Souf

Souf is a town in Jerash Governorate, Jordan, set over a series of mountains at an altitude of 1,000 meters. Souf is situated 35 miles north of Amman the capital of Jordan. The total population of Souf exceeds 14,000 people, while it covers a wide area of agricultural land considered the widest in Jerash. For many centuries, Souf was the centre of al-Meradh region; which has been called المعراض in Arabic because it defeated Bedouins used to attack on north Jordan during the 19th century. Later, this region was the base for the governorate of Jerash which been created according to the kingdom new administrative divisions. A number of villages are considered an extension of the old town of Souf including: Kufr Khall, Balila, Thughretasfour, Jaba, Zagreet, Majar, and Megbleh. Recently, Souf has been attached to greater city of Jerash due to its proximity to the new city.PeopleSome Natives of Souf live in the city of Jerash and comprise small minorities in Amman and Irbid. During the last century, some Soufanian individuals have emigrated to the Arabian Peninsula, Europe and to the United States.The main profession in Souf was agriculture for centuries, but during the last decades, a growing number of people are working in higher education, government, the military and business.TraditionsThe women in Souf used to wear a long black dress embroidered with colourful stripes called "The Costume" or Eshorsheh Essoufaniieh or Soufanian Dress. The dress has a unique design that reflect the special identity of Souf.