Cultural heritage and collective identity : the status of intangible heritage in Jordan from an anthropological perspective

Abstract EN

This paper investigates the crucial importance and the current status of intangible cultural heritage in Jordan.

It can easily be argued that intangible heritage in Jordan has yet to receive adequate attention from academic scholars, professionals and officials.

Most of its elements have remained unresearched, undocumented, and thus marginalized.

In light of this, there is an urgent need to rethink both the applications and implications of the notion of “cultural heritage” so that it can include national traditions, values, and memories (i.e.

intangible elements), in addition to the tangible elements.

Given that Jordan’s cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, is under imminent threat of destruction and loss, appropriate measures need to be taken.

Various groups whether academic, official, voluntary, or professional should share responsibility for protecting Jordan’s diverse and irreplaceable cultural heritage.