The Department was established in 1923 in what was then the Emirate of Transjordan, a protectorate of the British Empire. Its responsibilities are legislated for in laws no. 24 of 1934, no. 21 of 1988 and no. 22 of 2004.[3]
The Department has organised an international conference on the history and archaeology of Jordan every three years since 1980.[4]
Historical background
Initially part of the Department of Palestinian Antiquities, the Department of Antiquities was formed to collect and safeguard antiquities scattered across Jordan. The legal framework governing its operations was established through Law No. 21 in 1988, which defines antiquities as any human-made object predating 1700 AD, encompassing a wide range of artifacts including sculptures, manuscripts, and architectural remains.[5]
Structure and responsibilities
The Department is managed by a Director General who reports directly to the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. Its responsibilities include:
Supervision of Archaeological Work: The Department oversees both local and foreign archaeological missions, ensuring compliance with Jordan's archaeological strategy[6]
Approval of Excavation Requests: All requests for archaeological excavations or surveys must be submitted to the Department for evaluation and approval
Scientific Research and Documentation: The Directorate of Studies and Research within the Department publishes scientific reports and maintains comprehensive documentation related to Jordan's antiquities
Publications (print and online)
Annual of the Department of Antiquities of Jordan (ADAJ), an academic journal published since 1951[7]
The Department plays a crucial role in preserving Jordan's cultural heritage, which includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Petra, Wadi Rum, and Qusayr Amra. It collaborates with international organizations like UNESCO to enhance the protection and management of these sites.
