IN BIBLICAL LANDS:
UNCOVERING JORDAN
Photographer Rikke Westesen and Simon Foskjaer takes us on a voyage through the dreamy landscapes of Jordan
Words by Rikke Westesen Photography by Simon Foskjaer
There is often an unbeatable urge to visit Jordan, not just once, but over and over again. The country resembles an Arabian rose, hidden in the crevice of a dessert, bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Israel, and Palestine. We were mesmerised by its majestic landscape and attracted by its hospitable, warm and welcoming people.
Photography Credit:
Due to its geographic location and history in war, Jordan is rich in Palaeolithic remains with the oldest evidence of hominid habitation dating back to at least 200,000 years ago. The country resembles an Arabian rose, hidden in the crevice of a dessert, bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Israel, and Palestine. We were mesmerised by its majestic landscape and attracted by its hospitable, warm and welcoming people. Due to its geographic location and history in war, Jordan is rich in Palaeolithic remains with the oldest evidence of hominid habitation dating back to at least 200,000 years ago.
UNCOVERING JORDAN
The Dead Sea is a piece of blue, appearing as beautiful as a landscape painting. The Dead Sea is an hour’s drive from Amman, located at the junction between Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. It offers the spectacular views of the Israelian curved landscape and is home to the lowest lake in the world, with an altitude of minus 425 meters; the lowest point on earth that has been exposed to land.
On our journey into the city, we travelled along an endless road surrounded by beautiful landscape. Driving aimlessly into the desert, moving along the highway, across the hills, and passing through pieces of nomadic farmland and old cities. We were driving into the unknown and into a journey that I have always dreamt of.
We first arrived at Amman, a vibrant city serving as the country’s economic, political, and cultural centre. As we journey further into the city, the city scape transitions from a modern to ancient character with a clear division between the two. The newer, more modern part of the city is most commonly used as a gathering spot for the rich, with streets lined with villas, cafes, and galleries. While the older part of the city feels more crowded and is mainly composed of historical buildings and homes. This part of the city is built on slanted, hill roads that lead up to the mountains ahead. Small houses line the sloped streets and the facades of these homes dazzle instantly when the sun shines. At the bottom of the mountain lies the ancient remains of Roman theatres and temples, where the rich history of the city is made evident. Roman stone pillars and other decorative patterns and elements are well preserved, recording and allowing the modern-day people to witness the changes in the city.
If you want to enjoy a quiet start to the morning, tucked away from the busy roads, you can enjoy your breakfast at Bait Baladna, with a view over the city and move onto the Museum Darat Al Funun which is beautiful and relaxing.
Read the full interview in
New Norm Magazine Issue 03
In this issue we unfold a thread of personal thoughts and memories, streams of consciousness that influence their identities and narratives.
Featured interviews include Agnes Jonas, Barber & Osgerby, Instrmnt Applied Design, Gris, Klara Leidl, Koto Design, homework, WatchHouse, Ziu I. A , Onoko.
In Issue 03, we explore the dreamy landscapes of Jordan, the coastal fortress of La Muralla Roja, a serene and nurturing retreat into the mountains of Hong Kong, and wayfinding in a liveable city, Copenhagen. This issue not only contains some of our own travel stories, but we also focused on the dialogues that we had with various artists, designers, architects, business owners, etc., from all around the world. Apart from sharing some of their inspiring work, we also had the opportunity to learn more about their perspective on the city in which they live in and their future plans post COVID. We spoke to Kamaro’an of Taiwan, NIMU of Italy, YOHAK DESIGN STUDIO of Japan, Le Labo of the United States, AOIRO of Germany, LAAB and WOOL of Hong Kong, Atelier Cph and Birgitte Due Madsen of Denmark. During this period of the pandemic, we tried to unite our community, to inspire, and grow with one another from this new context.
The publication is 171 pages, and measures 210x270mm.
DIGITAL EDITION// By purchasing the digital edition, you will receive a PDF version of Issue 03
In Issue 03, we explore the dreamy landscapes of Jordan, the coastal fortress of La Muralla Roja, a serene and nurturing retreat into the mountains of Hong Kong, and wayfinding in a liveable city, Copenhagen. This issue not only contains some of our own travel stories, but we also focused on the dialogues that we had with various artists, designers, architects, business owners, etc., from all around the world. Apart from sharing some of their inspiring work, we also had the opportunity to learn more about their perspective on the city in which they live in and their future plans post COVID. We spoke to Kamaro’an of Taiwan, NIMU of Italy, YOHAK DESIGN STUDIO of Japan, Le Labo of the United States, AOIRO of Germany, LAAB and WOOL of Hong Kong, Atelier Cph and Birgitte Due Madsen of Denmark. During this period of the pandemic, we tried to unite our community, to inspire, and grow with one another from this new context.
The publication is 171 pages, and measures 210x270mm.
More from Issue 03
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