Duke´s Diwan - who is interested? (Amman)

Emblazoned upon the façade of the Duke’s Diwan at Number 12 King Faysal St. is the sign, “The oldest townhouse in Amman, now the Duke of Mukheibeh’s cultural residence open to visitors.” The building, which dates back to Protected content , was originally the city’s main post office, later an annexe of the Ministry of Finance and, from the Protected content , the Haifa Hotel.

Why the “Duke of Mukheibeh”? In the last few years, this townhouse has been carefully renovated and restored by businessman Mamdouh Bisharat, who owns land in the village of Mukheibeh, and is known as the Duke of the place. Thus “Duke’s Diwan.”

The Diwan revolves around a central hallway, from which are accessible seven rooms decorated with old photos of the city, paintings, and cabinets of brica- brac. In here you can get a feel for the Amman of old, so lost in the hustle and bustle of the more modern buildings that are not reminiscent of Amman’s history.

Artists and locals will often gather here to chat, and if you’re lucky the caretaker may invite you onto the balcony for a cup of tea or coffee during your visit.

Always wanted to go there - who else?