The Jordanian novelist and playwright speaks to Anovia about identity, diversity, tourism, and the economic power of culture.
By Dr. Rula Samain
At a time when societies around the world are witnessing rapid social and cultural transformations, questions surrounding identity, diversity, and belonging have become increasingly important. What defines a society? How do communities preserve their heritage while embracing change? Can culture become an economic force? And what role does tourism play in protecting identity and heritage?
These questions formed the basis of Anovia’s conversation with Jordanian novelist, playwright, and cultural figure Hazza Al-Barari, whose literary and intellectual contributions have left a distinctive mark on Jordanian and Arab cultural life.
For many people, the word “culture” immediately evokes books, libraries, and literature, which Al-Barari believes this understanding is far too narrow.
“When people hear the word culture, they immediately think of books and writers. Yet culture, in its broader sense, encompasses all aspects of life.”
Drawing on UNESCO’s understanding of culture, he explains that culture includes traditions, values, language, folklore, customs, clothing, food, and social practices.“Culture is what distinguishes one society from another,” he says, and added that “it is the system of values and traditions that shapes a community’s identity. This is why we speak of Eastern culture, Western culture, Japanese culture, or Arab culture,” Al- Barari says adding that each reflects a complete social and intellectual framework, at the same time, culture extends into specialized fields such as legal culture, political culture, and tourism culture, all of which contribute to a society’s overall cultural identity.”
According to Al-Barari, culture is the primary lens through which societies are understood.
“When you visit a country, you seek its folklore, food, clothing, celebrations, and even the way people grieve. These elements reveal the true character of a society.”
Al-Barrari views culture as the invisible framework that guides societies. Beyond folklore and traditions, it shapes values, influences social behavior, and determines the ways in which communities interact, coexist, and perceive the world around them.
One of the strongest themes emerging from the conversation was the importance of cultural diversity.
“No society is truly one-dimensional. Diversity enriches societies and gives them depth.”
Al-Barrari points to Jordan as a compelling example of the strength that cultural diversity can bring to a nation.
He says that despite its modest geographical size, the country is home to a rich mosaic of Bedouin, rural, urban, Circassian, Chechen, and other cultural traditions that together shape the Jordanian identity, and for him, this diversity represents a source of cultural richness that strengthens social cohesion and enriches the country’s heritage and tourism landscape.
He points to the richness of Jordanian folklore, saying that the dabkeh of Ramtha differs from traditions in Ma’an. Southern samer (traditional Jordanian folkloric performance that combines singing, music, and dance and reflects the country’s Bedouin heritage) differs from northern samer, while Circassian and Chechen traditions contribute their own distinctive cultural expressions.
“If a country possesses only one folkloric expression, its cultural offerings become limited. Diversity allows an entire festival to unfold without repeating a single cultural theme.”
This richness, he argues, represents both a cultural and tourism asset.
Al-Barari believes awareness is the determining factor in how societies manage diversity.
“People are not produced by a factory that gives everyone the same way of thinking,” and that “differences in customs, traditions, beliefs, and backgrounds are natural. The other person is not your opposite. Their difference complements you rather than threatens you.”
According to Al-Barrari, cultural differences can sometimes be exploited to create division and weaken societies. Yet he maintains that diversity becomes a source of resilience when communities recognize its value and embrace it as a collective strength.
“The more aware societies become of the value of diversity, the stronger and more cohesive they become.”
While many discussions focus on formal dialogue initiatives, Al-Barari believes genuine understanding begins within families and educational institutions.
“We are not societies at war that need negotiation tables. Children should learn that not everyone shares the same traditions, religion, or social background.”
He points to Jordan’s Circassian community as an example of how multiple cultural identities can coexist within a shared national identity.
“These are differences, not instruments of division.”
Schools, universities, and educational curricula, he argues, play a vital role in fostering acceptance and understanding.
One of the interview’s most significant themes was the economic dimension of culture.
“Culture is not merely entertainment. It is also an industry.”
Al-Barari points to countries where cultural industries contribute substantially to national economies. Jordan, he believes, has yet to fully realize this potential.
Traditional crafts, visual arts, design, cinema, architecture, and cultural products all offer opportunities for growth.
“We need to transform cultural themes into economic opportunities, “and explained that “this does not mean changing heritage itself. Rather, it means preserving authenticity while making cultural products relevant to contemporary markets.”
Al-Barari believes Jordan often limits Petra to visitor numbers and tourism statistics.
“Petra is an artistic masterpiece. Its architecture can inspire students of design and engineering. Its landscape can attract filmmakers and artists. Its symbolism can inspire creative industries. Petra should not only be viewed as an archaeological site. It is a complete cultural and artistic experience.”
He also highlights the potential of conference tourism and international events, which can strengthen the global visibility of destinations.
Al-Barari believes Jordan’s younger generations possess considerable creative potential.
“We have a generation capable of innovation and creativity. The challenge lies in connecting heritage with modern technologies and entrepreneurship.”
Digital storytelling, design, film production, and cultural products all offer opportunities for young Jordanians.
“Young people need cultural knowledge that enables them to transform heritage into competitive products.”
For Al-Barrari, tourism represents a delicate balance between development and preservation.
Although tourism can generate economic opportunities and strengthen local communities, he pointed, it also carries the risk of harming heritage sites when commercial interests overshadow conservation efforts.
Al-Barari stresses the importance of sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, and continued investment in the protection of cultural and natural heritage.
“Tourism can become destructive if financial returns become the only objective.”
He says that climate change and environmental pressures already threaten archaeological sites such as Petra, whose sandstone remains particularly vulnerable.
“If tourism generates economic benefits, part of those benefits must be invested in protecting the sites themselves.”
According to Al-Barrari, local communities are indispensable partners in sustainable tourism development, by creating economic opportunities and encouraging community participation, tourism can foster a stronger sense of ownership and responsibility toward heritage and cultural resources.
“When communities benefit economically, they begin to defend tourism and preserve it.”
He notes that a similar approach applies to medical tourism, where quality, trust, and professional standards continue to play a vital role in maintaining Jordan’s competitive position.
Tourism remains one of the sectors most affected by regional developments.
“Tourism is extremely sensitive.”
Al-Barari says that political tensions and regional instability often affect visitor confidence, even when Jordan itself remains stable, thus Jordan must continue promoting itself as a safe and welcoming destination while strengthening its own tourism infrastructure and connectivity.
Throughout the interview, Al-Barrari emphasizes that culture should be understood as a vital national resource rather than a luxury or an elitist pursuit. To him it shapes identity, strengthens social bonds, supports tourism, inspires innovation, and contributes to economic growth, and in Jordan’s case, he views, cultural diversity as one of the country’s most valuable assets, enriching the visitor experience while reinforcing social cohesion and opening new paths for creativity and development.
“The more aware societies become of the value of diversity, the stronger and more cohesive they become,” Al-Barari concludes.
