Amman – High above the hills of Barqash Forests, the full Harvest Moon of 2026 was more than a passing astronomical spectacle. It appeared to be an annual appointment through which the land recalls its history, bringing stories of seasons, harvests and olive trees back into focus.
اضافة اعلان
Around 150 participants gathered in Al-Koura District to watch the full moon rise during the 12th edition of an event organized by the Human and Environment Development Association. The evening brought together astronomical, agricultural and cultural heritage, while also providing an opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of Al-Koura and its rich historical legacy.
From the highest hill in Barqash Forests, participants watched the full moon emerge as Association President Dr. Ahmad Al-Shreida explained the Harvest Moon, its characteristics and its significance in the astronomical and agricultural heritage of Jordan and the Levant.
When the participants moved to the event area, the ancient olive trees of Al-Koura were prominently featured through a photography exhibition documenting several historic and centuries-old trees, particularly olive trees that form an integral part of the area’s collective memory.
The participants’ experience was not limited to observing the Harvest Moon. Engagement was evident from the beginning, particularly during the climb to the highest hill in Barqash Forests to observe the moon and listen to explanations about its characteristics and significance in astronomical and agricultural traditions.
Those attending included nature, astronomy, heritage and agriculture enthusiasts, while others saw the evening as an opportunity to discover a different side of Al-Koura’s history and its ancient trees.
The event also provided a space for participants to meet, interact and reconnect with aspects of folk heritage associated with the land and agricultural seasons.
Several participants praised the idea of bringing astronomy, nature and heritage together in one evening, noting that highlighting ancient olive trees and natural sites in Irbid Governorate offers visitors a new way to explore the region’s rich agricultural and cultural heritage.
On the cultural side, the evening featured poetry, art and elements of folk heritage. Event host and association member Abdul-Bari Bani Abdulrahman recited a patriotic poem celebrating the Hashemite leadership and the natural beauty of Al-Koura District.
Association member Khaled Al-Sibai also gave an overview of the importance of celebrating the Harvest Moon, its connection to agricultural activity and its role in preserving Jordan’s and the Levant’s cultural and agricultural heritage.
The event also featured a documentary highlighting some of the locations containing ancient olive trees across Irbid Governorate. Produced by association member Mohammad Nour Al-Shreida, the film took attendees on a visual journey among trees whose trunks bear the marks of passing years and tell part of the region’s agricultural and human history.
At the heart of this story was the ancient “Al-Mihraz” olive tree, which was the focus of a lecture by Association President Dr. Ahmad Al-Shreida. He discussed its historical and heritage significance, efforts to have it included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the potential value of this agricultural and historical legacy in promoting tourism in Al-Koura.
The story of the olive trees extends beyond documentation. The Human and Environment Development Association is preparing to launch the “Olive Trail” and an interactive electronic map of ancient olive trees across Irbid Governorate. The initiative aims to introduce these trees, document their locations and stories, and make the information accessible to visitors and those interested in the region’s heritage.
The initiative also carries a tourism and cultural dimension. The Olive Trail could connect nature, history and agriculture, giving visitors an opportunity to discover Al-Koura through its trees and natural sites rather than simply visiting the area as a scenic destination.
At the end of the evening, Al-Koura District Governor Dr. Omar Al-Hadid praised the efforts of the association’s president and members in organizing the cultural, heritage and astronomical event. He stressed the importance of such activities in promoting awareness of national heritage and reinforcing values of loyalty and belonging to the country and the Hashemite leadership.
For the 12th consecutive year, the Human and Environment Development Association continues to mark the Harvest Moon, maintaining a tradition that brings together the sky and the land, recalls the relationship between people, seasons, the moon and agriculture, and gives local heritage a renewed place in Jordan’s cultural and tourism landscape.
Resource: Al-Ghad. Reporting: Ahmad Al-Tamimi
