The Bedouin of Petra | Al Jazeera World

Archaeologists say that the ancient city of Petra dates back to the third century BC. The famous site in the south of Jordan, which was once occupied by the Romans, is today one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world.
Al B'doul, a Bedouin tribe that used to live in Petra, claim to be descended from the Nabataeans who occupied this land at the end of the Roman Empire. They lived among the tombs and caves for over 170 years.
But after Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the mid-1980s, many B'doul were forced to abandon their semi-nomadic life for the nearby, purpose-built settlement of Umm Sayhoun, where they still live today.
The B'doul go to Petra every day to act as tour guides and provide local colour - from music and entertainment to camel and donkey rides. They feel a strong attachment to the site, and some still cling to Bedouin life in the ancient valley.
In this Al Jazeera Documentary film shot in Petra, we explore the history, traditions and daily lives of the B'doul, particularly the challenges they face as Bedouins in a tourism centre in present-day Jordan.
Subscribe to our channel bit.ly/AJSubscribe
Follow us on Twitter / ajenglish
Find us on Facebook / aljazeera
Check our website www.aljazeera.com/

[@doberman1ism]

Petra and the people what a dream come true. I admire the solitude and freedom of these wonderful people. They remind me of my uncle who lives in The mountains of West Virginia. He has a home in the holler of the mountain but he refuses to live in the house and lives in the cave up in the mountain. The ideals of these people reminded me of my Cherokee Indian/Scott Irish relatives in the mountains of West Virginia. They love it there and have no desire to live in a city. My heart and spirit understand their way of life and the way of life of the Bedouin. I had a friend who played the oud. When he played I played I accompanied him by playing the zills which are small finger cymbals. I hope someday to visit the beautiful city of Petra and meet the beautiful Bedouin people.

[@yousef.al-assaf]

Aidah Di Leoni Hope you visit Jordan soon :) You have a beautiful ancient Arabic name by the way.

[@user-vd2rd8wo2e]

Aidah Di Leoni Welcome to Jordan anytime

[@coyotedust]

@@yousef.al-assaf Those beautiful buildings carved into the rock cliffs are those temples? All those holes dug out in the cliffs of Petra were they homes or tombs?

[@coyotedust]

@@yousef.al-assaf This is why I don't like UNESCO. UNESCO is part of the United Nations. When they purchase a historical site, that site no longer belongs to the native people or country. In the beginning of this video, it says in the 1980's UNESCO kicked out the Bedouin people living in Petra. 18: 55 the Bedouin talk about how they were forcefully relocated out of Petra to an urban development near by under the cloak of darkness. Force-ably moved by the government. People need to look up Agenda 21. Agenda 21 is a United Nations Treaty that President Clinton signed with world leaders of the United Nations. The blueprint is very sinister. The objective is to create bio-spheres of habitat, and return all the plants and wild animal species to their natural environment. There's one problem, this treaty isn't human friendly. The treaty discusses population control. The objective is to move humans out of rural areas into urban core areas. Rio da Janero is another Agenda 21 planned city of sustainable Development which involves stack and pack housing to cram humans into small living spaces. The idea is this will prevent global warming. It's actually a communistic concept.

[@zabenaleid2547]

As a Jordanian, we love country folk from rural USA. We love tradition and hospitality

[@aliaasfar1791]

I miss Petra, what a wonderful experience. Simple people are pure at heart.

[@josefitaabella2754]

The people of Petra seems to be very friendly, simple & contented in life. it also made me smile when i saw that girl's smile at the end of the video :)

[@patrickdsouza1183]

Same here.A MILLION DOLLAR SMILE.

[@elifs.t.7218]

At the end of the documentary i ve felt so much respect for these outstanding people ... I loved their mind that saves their culture, their being that make them who they are ...

[@mrabdullahayad6446]

proud to be a bedouin lovely ppl in the world

[@counterstrike8840]

it is the birth place of prophet mohammad and the quraish tribe (Bani Hashim) where are they now? lol this bedouins are not qureish ppl...they fought against the quraish and destroyed their city to dust...and now they are claiming this city to be their ancient city...Becca will always be the land of Quraish...

[@ruththompson9369]

Wow great

[@jayay5881]

son of makkah much love to you too ! Fellow Bedouin from my dad’s side

[@AshrafMDTanjidOrbit]

Do nomadic people use Internet? wow.

[@stacyblue1980]

🙏 God Bless you and keep you. God bless the Bedouin people. Real people. No plastic, modern lives. Beautiful. Appreciation and love from the US. Peace.

[@forgetfulstranger]

this is one of my all time favourite Al jazeera documentaries

[@Ksbabyg]

I fell in love with these people watching this. Pls stay as you are DO NOT BE modernised - you are beautiful people with amazing culture. Sending all my love & respect from United Kingdom

[@nanasyrian3616]

+ks babyg thank u u r very kind and nice u r welcome in any time:)

[@mrmoss190]

+Nana Syrian Instead of being caught up in your feelings, do the research work on the amalgamation of the ORIGINAL BLACK ARABS. I gave some starting points in my previous comments which are ACTUAL FACTS. Try to debunk them without your feelings getting involved. NO MORE WHITING OUT THE TRUTH!!! SHALAWAM

[@nanasyrian3616]

israieli isis version

[@hayamousa6512]

ks babyg what are you talking about please give me a break

[@user-id8cl5zd9e]

Haya Mousa what's wrong with what she said. Loving people is never a bad thing. Why are u against her opinion

[@tzmythos]

I am so glad to have come across this video. When I visited Petra many many years ago before there were tourists, I glimpsed some of these lovely people walking along small pathways or over rocks, but never had the chance to see more of them. They seemed rather shy and withdrawn, and I respected their obvious desire to be left alone. so it is wonderful to learn more about them in this video. I have learned a little about the Nabateans since my visit, but they are mostly a mystery to us. I wish now that I had gone back to Petra, to Jordan actually, as I find the Jordanians a beautiful people with genuine, warm smiles and big hearts.

[@nawaf761]

Nabateans are arabs

[@venikamacdonald9161]

I have been there and love Bedouin and all Jordanian people.I'd go back again definitely.

[@spartan9423]

that sounds very nice i'd might visit Jordan in the futre

[@nashmi-8609]

you are welcome

[@ibrahimhercules9466]

the ancient Arabs formed as an ethnic group in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia and Jordan and the Syrian desert

[@David-R.]

13:02 LMAO "Taxi?..... Ferrari?" and he smiles.

[@tarabee3350]

I think he laughed because she ignored him and slipped. He didn't say 'she's lovely' as it was translated. He said 'mashallah' which is a term we use meaning 'if Allah wills'. He said it in a sarcastic manner so i think he was just giggling at the fact that she ignored him and almost fell.

[@David-R.]

Tara Bee I though "inshallah" meant if Allah wills! ;)

[@tarabee3350]

David R. You are right, that is the meaning of Inshallah. Mashallah means more or less the same thing but in Arabic we mostly use Mashallah to praise whatever it is we're talking about, or if you have a middle eastern parent and you've asked them to get you a Ferrari for your birthday and they say 'Inshallah' then don't hold your breath ;P but the guy in the video was for sure being sarcastic, it's the way he said it and giggled :)

[@spartan9423]

and what's so bad about it? he just smiled polietly i didin't saw anything bad

[@davenix604]

The best documentary ever on petra

[@lunarcalendar368]

This was really beautiful documentary. I love the fact how they hold on to their culture and faith. And loyal too.

[@babymarshmellow6077]

johny depp look alike is awesome!

[@rutbrea5140]

It is a beautiful place to live in, and of course extremely peaceful. I believe these people are blessed. The women have a lot of work, and it is hard, but they seem to be healthier than the one in the cities. There is so much corruption in the world. I cannot judge by appearances, but it most be wonderful to just live with faith in the Almighty to provide for every day like the ancients lived their lives. There have always been empires who come to intervene in the lives of the peaceful people, and rob them of their faith and way of life, but most of those empires have not succeeded, they are all gone bringing their own destruction and the destruction of the world because of their greed. May the Almighty have mercy on the world.

[@Safiya0759]

Thank you for making this fantastic documentary. Loved it from beginning to end. Can't wait to visit Petra and meet the Bedouin people.

[@ibrbackotb8]

اللهم احفظ آهل الاردن الكرام تحية حارة من اخوكم السوداني 🇸🇩❤️🇯🇴

[@garagedancer122]

I really enjoyed this, such a beautiful place.

[@mart_inspires7466]

the smile of the little girl at the end is so cute :)))....I am Petra,..hoping to visit someday

[@st.constantine7935]

Good to see people attempting to preserve their culture.

[@phyll9599]

....For tourists.

[@yousef.al-assaf]

@@phyll9599 No, many actually live this life.

[@sheenaduncan5839]

People of Petra, you have so much to share with the Western World.

[@khiot8239]

Air conditioned Donkey hahaha. I love this mans sense of humour, and you people are so amazing !

[@rinkebymannendinmorsa9099]

Arabs are the funniest people im a proud arab

[@patrycjalaura4646]

And using poor donkeys ..

[@jamesvaughan8355]

This makes me think of life on Mars, with all the reddish rocks and soil. One day, in the future...

[@MsJamilaaa]

Petra and generally Jordan is one of the few places that one should visit a couple of times to know it well. In Petra itself 4 days are needed to see it all. I have been there, that is the reason to write this. The place is simply breathtaking! And I guess the guides must be pretty tired at the end of a working day. I remember I literally refused to walk anymore, after 4 hours of continuous walking haha... That's why these guys make a living from transporting people on donkeys and camels, people get super tired after some time, place is massive.. But that energy there.... Absolutely special

[@hishamosman4341]

Agreed. This place and Wadi Rum are truly unique destinations

[@riazhasan1199]

beautiful documentary...

[@queenk007]

Been to Dubai many times but I never visit any other Arab countries, I always want to see Jordan 🇯🇴 and Kuwait 🇰🇼 and Oman 🇴🇲

[@mbmr4064]

Also Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Bahrain, Qatar, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco the Arab world is big and beautiful with many different cultures.

[@davenix604]

this is my favourite documentary

[@smartman3764]

My family root is Bedouin, but this is my first time to hear about people living in caves

[@milisia111]

very cool, doing some research, care to help?

[@smartman3764]

Mona Lisa Moru glad to help but it is depend what is Purpose for?

[@ImranShaikh-gj4ho]

These is the true essence of middle east!

[@DalyaEason]

Absolutely magnificent. Missing home and can't wait to be back this summer.

[@InnovativeSage]

Just phenomenally amazing...

[@LLShiningOtter]

Most magical and fabulous place I have ever seen and I truly cannot wait to go back and the seven wonders Bedouin Camp and seven wonders luxury camp , what a fabulous place to stay ,what an amazing adventure so cannot wait to go back

[@SuperChit2]

Truly! I resonate with the Bedouins, There is something in Petra that captured your soul! They are really friendly people.

[@grayjinghutongz8393]

If a tourist sees your TV and decides that your tribe's lifestyle is no longer traditional they should go find a rock to kick. Tribal lifestyles are centered around how you provide your most basic needs, not your luxuries.

[@zeeshanaliyt3292]

i appreciate al jazeera world

[@Alpsbeach]

9:08 Oh Lord it's breath taking,, I love the following 9:33 music very soothing...21:31 Her highness queen Noor is wise and made right decision. 46:34 sweetest moment of the entire episode!

[@MariasBelieves]

Yes like Queen Noor said Stay there ✋😌Keep your culture. Beautiful place to visit

[@user-id8cl5zd9e]

jose wannabe why. That's so racist. This comment is dirtier than anything they have done. These people are great and I've met them all across Jordan. Soooooo innocent. They don't want to develope. They just want to live in their desert and not bother anyone or be bothered

[@bestgradelearning9667]

@@user-id8cl5zd9e what did he say?

[@jo76563]

As-salamu alaykum!! Great people, very simple life, and a very beautiful landscape!

[@David-R.]

33:12 "no no thank you, i prefer to walk"...."I prefer to work" lol

[@Sarahh_28]

Taxi? Ferrari? Air conditioned donkey 😅🤣

[@bolhadart7784]

This is amazing, I am in love, wish I could visit. Love from Portugal.

[@abdulmalikazad]

Good documentary, I have read about Petra in Holy Quraan, Now closely watched at video, Bedouin are tough and having solitary soul,

[@claudettehodman3652]

They are so accommodating and friendly

[@kgthoughts]

these people have great insight and you have to fully respect there cultural pride for keeping it intact despite the pressures... btw issa abdul is funny guy great sense of humor

[@ursula.m8265]

Nice place to visit. Nice tour guys. Lol. Funny guide with the donkey.

[@lunes-1]

Award winning📽🎞🎬 documentary Keep it up!

[@TheTheman45]

this was great. thank god i went on this video.

[@aldo6532]

Beautiful!

[@nura5099]

May Allah ta ala save this place for all of you and give you peace and bless you, amin 🤲 I' feel the same, I' m sick from all the to much noise in the City and the bad air in Berlin in Germany 🧕🕌🕋 I will pray for you, that Allah save you and your family 💚

[@sajidrhm]

i salute this outstanding people. Its difficult to believe that they are still happy

[@martinachristov926]

Beautiful people beautiful Petra ! Care and preserve for humanity !

[@lunarcalendar368]

A simple lifestyle. No depression, no stress.

[@maneloshlostmane11]

I am a Bedouin😏💪✌

[@muhammadsyafiqabdulghani8368]

What is the name of man dress at @1:49

[@jayay5881]

Much love !!!

[@omaz1747]

@@muhammadsyafiqabdulghani8368 Farwa (فروة) or abaya (عباية)

[@ashenone7649]

Chad

[@konstantinoskontos6305]

Amazing people of an amazing ancient Tribe, hope to visit PETRA before I died.

[@williammekhjian2440]

Loved it beautiful same way we whistle for dogs they hiss for camels it's very unique and cool.

[@jkrj1026]

I got teary eyes at the end of the video :')

[@user-id8cl5zd9e]

abcde fghij wtf

[@babymarshmellow6077]

1what a cute smile from the lil girl,love it.

[@unclesuworld]

Great programs! I have been to Israel and West Bank in 2019, really enjoyed!

[@fussypeg8561]

Was I lucky to visit at a very hot time when few tourists blundered about. I was impressed by this marvel.

[@k.omalichablackwell5520]

very well documented..

[@katoaomi4769]

thoroughly enjoyed👍👍👍

[@gatogate9094]

The Bedouin for real...Wow!!!

[@f.mazz.459]

What a fun place to live!

[@leenjordan4271]

I like the handsome dude who looks like Johnny depp 😚

[@alexandrutarlescu2963]

He surely would like to see your comment and your profile picture!🤩

[@paulmitford5189]

We visited magnificent Petra in November 2002 and luckily missed the floods of December 2022.

[@jkakurinpoche1406]

!!!!! PRECIOUS DOCUMENTARY !!!!!

[@guyelliot789]

Excellent documentary

[@nanaphyl5142]

4:48 Petra is a beautiful place! The only thing I didnt like was they would give you a price to ride a horse, donkey, or camel and then when the ride was over, they would tell you it was more than what they originally quoted! 🙄😐

[@teacherfinaofficial]

I think there's some Ash on the bread😮but you see I love to visit Petra...ancient civilization fascinates me a lot😃

[@thewanderer9740]

I miss Petra so much.

[@mavisenidauger4357]

Beautiful area well at least they're happy.and thanks God

[@rubyvidal6510]

What a life What misery but this is the way it amazing to know the other side of the world 🌎

[@subhanarshad6968]

taxi ferrari while he's sitting on donkey hahaha funny, love from pakistan

[@jayay5881]

Subhan Arshad much love my friend !

[@ZodiakAsHell]

so friendly and good people, i wish visit Petra one day

[@hattusilli2225]

Changing territorial presence every now and then

[@ablak3712]

13:09 the way he's trying to hold in his laughter😂😂

[@MrFiremarshall007]

Very nice video

[@AmanSingh-vh2ep]

Good videos

[@summerseason5787]

Fantastic

[@lucidfangirl1030]

Hi i watched this in class, very interesting. Handsome men

[@Daud76]

When I return to Saudi Arabia, I will be most honoured to meet these beautiful people.

[@Threezi04]

The B'doul people in particular are from Jordan, not Saudi.

[@Daud76]

@@Threezi04 Then that is a good reason to visit Jordan too. 😉

[@himaneychaudhary394]

Can someone tell me the piano tune on the 18:00 what is it? Beautiful.

[@riflebusters1]

Yes

[@NewDay-mw4wg]

They are a lovely people

[@Alesanascreamokid]

Interesting

[@bdwyyh9682]

Bedouin ❤️❤️We are Bedouins too👍

[@Abuhashimasi]

My dear friend Abu Flalah , I haven’t seen you for almost 24 years , god bless you . I don’t know if you still there . If so please let me know.

[@Mrstriver]

The smile at the end was priceless.

[@gladyssolomon132]

Very interested cultural!!!!!

[@ihtishamulhaq7598]

petra good wishes from pakistan.

[@RandyWHorton]

The land is from God for all people. Don't count on government to solve your problems!

[@babymarshmellow6077]

nice guitar

[@PorcelainnWhite]

Noble and ancient people.

[@MegaManirul]

9:25 anyone has any idea about the music?

[@KattIsACat]

13:11 where Issa is admiring the white girl. "Masha'allah!" It was so cute I burst out laughing.

[@sharifahhunterify]

Apparent Glowy Orb Holder its pathetic they see white skin as something special when it isnt

[@raihanmaulanafajri9820]

Sharifah Hunter He was just joking.

[@epfizerdoolittleajl2165]

Sharifah Hunter didn't expect to see u here, u get around lol.

[@Ahmed4998]

Apparent Glowy Orb Holder I

[@deusexrockina]

I think he was laughing at her tripping, and calling her beautiful ironically, but I loved his little grin. :)

[@thortessem271]

Love the Bedouin's

[@thor4379]

Does anyone know what the watchmen do at AAron's Tomb and how they are financing their livelyhood?

[@Alesanascreamokid]

'I use poetry to flirt with women' LMAO

[@uceni1]

+PotatoIssa ??

[@ZviJ1]

Stop PaliNazi occupation of the Land of Israel a.k.a. Palestine. Give it back to its Jewish owners (even the Qur'an acknowledges this). Free Yerushalayim and Har haBayit.

[@Alesanascreamokid]

ZviJ1 Why are you posting this under my comment? My comment was about the funny guy in the video, its not about politics...

[@Alesanascreamokid]

ZviJ1 chas v'shalom

[@deusexrockina]

This guy is a trip. You know he can get those hotties with his beautiful kohl lined eyes and sweet singing.

[@aservantsoftheownerofdeath3952]

Sometimes I missed Jordan

[@wendyrosen3179]

a servantsoftheownerofDeathNlife @ Servant of Life- always I miss Jordan. Every day of my life.

[@nashmi-8609]

@@wendyrosen3179 im in jordan and i miss it haha

[@urbaneyes2535]

Can someone explain to me why Petra is buried? You can see at 2:21 that the city is buried/carved into the mountain.

[@MohamedMohamed-tr2rz]

Rather, it’s carved into the mountain!

[@MohamedMohamed-tr2rz]

They were skilled architects

[@shirakawanaoya]

13:10 Oh ... hes quite the funny man. Must be awesome to hang out with him.

[@hodana7546]

OMG. I miss my country Somalia. They play oud, and so do we. Life in the west is miserable!!!

[@manchu-qu9mw]

It is so amazing that life is so spartan and the people are happy and stress free. For tourists, the first impression of this place is pathetic. Now I understand he price one has to pay in modern, convenient city life; stress, pollutions of air and medias and a good sleep.