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Zirrar talks to British-Jordanian photographer Bashar Tabbah, about the sacred sites of Jordan, including those associated with various Prophets and Companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. They also talk about the ‘Blessed Tree’ and the question regarding its authenticity.
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE
- Brief history of the region: from the Umayyads onwards
- Pre-Islamic sites
- The ‘Blessed tree’ as the possible site where the Prophet ﷺ rested as a child on the way to Syria; is it authentic?
- ‘Sacred’ sites associated with various Prophets and Sahaba
- ‘Duplicate’ or ‘sister’ sites
- Sites visited by both Muslims and Christians
- Preservation efforts by the Jordanian authorities
- Bashar’s guide book on Jordan, and Jerusalem
- Lack of guide book’s written by Muslims
- Itinerary for Jordan
- Proximity to Jerusalem
PEOPLE / THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
- A Map and a Lens: Jordan, Sights Unseen Stories Untold by Bashar Tabbah
- The Noble Sanctuary by Bashar Tabbah
*Update: the books Bashar refers to at the end of the episode have now been published.
FURTHER READING
- ‘The Blessed Tree’ by Zara Choudhary
- ‘How to Visit the Blessed Tree and Other Historical Sites in Jordan’
- ‘Visiting the Companions of Jordan’ by Zara Choudhary
Bashar Tabbah is a British-Jordanian photographer based in Amman, Jordan, who focuses on cultural and religious heritage, particularly in the Islamic and Mediterranean worlds. With over 300 documented sites globally and 250 in Jordan, Bashar regards himself as a historical photographer and explorer. In 2018, Bashar published his first book, “A Map and a Lens: Jordan, Sights Unseen Stories Untold,” exploring Jordan’s vast history in collaboration with writer Jane Taylor. His keen eye for detail and ability to capture the essence of each location in his photographs make this book a must-read for anyone interested in Jordan’s history, culture, and art. In 2022, Bashar collaborated with ICOMOS-Jordan on “Unique and Outstanding,” showcasing Jordan’s UNESCO world heritage sites in a beautiful art documentary style. Bashar’s most recent book, “The Noble Sanctuary,” published in April 2023, offers a unique perspective on one of the world’s most significant religious sites, the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, highlighting its intricate details and architectural beauty. Bashar is currently working on two immense and long-term international projects, one focused on cities and monuments of the classical world (Greek and Roman), and the other on mosques around the world, showcasing the intricate beauty of these magnificent buildings. Bashar’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, and he has been a featured speaker at various events, sharing his insights and experiences as a historical photographer. Bashar sees his photography as a means of education, encouraging others to explore and learn about different cultures and their histories, bridging gaps between cultures and bringing people closer together.
Find Bashar on Instagram | Purchase Bashar’s books on his website
