Ever wondered about the Valley of the Orchards? That is Wadi Al-Seer, our district. It is west of Amman. Wadi Al-Seer is more than just a location. It is a tapestry of history and modern life.
Wadi Al-Seer gets its name from a prehistoric queen. They say Queen Seer once ruled this land. The district is divided into ten unique neighborhoods. Each one has its own character. Some are residential. Others are commercial. Many blend both aspects.
In 1880, Circassians resettled here. The Ottomans had sent them. They established a village in the valley. It was known as Wadi Sir. During World War I, the British called it Ain es Sir. The valley became a landmark during the Sinai and Palestine campaign.
Today, the old village has grown. It is now Bayader Wadi Al-Seer. This area features Ottoman-era buildings. You can also find early 20th-century mosques. About 10 kilometers away stand the ruins of Qasr al-Abd castle. Nearby are the caves of Iraq al-Amir.
Bayader Wadi as-Seer is a low-income town. It sits on the outskirts of Amman. It has a historical courthouse and an old fort. You will find an Ottoman-style neighborhood there too. It is built on very steep hills. Narrow European streets wind through it. The neighborhood’s name is quite old. It translates to “the Threshing Floor of the Valley of the Orchards”.
Sweifieh is another important neighborhood in Wadi Al-Seer. It is known for entertainment and shopping. High-end clubs and bars line the streets. You will also find hotels, restaurants and malls. Upper middle-income residents mostly live here. Albaraka Mall is a highlight. It has glass architecture and a popular cinema.
Wadi Al-Seer has a distinct culture. It influences the rest of Amman. Many North Caucasian and North American people live here. Sweifieh is the heart of the city’s fashion industry. However, outer neighborhoods have a different feel. A large percentage of residents are low-income there. This contrasts with the wealthy areas of Abdoun and Sweifieh.
The culture in Sweifieh and Abdoun revolves around media, fashion and finance. Shopping is also a major part of life. Many film and music studios are in these areas. Artists and celebrities like to live here. One drawback is the heavy traffic.
Wadi Al-Seer also boasts renowned schools. The English School is one. The British International Community School is another. You will also find the Modern American School here.
The climate in Wadi Al-Seer is like the rest of Amman. There can be a 5-degree Celsius difference between districts. The valley’s high elevation means warm summers. Winters are cold and rainy. Snow falls sometimes. Summers have pleasant breezes. Winter brings fog. Summer brings haze or smog.
Wadi Al-Seer is more than just a district. It is a blend of history, culture and modern life. From ancient queens to Ottoman villages to modern entertainment, Wadi Al-Seer offers a rich experience.