Salt, Jordan by Library of Congress Collection, G. Eric and Edith Matson CollectionTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Al Salt City
Al Salt holds a pivotal position in Jordan's history as a historical administrative centre predating the capital, Amman. It is also the cherished birthplace of many prominent Jordanian families deeply rooted in the region's rich heritage.
Interior of Al Salt Home (1933) by American Colony (Jerusalem) Photo DepartmentTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Extended family in the interior of their home in the Wady Shaib area of Al Salt (circa 1920).
Abu Jaber House (2017) by Shatha MubaideenTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
More on Al Salt
The Ottomans' establishment of Al Salt as a regional administrative hub has left behind Ottoman-style mansions distinguished by domed roofs and arched windows. Here is an example from inside the renowned Al Salt Museum (or Abu Jaber House), named after the family who owned it.
Here is an example from inside the renowned Al Salt Museum (or Abu Jaber House), named after the family who owned it.
Salt Dress and CandlesTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Khalaga of Al Salt
Al Salt's traditional 315-cm dress (the khalaga) is the longest in the world. Here's an image of the dress on display at Tiraz Centre. Its immense length is highlighted by its suspension from the ceiling. Adjacent to the hanging dress, a mannequin demonstrates how it is worn.
Al Salt women in Jerusalem (1918) by American Red CrossTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
An image of women wearing the khalaga (ca. 1918) from a rare collection of photographs of women and children from Al Salt at the Carmelite monastery in Jerusalem.
Salt DressTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
315-cm long
Many theories abound regarding its remarkable shape and length, with some suggesting it was a display of status intended to flaunt luxurious fabrics—thus wealth.
Thawb of the Beni Hasan Tribe Thawb of the Beni Hasan Tribe, front by unknownTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Thob Ubb
The khalaga exemplifies the thob ubb tradition—a dress worn by being folded numerous times. Variations of this type of garment were found across Central Jordan and the Jordan Valley and may have light cross-stitch embroidery on the chest, sleeves, hem, and some other parts.
Thob ubb of the Bani Hassan tribe of Jordan (circa 1930)
Thawb of the Beni Hasan Tribe Thawb of the Beni Hasan Tribe, back by unknownTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Thob ubb of the Bani Hassan tribe of Jordan (back and sleeves)
Salt Belt (Shaweheyeh) by unknownTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
A thob ubb is folded many times and tied high around the waist using a woven belt.
Young woman, Al Salt (1933) by American Colony (Jerusalem) Photo DepartmentTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
A young woman wearing a thob ubb in the Wady Shaib area of Al Salt (circa 1920).
Khalaga at Tiraz (2021) by Nabil QutteinehTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
The Khalaga at Tiraz
The khalaga is featured prominently at Tiraz and warmly welcomes visitors into the centre's permanent 'Jordanian Treasures' exhibition.
Visitors can also marvel at the thob ubb of the Bani Hassan tribe, laid out in its entirety.
Thob Ubb of the Bani Hassan Tribe (2021) by Nabil QutteinehTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Learn more about Tiraz Centre and the Widad Kawar Collection by checking the exhibit: The Story of Widad Kawar and the Foundation of Tiraz.
Laila Mushahwar, Nabil Qutteineh, Shatha Mubaideen, Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection
