Did you know that Wadi Al-Seer means Valley of the Orchards? It is a fitting name. The valley west of Amman is known for its greenery. It is also one of the twenty-two districts of the Greater Amman Municipality.
Wadi Al-Seer holds a special place in history. Some say its name comes from a prehistoric queen, Queen Seer. The valley offers a glimpse into different eras. The impressive ruins of Iraq el-Amir show us the Hellenistic period.
In 1880, Circassians resettled here. The Ottomans placed them in a village in the valley. During World War I, the British knew it as Ain es Sir. It became important during three British attacks. Today, the old village is now part of Greater Amman. It is known as Bayader Wadi Al-Seer.
Wadi Al-Seer district has ten neighborhoods. These include Al-Rawabi, Swefieh and Al-Diyar. Each neighborhood has its own character. Bayader Wadi Al-Seer is a small, low-income town. It has Ottoman-era buildings and early 20th-century mosques. About 10 kilometers away are Qasr al-Abd castle ruins. You can also find the caves of Iraq al-Amir.
Bayader Wadi Al-Seer roughly translates to the Threshing Floor of the Valley of the Orchards. Sweifieh is a culturally significant neighborhood. It is known for entertainment, clubbing, and shopping. You will find high-end clubs, bars, hotels, restaurants, and malls there.
Wadi Al-Seer has a distinctive culture. It shapes much of the city. The municipality has many North Caucasian and North American residents. Sweifieh is home to the municipality’s fashion industry. Wadi Al-Seer city also features historic architecture. Look for the old courthouse, the old fort, and Ottoman-style neighborhoods.
Wadi Al-Seer’s climate is similar to the rest of Amman. Summers are warm and pleasant. Winters are cold and rainy with some snow.
Al-Bayader is another name for Wadi Al-Seer. The Jordanian poet Arar celebrated it. He wished to live near Wadi Al-Shita. Al-Bayader has historical artifacts. These make it an important tourist area within Amman.
Wadi Al-Seer Governorate was created in 1996. It includes Wadi Al-Seer, Marj Al-Hammam, and Badr Al-Jadeeda. The name Wadi Al-Seer appeared in 1930. It is said to come from two royal sisters named Sira and Sara. Al-Bayader comes from the wheat and barley fields in the area. Arabs and Circassians gathered crops here.
Tribes of ‘Abad were the first to live in Al-Bayader. Circassian tribes also settled here. They merged with Arab tribes. They helped build a harmonious community.
Al-Bayader is in the west of Amman. It is bordered by Tla’ Al-Ali and Sweileh to the north. Zahran area is to the east. Badr Al-Jadeeda area borders Al-Bayader from the west. Al-Bayader is known as a quiet, upscale area in Amman.
Al-Bayader has many gardens. They are full of grapes, figs, lemons, and olives. This rich history has helped Al-Bayader develop its real estate. It has expanded to include sophisticated neighborhoods.
Let’s explore some historical sites in Al-Bayader. Iraq Al-Amir dates back to the Bronze Age. It is known for springs and fruitful trees. Qasr Al-Abd is also known as Qasr Iraq Al-Amir. It is part of the Hellenistic artifacts. The Salah al-Din Mosque dates back to the 12th century AD. The Hamediya Mosque dates back to the 19th century. Both are located in the Hamediya area.
The Popular Market in Al-Bayader is very popular in Amman. The Eighth Circle intersection connects the east and west of Amman. Al-Bayader also has Maintenance Street. It has over 200 car repair garages.
Wadi Al-Seer is more than just a valley. It is a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.