As part of the "Improving Displaced Iraqis' and Vulnerable Jordanians' Coping Strategies in Madaba" project, Caritas Jordan in 2018 initiated an intensive process of designing the first biblical map of Jordan that was produced as a mosaic floor surrounding the covenant of the Greek Catholic Church in Madaba city.

 

The idea initiated by Fr. Moun AL Helou (the Melkite Parish priest in Madab) during his researches about the history of Christian in Jordan, and using the reference of “Jordan: Historical Geography” book, by the archeology author, Haydar Halaseh. Caritas Jordan adopted this innovated idea and in cooperation with Q. perspective: The Technical consultancy side, the collaboration was conducted with the department of Tourism and Archeology at the Jordan university on identifying scientifically verifiable biblical locations on the current political map of Jordan, and prominent ruins from the biblical period that particularly highlight Christian presence in Jordan as it relates to the Bible. Professor Nizar Al Turshan from the Department of Tourism and Archeology at Jordan University invested significant efforts, alongside his colleagues, in verifying physical locations and associated historical landmarks.  The physical journey of Jesus Christ as well as the main Christian pilgrimage sights in Jordan were also identified by Professor Turshan and highlighted in the final design of the mosaic Biblical Map of Jordan.

 

As the design was finalized in a manner where it can be produced using mosaics, Caritas Jordan mobilized launched another process of producing the map in mosaics and physically laying it out around the Greek Catholic Church in Madaba; the process involved intricate collaboration with graphic designer Ms. Lina Abdel Hadi, mosaic experts and supervisors from Madaba (Ms. Raghda al Zawaydeh and Mr. Ibrahim Bata), seven Iraqi refugees that have been trained through the project to be mosaic expert producers, and a  group of technicians and experts  that ensured proper execution across all stages of production.

 

The Biblical Map of Jordan is the first effort of its kind and may also be the first mosaic floor produced and laid around a church in Jordan since the early Christian period. Caritas Jordan wishes to extend its deepest gratitude and appreciation for all esteemed institutions and individuals that contributed to this achievement. While it is understood that this work is subject to constant development and fine tuning, Caritas Jordan considers it as a stimulator for further knowledge production and artistic and vocational innovation that will hopefully contribute to the promotion and development of historical discourse, the mosaic industry and religious and cultural tourism in Jordan.