Hajj Camp (1910) by American Colony (Jerusalem) Photo DepartmentTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Hajj (Pilgrimage) Route to Mecca
Ma'an is located along the ancient pilgrimage route to Mecca. Throughout history, it has served as a resting place for pilgrims, allowing them to refresh before continuing their journey to Mecca.
Hajj Painting (1861) by Leon BellyTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Hajj Caravans
In the past, groups of people set out from major cities on the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca using camels, horses, etc., and they would rest in designated places on the way. Some of these were large and included guards, guides, merchants, and people from all social classes.
This painting is an orientalist depiction of a Hajj caravan. It was painted by Leon Belly in 1861 and titled Pèlerins allant à La Mecque (Pilgrims Going to Mecca).
Hijaz Railway Station, Ma'an Jordan (1900) by Library of Congress, G. Eric and Edith Matson CollectionTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
The Hijaz Railway
The Ottomans built the Hijaz railway between 1900 and 1908, mainly to facilitate travel to holy sites in Mecca and Madina. The railway spurred economic growth and attracted new settlers to the city, which continued to be a major stop on the pilgrimage route.
Ma'an Woman (2008) by Kamel KawarTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
A Ma'an Style
Pilgrims passing through Ma'an often carried goods and textiles to trade. A unique Ma'an style evolved from exposure to these fabrics with evident influences from Central Asia, Turkey, Caucasia, and Syria.
Ikat fabric made in Damascus (2011) by Nabil QutainehTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Ikat
Ikat, a method of coloring fabric in patterns by resist dying, is noticeable in Ma'an textile. It was most famously produced in Syria, Turkey, and parts of Central Asia at that time.
Jordan Coats (2020) by Salua QadanTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Ikat on women's outer garments.
Ikat on Cushion (2020) by Salua QadanTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Ikat on a Ma'an cushion.
Ma'an Festive (2022) by Nabil QutainehTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Ma'an Festive Dress
The most vibrant traditional costumes in Jordan come from Ma'an. The festive woman's dress (ca. 1910-1940) seen here with a striking combination of colours and fabrics is made up of cashmere saya (striped pattern) and Syrian ikat (zigazag pattern).
Cashmere saya.
Syrian ikat.
Ma'an, Thawb Heremzy - Front by UnknownTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Thob Hermezy (front)
Another example of a Ma'an festive dress (ca. 1935) called 'Thob Hermezy' made of silk fabric hand-woven in Aleppo. One of the sleeves is attached inside-out, enabling the woman to wear it over her head. You will notice a type of saya (striped pattern) again on the neckline.
Ma'an, Thawb Heremzy - Back (2014) by Tiraz CentreTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Thob Hermezy (back)
You will also notice some ikat applied on the sides and below the arms to connect the front and back panels of the dress.
Ma'an Corner (2021) by Nabil QutainehTIRAZ widad kawar home for arab dress
Ma'an Corner at Tiraz
Tiraz Centre is proud to showcase the vibrant textiles of Ma'an. Among the display, visitors can marvel at the designs of women's traditional costumes and cushions.
Ikat outer garments.
Ma'an festive dress.
Maan cushions.
Explore more content from Tiraz Centre and the Widad Kawar Collection on Google Arts & Culture.
Tiraz Centre, Widad Kawar, Laila Mushahwar, Nabil Qutaineh, Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection
