Wadi Rum - The Valley of the Moon
UNESCO World Heritage Site - Day 61 - Day Content Challenge
Wadi Rum is a protected desert reserve in southern Jordan. Often called the Valley of the Moon, this stunning desert landscape is set on a high plateau at the western edge of the Arabian desert. It is close to the border of Israel and is less than a four-hour drive from Amman or less than a two-hour drive from Petra.
Wadi Rum is known for its red-pink sands. The area is studied by geology students from all over the world. Wadi Rum contains almost all the minerals that are present in our planet Earth. The red color of the sand and mountains is caused by the presence of iron oxide. A wadi is generally dry year round except after a rain.
Many prehistoric inscriptions and petroglyphs (rock carvings) have been found in the rocky caverns and steep chasms of Wadi Rum. There are 154 archeological sites discovered within this place, many tracing the early development of the alphabet.
Most of the people living in and around Wadi Rum are of Bedouin origin. Until recently they led nomadic lives, relying on their goat herds. The traditional Bedouin lifestyle is disappearing today.
Wadi Rum in Jordan played a key role in Star Wars. In The Rise of Skywalker, they used the desert landscape of Wadi Rum as an entirely different planet.
If you get a chance to visit Jordan, a visit to Wadi Rum is a must on your to do list!
# living life abundantly  # published author
