Jabal al-Luweibdeh
Jabal al-Luweibdeh (Arabic: جبل اللويبدة), also known as Jabal al-Weibdeh,[1] is a neighborhood in Downtown Amman, Jordan. HistoryJabal al-Luweibdeh was founded in the 1920s, shortly after Amman itself was founded in the nearby valley, eventually merging with it, becoming part of the old downtown area.[2] Paris Square (Arabic: دوار باريس), formerly known as Hawooz Square (Arabic: دوار الحاووز),[1] is the epicenter of Luweibdeh. In the middle of the square stands a copy of the Wallace fountain.[2] The area is considered to be fashionable, containing expensive cafés and restaurants, as well as a bustling art scene.[3][4][5] The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts is located in Luweibdeh, as well as the Our Lady of the Annunciation Church and the headquarters of the Jordanian Writers Society.[2][6] On 13 September 2022, a building in Luweibdeh collapsed, killing 14 and injuring 10. Poor maintenance of the old building was blamed for the tragedy.[7][8][9] In March 2022, the Council for British Research in the Levant moved from Tla' Al Ali to Jabal al-Luweibdeh.[10] Recent DevelopmentsIn recent years, Jabal al-Luweibdeh has increasingly been recognized as Amman's cultural district. The neighborhood is home to several prominent art institutions, including Darat al-Funun and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, both of which have expanded their facilities and programming. Darat al-Funun, for example, occupies a full city block and integrates three historic houses into a complex that hosts exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and a public library.[11] The National Gallery of Fine Arts has recently acquired an additional building across from its original site and is developing a water-conserving public park and a café, further enhancing the area's role as a cultural hub.[12] The Amman Municipality, in collaboration with the French Embassy, rehabilitated Duwwar al-Hawuz (Water Tower Square), now renamed Square de Paris, transforming it into a landscaped urban space that has become a popular gathering spot.[13] Community Initiatives and Heritage PreservationIn 2024, local residents founded LORA (Luweibdeh Old Residents Association), a non-profit organization aimed at preserving the neighborhood’s cultural and architectural heritage. LORA supports community engagement through seasonal bazaars, youth programs, and environmental initiatives, and advocates for the protection of historic buildings and green spaces.[14] Gentrification and Social ChangeJabal al-Luweibdeh has undergone significant gentrification, attracting higher-income residents and new businesses. While this has revitalized parts of the neighborhood, it has also led to concerns about displacement and the erosion of its traditional social fabric. A 2023 study found that gentrification has negatively impacted social interactions among long-term residents, highlighting tensions between preserving community identity and accommodating urban growth.[15] See alsoReferences
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