Amman: The third Zarqa Culture and Arts Festival concluded on Tuesday evening at the King Abdullah II Cultural Center in Zarqa.
According to Jordan News Agency, the six-day event was organized by the Zarqa Culture Directorate in collaboration with local cultural organizations and in partnership with the Russeifa and Hashemiyah municipalities, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture. The festival was designed to decentralize cultural engagement, hosting a program of intellectual, artistic, and heritage events across the governorate's districts. This initiative aimed to expand access to local communities and reinforce partnerships between municipal bodies and cultural institutions.
The closing ceremony featured a panel discussion titled "The Jordanian Narrative: A Nation's Story and the Voice of the Ummah," focusing on the evolution of Jordan's national identity, collective memory, and historical awareness. Former Minister of Culture Sabri Rbeihat and historian Baker Khazer Al-Majali served as key panelists, with the session moderated by writer Mohammad Abdul Kareem Al-Zyoud.
Rbeihat emphasized the role of the national narrative in interpreting Jordan's history and national milestones, noting that culture acts as a catalyst for identity and belonging. This transformation of historical memory into continuous intellectual engagement connects younger generations to the nation's achievements. Al-Majali reviewed key historical and documentary phases of the Jordanian state, highlighting the national struggle and societal transformations that shaped the country. He stressed the importance of documenting these turning points to preserve them as an essential part of the national heritage.
Mohammad Al-Zoubi, Director of the Zarqa Culture Directorate, stated that the Ministry of Culture is committed to revitalizing cultural activity by integrating the national narrative into public events. He added that the festival served as an inclusive platform for thought, arts, and heritage, achieving its goal of cultural decentralization by engaging wider audiences across all areas of the governorate.