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TRAVEL BLOG

1.17.07

Petra Makes Push for Seven Wonders Status

Until last century, Petra was virtually off limits to non-Arab travelers. And in recent years, troubles in the Middle East have kept travelers away. But now that Petra has been shortlisted for the New Seven Wonders of the World list, the Jordanian government is making a push to show off the “rose red city half as old as time.” The BBC’s Jon Leyne reports that Petra “has probably not seen such a buzz of activity since civilised life ended there in the 8th century AD.”

Adam al-Samady, a Jordanian playing a Roman in a historical re-enactment at Petra, explained to Leyne the importance of winning the Seven Wonders contest:

“It is very important, because Jordan is a small country whose whole economy is based on tourism,” he said.

“Unfortunately during these past five years with the war in Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, tourism has been completely dead. If Petra becomes one of the seven wonders of the world, I think there will be a big change.”

The BBC has a slideshow of the historical re-enactments at Petra. The New Seven Wonders will be announced July 7, 2007.

Photo of Petra: OceanCreep’s flickr stream. Rights: Creative Commons.

Posted by Michael Yessis • 1.17.07
Categories: Weblog • Global Village • Jordan

Permalink • Comments (2)

COMMENTS

Petra must actually be seen as the new 7 wounders of the world because of its location, structure and architectural ingenuity that has survived all ages. When you go to Petra you just stare at the carvings in the mountains and stones and the wounder never ceases.

By on 3.25.07 at 10:03 AM

I think that the management of the Petra site should improve the working conditions of the animals there before anyone should vote for them. The animals are exploited and over worked in hot conditions.

By on 4.26.07 at 06:59 AM