Tourism and Travel

Al-Badu Street in Mafraq preserves the memory of the Badia despite declining trade

Al-Badu Street, one of the oldest markets in the Jordanian city of Mafraq, continues to sell herding supplies, goat-hair tents, coffee implements and traditional clothing, but its commercial activity has declined as lifestyles have changed. The street, whose origins date back more than 70 years, retains its value as a witness to the history of the Badia and the city’s transformations.

Sawti•

Jordan•September 17, 2026•3 min

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A man in traditional clothing sits inside a shop on Al-Badu Street in Mafraq, surrounded by brass coffee pots, traditional crafts, hides and textiles. He holds a decorated sheath or traditional ornamental item.

Al-Badu Street in the Jordanian city of Mafraq retains some of its traditional features despite declining visitor numbers and changes in its commercial activity over the past decades. Some shops still display goat-hair tents, herding supplies, Arabic coffee implements and Bedouin clothing, continuing the old market’s role in meeting the needs of Badia residents.

The origins of Al-Badu Street and the role of the railway

The street runs from the eastern side of the commercial centre towards the west of the city, reaching the Hejaz Railway, and is considered one of Mafraq’s oldest markets. Historian Yasser al-Khazaleh says the market’s first origins date back more than 70 years and that the railway helped stimulate trade before its Bedouin identity became more firmly established in the second half of the 20th century.

Declining goat-hair tent sales and changing lifestyles

Al-Duwairi attributes the decline to urban expansion, technological development and changing lifestyles. Even so, he says the goat-hair tent remains important to many as a symbol of hospitality and authenticity, recalling its former role as a place to live, receive guests and hold gatherings.

The market’s changes coincided with many Badia residents moving from nomadic herding to settling in cities and towns, amid the expansion of education, services and road networks. This reduced the daily need for a number of traditional tools without diminishing their cultural and symbolic value.

Mohammad al-Azamat, who works in camel and sheep husbandry, says the market is still his destination for buying livestock supplies and goat-hair tents. He notes that some old shops have succeeded in preserving their traditional goods and heritage character despite the urban and commercial changes the area has witnessed.

Ahmad al-Khaldi describes the street as part of Mafraq’s memory, saying the remaining old shops give it its distinctive character and keep a period of the city’s history alive.

Al-Khaldi recalls the market as it was in the 1950s, while al-Duwairi sums up the goat-hair tent’s place in Badia life by saying it was “the guesthouse, the home and the shelter for everyone.”