Jordan Craft Center — Attraction in Amman

Some of the nicest things in our home were acquired at al-Aydi Jordan Craft Center. Whether a hand-woven carpet or delicately Palestinian and Jordanian embroidered dress and textiles, traditional jewellery and old copper and brass, or inlaid furniture and Hinterglas painting from Syria, each bear the signature and finger prints of the hands that created them. The pieces are silent evidence to the culture that once thrived on both sides of the Jordan River. Ever since we came to know the shop in 2003, we have been pilgrimaging almost annually, not just for the goods but for the vast knowledge and friendship of Mr. Ahmad Hussein, the director of the shop. To continue the crafts that are now dying out, Mr. Hussein has skillfully developed lines that draw their inspiration from the old pieces. Encouraging contemporary crafts, the shop also carries such items as embroideries from Ajlun and hand-painted textiles from Ghor al-Safi. All are coveted items one cannot get enough of. The shop is located in a stone house surrounded by a beautiful garden replete with objects of the shop's interest. Easy to find and a delight to the senses, Jordan Craft Center is our favorite shop, not...

This is by far the best shop I have come across in Amman and I always stop by when I am in Jordan. Jordan Craft Center sell a wide variety of antique and contemporary crafts from the Levant. The shop has an impressive selection and never feels crowded. Ahmad Hussein and his team provides a personalized service, and they are more than willing to provide you with information about the pieces that you are interested in. Contrary to your average roadside craft shop in Jordan, you are welcome to explore the collection here in peace and both the pricing and the quality of the items at sale are much better than what I have seen elsewhere, which makes this shop a good place for collectors and tourists alike. They are also very helpful when it comes to shipping and packaging of larger items. Their cooperation and good relationship with various local artisans means they can also make orders for you if you are looking for something specific....

My wife and I have visited Abu Omars House of Jordanian Crafts for many years. We have bought from him a chest with handcarved doors and mother of pearl inlays. It is decorating our home, and a constant reminder of this fantastic shop and especially of its friendly and helpful owner. But not only that, since we are also interested in saving Jordans heritage objects from Middle Ages and rural and tribal customs we took some to Germany in a small exhibition hall at Friedensau Adventist University (Friedensau). Carpets, pillows, furniture, traditional costumes, traditional jewelry, traditional bascets modern and old original headdresses with Arab coines... and all this in a two storey late Middle Age mansion. We hope this shop with old traditional and modern Bedouin customs will continue over generations to come. Shukran, Abu Omar (Ahmed). See you next...