The Voices of Jordan: Writers & Storytellers Preserving Heritage in Modern Media

Jordan’s long storytelling tradition continues to thrive through its freelance writers, novelists, and poets. Whether crafting historical fiction, investigative journalism, or scripts for films and TV, these creatives bring Jordan’s past and present to life. Their work is increasingly reaching global audiences through books, digital platforms, and streaming services.

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Jalal Barjas

Jalal Barjas is a Jordanian author and poet renowned for his compelling narratives that delve into social and cultural themes. He gained international acclaim by winning the International Prize for Arabic Fiction in 2021 for his novel "Notebooks of the Bookseller," which explores the life of a bookseller entangled in a series of mysterious events. Barjas's work is celebrated for its intricate plots and deep psychological insights.

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Ibrahim Nasrallah

A Palestinian-Jordanian poet, novelist, and artist, Ibrahim Nasrallah has made significant contributions to Arabic literature. Born in 1954, his extensive body of work includes poetry collections and novels that often reflect on Palestinian identity and experiences. Nasrallah's novel "The Second War of the Dog" won the International Prize for Arabic Fiction in 2018, highlighting his prominence in contemporary literature.

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Hisham Bustani

Hisham Bustani is a Jordanian writer known for his innovative approach to storytelling. His works, which include short stories and poetry, are recognized for blending realism with surrealism, offering fresh perspectives on modern life. Bustani's unique narrative style has earned him a place among the avant-garde writers in the Arab world.

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Taghreed Najjar

A prominent figure in children's literature, Taghreed Najjar has authored over 50 books for young readers. Born in 1951, she is the founder of Al Salwa Publishing House and has been instrumental in promoting Arabic children's literature. Najjar's stories often draw from Arab culture and folklore, aiming to instill a love for reading among children.

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The Sound of Jordan: Freelance Musicians and Producers Reviving Local and Global Beats

Blending Arabic melodies with jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music, Jordan’s freelance musicians and producers are making waves in the Middle East and beyond. Whether composing for films, producing indie albums, or mixing live performances, they use digital tools and streaming platforms to showcase their music on a global scale.

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Farah Siraj

Dubbed as Jordan's “Musical Ambassadress,” Farah Siraj is a vocalist known for blending influences from Middle Eastern music, flamenco, jazz, bossa nova, and pop. She has performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. Her music often carries messages of peace and humanitarianism.

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Aziz Maraka

A composer and performer, Aziz Maraka is recognized for pioneering the musical style known as "Razz," a fusion of rock and Arabic jazz. His energetic performances and unique sound have garnered a substantial following in Jordan and across the Middle East.

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Suad Bushnaq

An award-winning composer of Syrian and Jordanian descent, Suad Bushnaq creates music that bridges Eastern and Western traditions. Her compositions span film scores, orchestral works, and choral pieces, earning her international acclaim.

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Layan Yazbek

A Jordanian music producer and sound engineer, Layan Yazbek gained recognition for collaborating with Aaron Nervs on the 2023 single "Nothing Lasts." Her expertise in audio engineering has made her a sought-after professional in the Jordanian music industry. 

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Jordan's Indie Film Scene: Freelance Filmmakers Bringing Local Stories to the World

A new generation of Jordanian freelance filmmakers is emerging, producing powerful documentaries, short films, and commercial content. With international film festivals taking interest in Jordan’s cinema, these filmmakers are telling stories that highlight the country’s social issues, history, and artistic heritage, gaining recognition both regionally and globally.

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Darin J. Sallam

Darin J. Sallam is a Jordanian-Palestinian filmmaker known for her compelling narratives that shed light on significant historical events. Her debut feature film, Farha (2021), portrays the harrowing experiences of a young girl during the Nakba in 1948. The film has garnered international attention and was Jordan's submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 95th Academy Awards. Sallam's storytelling is deeply influenced by her heritage and personal connections to the stories she tells. 

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Naji Abu Nowar

Naji Abu Nowar is a British-Jordanian filmmaker celebrated for his work on Theeb (2014). This film, set during World War I, follows a young Bedouin boy navigating the challenges of desert life. Theeb received critical acclaim, earning a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards and winning the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer. Abu Nowar's dedication to authentic storytelling has significantly elevated Jordanian cinema on the global stage. 

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Bassel Ghandour

Bassel Ghandour is a Jordanian filmmaker renowned for his immersive storytelling and commitment to highlighting Jordanian narratives. He gained international recognition as a co-writer and producer of Theeb (2014). In 2024, Ghandour released his directorial debut, The Alleys, a film that delves into the complexities of life in the narrow streets of East Amman. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of Jordanian society and a passion for bringing its stories to a wider audience. 

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Amin Matalqa

Amin Matalqa is a Jordanian-American filmmaker best known for his award-winning film Captain Abu Raed (2008), which tells the story of an airport janitor who inspires children in his neighborhood through imaginative tales of his worldly adventures. The film won the World Cinema Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, marking a significant milestone for Jordanian cinema. Matalqa continues to create films that resonate with audiences both in Jordan and internationally.

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The Digital Transformation of Jordan: Freelance ICT Experts Leading Innovation

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Abdallah Abu Sheikh

A Jordanian entrepreneur, Abu Sheikh is the founder of Astra Tech and serves as the CEO of Botim. He has been instrumental in launching several tech ventures, including Rizek, a digital marketplace for services, and Barq EV, an electric vehicle manufacturer. His initiatives have significantly impacted the ICT landscape in Jordan and the broader Middle East.

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Nidal Bitar

As the CEO of the Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j), Bitar has played a pivotal role in promoting Jordan's ICT sector. Under his leadership, int@j has facilitated numerous initiatives to support tech entrepreneurs and startups, fostering innovation and collaboration within the industry.

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Rola Fayyad

Rola Fayyad is a Jordanian entrepreneur and the founder of Viavii, an online community marketplace launched in 2019. Viavii allows users to explore, book, and host in-person and online experiences worldwide. The platform leverages technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide personalized user experiences. Fayyad's initiative aims to connect travelers with local communities, offering immersive cultural experiences and supporting sustainable tourism. 

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Majd Shweikeh

LA Jordanian businesswoman and politician, Majd Shweikeh has held prominent positions in the ICT sector, including serving as the Minister of Information and Communications Technology. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping Jordan's digital landscape.

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Jordan Through the Lens: Freelance Photographers Showcasing History and Modernity

From the ancient ruins of Petra to the bustling streets of Amman, Jordan’s freelance photographers capture the nation’s diverse landscapes and cultural vibrancy. Specializing in travel, commercial, and documentary photography, they work with tourism boards, brands, and media outlets to visually tell Jordan’s evolving story to the world.

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Muhammed Muheisen

Muheisen is a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and a National Geographic photojournalist. He has extensively documented major global events and humanitarian crises, particularly focusing on refugee issues. Muheisen is also the founder and chairman of the Everyday Refugees Foundation. 

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Tanya Habjouqa

A photojournalist, artist, and educator, Habjouqa is a member of the NOOR Images photo agency. Trained in anthropology and journalism, her work often explores the human impact of geopolitical conflicts with a blend of irony and critical insight. 

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Amer Sweidan

Based between Amman and Doha, Sweidan specializes in portraiture, commercial, and documentary photography. He serves as the official photographer for Qatar Airways, producing a wide range of visual content for marketing and product development.

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Omar Sha

A Palestinian-Jordanian image-maker, Sha is known for creating vibrant, almost psychedelic images. Splitting his time between Jordan and the UAE, his work often features subjects in fantastical scenarios, blending reality with imaginative elements. 

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