the emirate, alongside , Salt, and , reflecting its longstanding role as a regional hub due to its strategic location and tribal influence. The Karak Revolt of 1910 exemplified early 20th-century resistance to Ottoman centralization efforts in the region, erupting on December 4 when local tribes attacked Ottoman officials enforcing , , and taxation policies imposed by the . Led by Qadr al-Majali and allied tribal leaders, the uprising drew support from and settled communities opposed to these reforms, which threatened traditional autonomy; it spread across villages like 'Iraq al-Amir before Ottoman reinforcements suppressed it after several days of fighting, resulting in significant casualties and executions. This event underscored tensions between imperial authority and local power structures that persisted into the Mandate era, though no comparable large-scale revolts occurred in Al-Karak under British oversight. Under the Anglo-Transjordanian agreements, including the 1923 treaty recognizing Transjordanian autonomy in internal affairs while Britain retained control over and defense, Al-Karak's governance integrated tribal shaykhs into administrative roles, fostering stability amid broader Mandate dynamics. Subsequent treaties in 1928, 1934, and 1946 progressively eroded British influence, culminating in Transjordan's full independence on May 25, 1946, as the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan (renamed in 1949), with Al-Karak continuing as a key southern district.

Kingdom of Jordan Era

Following the end of the British Mandate and Jordan's on May 25, 1946, Al-Karak was incorporated into the Hashemite as part of the East Bank territories, retaining its status as a key southern administrative and tribal center. The region, historically semi-autonomous due to its rugged terrain and tribal confederations, integrated into the national framework under King Abdullah I, with local notables playing roles in the new state's governance. Al-Karak serves as the capital of the Karak Governorate, an supporting agriculture, , and phosphate-related industries in the surrounding plateau. Economic development has emphasized tourism to Kerak Castle, alongside initiatives like the Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II Industrial Zone, which provides infrastructure for manufacturing and attracts investment through tax incentives. Infrastructure improvements, including road networks along the ancient King's Highway, have enhanced connectivity to and , fostering modest growth in services and trade. A significant security incident occurred on December 18, 2016, when gunmen affiliated with the launched coordinated attacks in Al-Karak, including a at that killed 10 people—seven Jordanian security personnel, two civilians, and one Canadian tourist—before forces eliminated the four attackers. This event, the deadliest terrorist attack in since , prompted heightened measures but did not disrupt the area's overall stability under the . The Kingdom era has otherwise been characterized by relative peace, with tribal loyalties bolstering support for the Hashemite rulers amid regional upheavals.

Kerak Castle

Origins and Construction

Kerak Castle, one of the largest Crusader fortifications in the , was constructed beginning in 1142 CE by Payen le Bouteiller, the of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and of Montreal, under the patronage of King Fulk of Anjou. The initiative aimed to secure Crusader control over the province of Oultre Jourdain (Transjordan), a strategically vital region east of the that facilitated trade routes between , , and Arabia while defending against Muslim incursions from the east. The was erected atop a pre-existing settlement on a triangular spur of rock overlooking the Wadi Karak valley, leveraging the natural for defense; historical accounts indicate a fortified occupied the site prior to Crusader arrival, though the extant structure primarily reflects 12th-century masonry. Construction employed local volcanic stone, roughly hewn into thick curtain walls and towers, forming a perimeter around the hilltop that enclosed both military and residential quarters. The fortress's design emphasized self-sufficiency, incorporating cisterns, stables, and halls within its walls to withstand prolonged sieges. Initial building phases focused on the outer defenses and core keep, with completion of major elements spanning roughly two decades amid ongoing regional conflicts; by the 1160s, the castle had become a key administrative center under lords like Philip of Milly. This rapid fortification reflected the Crusaders' adaptive , drawing on European castle traditions modified for Levantine terrain and climate.

Architectural Features and Military Role

Kerak Castle, constructed beginning in 1142 under the direction of King Fulk of , exemplifies Crusader military architecture adapted to the local of a triangular plateau surrounded by steep escarpments on three sides. The fortress incorporates massive defensive walls, towers, and vaulted halls, with the upper citadel and lower fortress sections divided by deep man-made ditches for enhanced defensibility. Crusader-era elements are distinguished by rough-cut masonry, particularly in the north wall, which features immense arched halls spanning two levels, constructed from dark to withstand sieges. The castle's design includes a network of dimly lit, stone-vaulted corridors, vast chambers, and underground tunnels, facilitating internal movement and storage while minimizing exposure to attackers. Key features such as the awkwardly positioned eastern gateway, protected by a deep ditch, underscore the emphasis on passive defense through natural and engineered barriers rather than reliance on open fields. This hybrid style blends European Crusader techniques with Byzantine and influences, evident in the robust, multi-functional halls serving as residences, arsenals, and headquarters. Militarily, Kerak functioned as a linchpin in the Crusader lordship of Transjordan, controlling vital trade and pilgrimage routes linking , , and , while overseeing tribes and enabling raids into Muslim-held territories. Its elevated position provided commanding oversight of the King's Highway and surrounding wadis, allowing garrisons to monitor and interdict movements across the region east of the Dead Sea. The fortress's capacity to endure prolonged sieges—most notably against Saladin's forces in 1183 and 1184—demonstrated its role as a forward base for projecting power and denying Ayyubid advances into Crusader . Post-Crusader rulers, including sultans like , recognized and reinforced its strategic value by appointing governors to secure the plateau's resources and fortifications.

Key Sieges and Strategic Importance

Kerak Castle's strategic value stemmed from its elevated position on the King's Highway, an ancient trade corridor linking and through Transjordan, enabling Crusader oversight of caravan traffic and defense against raids from the east. As the principal fortress of Oultrejourdain, it anchored Frankish expansion beyond the , safeguarding pilgrim routes to and serving as a base for military forays that disrupted Muslim supply lines. This location fortified the Latin Kingdom's southern flank, compensating for the lack of natural barriers in the arid plateau. The fortress faced multiple sieges by 's Ayyubid forces, highlighting its role as a prime target. In late 1183, Saladin invested Kerak during the wedding of and Isabella of , bombarding the bridal tower but lifting the siege upon King Baldwin IV's relief army nearing the site. Reynald de Châtillon, the castle's lord, repelled the assault through determined defense. A follow-up siege in 1184 ended similarly, with Saladin withdrawing as Crusader forces under Baldwin IV and advanced, preserving the stronghold amid ongoing border skirmishes. The prolonged from late 1187 to November 1188 proved decisive; after Saladin's triumph at Hattin eliminated the Crusader field army, isolating Kerak, the garrison under endured famine and artillery for over a year before capitulating. This outcome transferred Transjordan to Ayyubid control, demonstrating the castle's resilience in delaying conquest but ultimate dependence on broader Crusader mobilization.

Post-Medieval Use and Modern Preservation

During the Ottoman era, experienced a decline in its strategic military role, becoming largely dilapidated by the mid-18th century and serving primarily as shelter for tribes. Evidence from ceramics indicates continued domestic occupation into the 18th and 19th centuries, though the structure lost its regional political authority after the , shifting to informal tribal uses such as storing stolen goods. The castle was severely damaged during the 1834 siege by Ibrāhīm Pāsha's forces, which fell after 17 days of resistance, leading to depopulation of the area until rebuilding in the . In 1893, Ottoman authorities reasserted control by appointing a governor and stationing a of 1,200 to 2,000 troops and within the , involving earth-moving works and modifications like infilling palace areas and adding a stairway for use as a . Further damage occurred amid local revolts, including the 1910 Karak Revolt and the of 1916–1918, culminating in Ottoman withdrawal by September 1918. Post-World War I, under British Mandate and subsequent Jordanian rule after 1946, the transitioned from active fortification to a site of historical interest, with reduced practical use beyond occasional local habitation. In the , scholarly documentation, such as by Paul Deschamps, highlighted the 's architectural value, prompting initial restoration initiatives to preserve its Crusader and Islamic features. Modern preservation efforts, led by Jordan's Department of Antiquities, focus on structural stabilization, including slope consolidation and wall repairs, to mitigate decay from natural erosion and past conflicts. Ongoing archaeological projects, such as the Karak Resources Project since the early 2000s, document layered phases and support conservation, ensuring the site's accessibility as a key tourist destination while revealing post-medieval modifications. These measures emphasize minimal intervention to retain authenticity, with the now drawing visitors to its expansive vaults and defensive systems.

Demographics and Society

Population Statistics

As of the 2015 Jordanian conducted by the Department of Statistics, the population of Karak Governorate—administrative home to Al-Karak—was 316,629, comprising 272,449 Jordanian nationals and 44,180 non-Jordanians. This figure reflected a of approximately 90.6 persons per square kilometer across the governorate's 3,495 square kilometers. Historical census data indicate steady growth driven by natural increase and limited migration:
Census YearPopulationAnnual Growth Rate (from prior census)
1994169,770—
2004233,6463.2%
2015316,6292.8%
Data derived from official Jordanian censuses show the governorate's share of national population remained around 3-4%, with lower urbanization rates compared to northern or central regions. The capital district of Qaṣabah al-Karak recorded 32,216 residents in 2015, concentrated on 13.21 square kilometers for a density of 2,439 persons per square kilometer, underscoring urban-rural disparities within the governorate. Post-2015 estimates from aggregated sources suggest governorate population approached 350,000 by the early 2020s, though official projections remain pending a new census.

Ethnic and Religious Composition

The population of Al-Karak Governorate is ethnically predominantly Arab, with residents primarily tracing descent to indigenous Jordanian tribes rather than Palestinian or refugee origins, distinguishing it from more urbanized areas of Jordan. Key tribal groups include the influential Al-Majali clan, alongside other Bedouin-descended families that have historically dominated the Karak Plateau through pastoral and settled agricultural lifestyles. These groups reflect a continuity of Arab tribal structures, with minimal presence of non-Arab minorities such as Circassians or Chechens, who are concentrated elsewhere in the country. Religiously, predominates, accounting for the vast majority of inhabitants, consistent with national patterns where Muslims comprise over 97% of Jordan's population. However, Al-Karak features a relatively high concentration of compared to the kingdom average, estimated at approximately 25% of the local population, primarily Greek Orthodox adherents living in integrated villages alongside Muslim communities. This Christian minority traces roots to pre-Islamic eras and maintains distinct cultural practices, though intercommunal relations have occasionally strained due to regional conflicts. No significant presence of other faiths, such as Shiites or , is reported in the governorate.

Social Structure and Tribal Influences

Al-Karak's is deeply rooted in a tribal system that prioritizes patrilineal descent and ties, mirroring broader Jordanian societal norms where tribal affiliation often supersedes in daily interactions and decision-making. This organization fosters strong internal cohesion through shared customs, mutual obligations, and hierarchical leadership under sheikhs or elders, who mediate disputes and allocate resources within clans. The region's population includes both settled farming communities and semi-nomadic groups, whose interactions have historically shaped land use, alliances, and conflict resolution on the Karak Plateau. Prominent tribes in Al-Karak include the Al-Ghassasneh (descended from ancient ), comprising families such as Suheimat, Dmour, Reyalat, Rababa’a, and Radaydah, who are considered among the earliest inhabitants of the area. Other influential clans are the Al-Majali (originating from ), Tarawneh, and various lineages that have integrated into the local fabric through intermarriage and economic exchanges. These tribes maintain distinct territories and identities, with historical migrations and conquests—such as on the plateau—reinforcing their roles in regional power dynamics. Tribal loyalty extends to political support, particularly for the Hashemite , as East Bank tribes like those in Karak have served as pillars of regime stability since Jordan's formation. Tribal influences permeate governance, justice, and gender norms in Al-Karak, where (urf) operates alongside state institutions, often resolving feuds or honor disputes more swiftly than formal courts through by tribal elders. This parallel system emphasizes collective honor (ird) and deterrence via blood money (diya) or reconciliation councils, reflecting a conservative that prioritizes reputation over individual . In line with Jordanian tribal traditions, women in Karak face restrictions aimed at preserving familial integrity, such as limited public mobility and emphasis on endogamous marriages to maintain purity. While modernization has introduced state and employment, tribal networks continue to influence access to jobs and political representation, underscoring their enduring role in and stability.

Economy

Agriculture and Local Industries

Agriculture in Al-Karak Governorate primarily focuses on field crops such as and , alongside , fruits, and production, supported by from sources including the Al-Karak Dam, which benefits over 25,000 farmers in the Karak Valley by enabling expanded cultivation on arid lands. rearing, particularly sheep and in integrated crop-livestock systems, forms a significant component, with sheep and goat enterprises yielding a of approximately 30% based on cost-return analyses, though smallholder operations face constraints from and low-input practices. Farmers have increasingly adopted treated for , enhancing yields in this semi-arid region, while cultivation draws on local for developing climate-resilient varieties suited to Jordan's dryland conditions. Local industries center on small-scale manufacturing and processing within the Al-Hussein Bin Abdullah II Industrial Estate, established in 2000, which hosts operations in garments, products, and agricultural processing such as cocoon production for silk-related outputs. A major garment factory inaugurated in 2024 in the Al-Jdeida area is projected to employ 1,000 workers, contributing to job creation in apparel production for export-oriented brands. Traditional processing includes high-quality jameed (dried ) from local sources, alongside nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing tied to regional quarrying activities, though these remain secondary to amid calls for revitalization strategies to address high production costs and market challenges.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage

Al-Karak's tourism sector centers on its medieval , a major Crusader fortress constructed in the and one of the largest in the , drawing history enthusiasts to explore its labyrinthine corridors, defensive towers, and panoramic views over the surrounding valleys. The castle, perched 900 meters above within the remnants of the old city walls, serves as the primary attraction, complemented by a bustling market that capitalizes on tourist for local crafts and souvenirs. Visitor numbers to the site averaged around 5,700 per month from 2004 to 2017, with peaks exceeding 28,000 foreign visitors in high seasons like October 2010, though recent data indicates broader growth in Jordan's archaeological sites, doubling in the first half of 2023 compared to prior years. Beyond the castle, tourists explore Al-Karak's old city streets, heritage houses, and religious sites such as local mosques, which reflect the region's layered Islamic and pre-Islamic . The statue of in the city center, commemorating the Ayyubid sultan's 1188 of the castle, adds to the historical narrative, while traditional villages preserve customs like folk crafts and cuisine that visitors can experience through guided heritage trails. Cultural heritage preservation in Al-Karak involves ongoing efforts to safeguard the and old city fabric, including a 2025 research project that produced a damage assessment report to inform conservation plans amid the site's multi-layered history from Crusader to Ottoman eras. In November 2024, King Abdullah II emphasized developing a comprehensive plan to protect the and revitalize the old city's streets and buildings, addressing decay in heritage houses across the . Sustainable initiatives, such as heritage trail enhancements covering 56 hectares of the historic core, promote economic viability while conserving architectural and cultural elements against urban encroachment. These measures aim to balance growth with the integrity of Al-Karak's tangible and intangible heritage, including generational traditions in villages surrounding the city.

Challenges and Developments

Al-Karak's grapples with acute , a persistent challenge in , one of the world's most water-deprived nations, which limits agricultural output in a dependent on field crops and irrigation. Local farmers have advocated for comprehensive strategies to counteract declining productivity and resource constraints as of October 2024. infrastructure deficiencies, including insufficient hotels, tourism information centers, cultural programs, and parking, hinder visitor growth despite the region's Crusader heritage. Elevated rates, approaching 50% in rural Jordanian contexts, compound sluggish economic expansion and limited natural resources. Recent developments include government incentives introduced in November 2024, offering phased reductions in and tariffs over ten years, alongside five-year exemptions on machinery for industrial projects to enhance in Karak. In October 2024, emphasized accelerating vital infrastructure and attracting investors to the local industrial zone during a Karak meeting. The Greater Karak Municipality's 2024–2025 action plan establishes a multi-sector to execute a strategic vision, targeting economic diversification. Entrepreneurial initiatives, such as a 2024 ecosystem mapping by the , evaluate sectors for startup potential based on economic, social, and factors to stimulate collaboration and growth. The Al-Karak Dam project, advanced through U.S.- Food for Progress funding, aims to bolster water and support agricultural communities, with feasibility studies confirming economic viability. Techno-economic analyses of hybrid renewable energy systems for Al-Karak demonstrate feasibility for off-grid and on-grid applications, addressing energy costs in remote areas.

Governance and Politics

Administrative Structure

Al-Karak functions as the administrative center of Karak Governorate, one of Jordan's twelve governorates, which encompasses approximately 3,495 square kilometers and is subdivided into districts such as Al-Karak, Al-Mazar al-Janubi, Al-Qasr, Qatraneh, Al-Jazir, Al-Muzayrib, Al-Shafiyah, and Al-Aghwar al-Janubiyah. Each district manages local services including , , and under the oversight of sub-governors or department heads reporting to the central authority. The is led by an appointed , selected by the on behalf of the King, who serves as the primary representative of the , enforcing public order, coordinating security forces, and facilitating development projects while preparing annual budgets in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. The is assisted by a , comprising elected and appointed members, which advises on local development priorities and service delivery to alleviate burdens on national parliament. At the municipal level, the Greater Karak Municipality administers the urban area of Al-Karak and surrounding localities, having been formed in 2001 by merging 11 smaller municipalities to streamline services like , , and public utilities. The municipality operates under an elected , with the —typically the council member receiving the highest votes, confirmed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs—heading executive functions and local decision-making processes.

Historical Revolts and Modern Stability

The most prominent historical revolt in Al-Karak occurred in , triggered by Ottoman attempts to enforce , tax collection, and centralized in the region. On December 4, , local tribesmen attacked Ottoman registration officials and soldiers in the village of ʿIrāq al-Amir near Al-Karak, escalating to control of the town by the following day under leaders such as Qadr al-Majali; rebels looted government buildings and resisted for approximately one week before Ottoman forces under Sami suppressed the uprising through military action, resulting in hundreds of arrests and the execution of ten key figures. This event reflected broader Transjordanian resistance to late Ottoman centralization, rooted in tribal autonomy and economic grievances, though earlier sporadic rebellions, such as in 1506–1507 and the 1834 siege by Egyptian forces under Ibrahim , had similarly challenged external authority without achieving lasting independence. In the early 20th century, Al-Karak's tribes participated in the 1916 against Ottoman rule, aligning with Sharif Hussein and British forces, which facilitated the transition to Hashemite governance in Transjordan after . Post-1921, under the , residual tribal resistances to central authority persisted, but integration through military recruitment and administrative appointments gradually subdued overt revolts by the 1930s. Modern stability in Al-Karak has been characterized by periodic economic protests rather than sustained insurgencies, reflecting the region's incorporation into Jordan's tribal-political framework. The 1996 bread riots, sparked by subsidy cuts and price hikes under IMF-mandated reforms, originated in southern towns like Al-Karak and , involving two days of clashes with before army intervention and curfews restored order; similar unrest recurred in 2011–2012 and 2018, driven by fuel prices, taxes, and austerity, often amplified by tribal networks but contained without threatening . This pattern underscores Al-Karak's role as a barometer for national discontent, particularly among East Bank tribes, yet stability endures via monarchy-tribal alliances, with local leaders like the Majali family holding parliamentary and ministerial posts to mediate grievances. Jordan's overall political continuity since , including in Al-Karak, relies on apparatus responsiveness, economic subsidies, and co-optation, preventing protests from escalating into revolts despite regional volatility.

Relations with Central Jordanian Authority

Al-Karak's tribes have exhibited longstanding loyalty to Jordan's Hashemite monarchy, providing military and political support that has secured preferential treatment from the , including key appointments and resource distributions to mitigate local grievances. This allegiance traces to service under King Hussein, fostering a system where integrates tribal leaders into state structures to maintain southern stability. Economic policies, particularly IMF-influenced measures like cuts, have periodically strained these ties, sparking protests in Al-Karak over perceived marginalization of East Bank communities. The 1996 bread riots in Al-Karak and nearby Tafila arose from sharp price increases on staples, involving anti-government chants and clashes with police until dispersal by . Similarly, 2015 demonstrations by military veterans in southern areas, including Al-Karak, criticized neoliberal reforms and electoral issues while pledging fealty to King Abdullah II but targeting associated elites. More recent unrest includes 2018 protests against a 10% tax hike on 164 basic goods, which spread to Al-Karak with calls for "bread, freedom, ," challenging the monarchy's amid accusations of and policy favoritism. In December 2022, price rises prompted road blockades on highways linking Al-Karak to , escalating tensions in the governorate alongside . The central authority counters such episodes via security interventions, tribal mediation, and targeted concessions, such as project accelerations, to reinforce integration despite high dependence in the south binding locals to state welfare. This dynamic underscores a resilient yet fraying , where economic pressures test but have not overturned the monarchy's hold.

Culture and Traditions

Cuisine

The cuisine of Al-Karak draws from and broader Jordanian traditions, emphasizing lamb, fermented products, , and communal preparation methods suited to the region's and pastoral economy. Central to local identity is , a dish of lamb simmered in a thick derived from jameed—hardened balls of sun-dried that are cracked and reconstituted with water—served over spiced and garnished with toasted pine nuts, almonds, and parsley. This preparation requires slow cooking over low heat to tenderize the meat and integrate the tangy, protein-rich jameed , which provides essential calories and preservation in historical contexts where fresh was scarce. Mansaf serves not only as a staple for daily meals but as a marker of and social bonding, traditionally consumed without utensils from a shared platter to foster equality among diners, a practice rooted in tribal customs prevalent in Al-Karak's . Local variations may incorporate or additional spices like for the , reflecting adaptations to available herds and seasonal herbs. The dish's prominence in Al-Karak is highlighted in community cooking experiences, underscoring its role in preserving culinary heritage amid modernization. Accompanying staples include flatbreads such as , often baked in communal ovens, paired with , herb mixes, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers grown in terraced fields. Meats beyond lamb, such as , feature in simpler preparations with pulses and grains, providing sustenance for rural lifestyles. Desserts like al-madqouqa (also known as al-bkeileh), a dense confection of fried, ground kneaded with or and sometimes sweetened with dates, offer high-energy relief during harsh winters or labor-intensive harvests. These elements collectively prioritize nutrient-dense, preservable foods that align with the area's agricultural constraints, including limited and reliance on , while reinforcing tribal social structures through shared meals.

Festivals and Customs

Residents of Al-Karak observe major Islamic festivals such as and , marked by communal prayers, family gatherings, animal sacrifices during the latter, and feasting on traditional dishes like , reflecting broader Jordanian Bedouin-influenced customs of hospitality and tribal solidarity. The city hosts the annual Al-Karak Festival, which features live music performances, art exhibitions, and cultural displays celebrating local heritage, often drawing participants from surrounding areas to showcase traditional crafts and . Customs include the widespread practice of , a rhythmic performed at weddings, national events, and social gatherings, where participants link arms, stomp in unison, and follow a leader's calls, symbolizing unity and rooted in Levantine Arab traditions. Wedding rituals emphasize extended family involvement, beginning with a for the bride involving decorative applications and singing, followed by a Zaffeh procession of musicians and dancers leading to the , culminating in feasts of , lamb, and yogurt-based sauces. Periodic "traditional Karak parties" serve as cultural preservation events, integrating from elders, recitals, and artistic demonstrations to bridge generations and document local histories.

Notable Individuals

Ibn al-Quff (1233–1286), born in Karak, was a medieval , physician, and author known for his contributions to surgical theory and practice, including detailed treatises on , , and the that anticipated later developments in medical science. Abdelsalam al-Majali (1925–2023), born on February 18 in Karak to a family of the prominent Majali clan, was a physician who earned his from the Syrian University in and later became a professor of medicine at the . He served as from May 1993 to January 1995 and from September 1997 to February 1998, overseeing periods of economic reform and political stability amid regional tensions. Muath Safi Yousef al-Kasasbeh (1988–2015), born in Karak, was a pilot whose F-16 crashed near , , on December 22, 2014, leading to his capture by militants. His execution by immolation on January 3, 2015, documented in a propaganda video released on February 3, provoked widespread outrage in and intensified the country's military campaign against , resulting in the swift execution of two imprisoned jihadists in retaliation. The Majali family, originating from Al-Karak and one of the region's leading Sunni Muslim clans alongside the al-Tarawina, has produced multiple influential figures in Jordanian politics and military affairs, reflecting the area's historical role in tribal leadership and national governance.

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