Established in 1968 Marka refugee camp initially housed 15000 Palestinian refugees. They fled the West Bank and Gaza Strip after the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. This is Marka camp. Located ten kilometers northeast of Amman’s city center it’s also known as Hittin or Schneller. Today Marka camp is home to over 44000 UNRWA registered refugees plus 17500 displaced persons. This is Marka camp a testament to resilience and community.
Initially tents covered 917000 square meters. Plans for stronger tents were abandoned. Instead 4000 prefabricated shelters were built between 1969 and 1971. Funding came from Germany Italy the Jordan Development Bank and Near East Emergency Donations. Over time residents built their own concrete structures making Marka camp what it is today.
Marka camp boasts two government-run secondary schools. There’s also a health center run by Medical Aid for Palestinians. A local committee manages a sewing center and a computer center. UNRWA provides additional services. 418 staff members operate 10 schools educating 9492 pupils. Two health centers treat roughly 1012 patients daily. Over 600 families get extra hardship assistance. UNRWA also handles sanitation. This is Marka camp a place where community and assistance intertwine.
Marka camp is more than just shelters. It’s a vibrant community. It has a rich history shaped by displacement adaptation and resilience. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Palestinian people. The original tents are long gone replaced by homes reflecting years of growth and adaptation. You are standing before a living history. This is Marka camp a place that embodies the spirit of survival hope and community.