Irbid

Irbid is the capital and the largest city of the Irbid Governorate. It is the third largest city in Jordan and it is located about 70 kms to the north of Amman. Irbid was known in ancient times by the name of Arabella. The city of Irbid was nicknamed as ‘Arus as Shamaal’ which means Bride of the North because of its scenic beauty. Irbid is located 88 kms from Amman and it is notable for being quite close to the site of the decisive Battle of Yarmouk which was fought along the banks of the Yarmouk River which is about 30 kms away to the north of the city. The battle was waged by the Islamic Caliphate and the Byzantine Empire.

Irbid city is the third largest city in Jordan population wise. The Governorate of Irbid, which includes the city of Irbid and its surrounding towns and villages, is the second largest Governorate population wise. Irbid city is considered as a major ground transportation hub between Amman, Syria, and Mafraq. History tells us, through graves and artifacts in the area, that Irbid has been in existence since the Bronze Age. There has been a lot of discussion and debate about the possibility of Irbid being a biblical site. At one time, the city was famous for producing the best wines. The area has extremely fertile soil and moderate climate which is the reason for the excellent quality of grapes. After the shift to Islam, the city which was earlier known as Arabella came to be known as Irbid. The city switched over from wine production to olive oil production. Wheat is also an important agricultural product.

There are a number of colleges and universities in the Irbid region and two of the most prominent ones are the Jordan University of Science and Technology and Yarmouk University. Irbid is a very good place for going on excursions to Umm Qais, Beit Ras, Ajlun, Umm el-Jimal, Pella, and other important places. It has gained importance as an industrial center and the administrative capital of the north. The city boasts of a number of excellent restaurants and hotels. There are also a number of commercial establishments, government offices, and banks. There are two museums in Irbid, both of which are located within the Yarmouk University. The Museum of Jordanian Heritage is the best archeological museum in the country.

The modern day Irbid city is a combination of the East and the West. It combines the activity of a typical Middle Eastern town with the carefree life of a usual college town. The University Street which is located along the Yamouk University campus is very popular with the students, the locals, and foreign visitors who step in to relax at any of its abundant restaurants and eateries.

The Yarmouk University became an independent university in 1986. The University hosts the following faculties: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering, Science, Arts, Medical Applied Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, Computer and Information Technology

The Irbid based Al Hussein Irbid Club was ranked fourth in the Jordanian football premier league in 2008. Their matches are held in Prince Hasan Youth City stadium. There is another major football club here which is called Irbid is Al-Arabi and it is one of the oldest athletic clubs in the country.

Though Irbid city is not a place which boasts of many tourist sites, you can still visit the city and enjoy the serenity of the place.