Souf

Souf (سوف) is a town in Jordan, set over a series of mountains at an altitude of 1,000 meters. Souf is situated 35 miles north of Amman the capital of Jordan. The total population of souf exceeds 25,000 people, while it covers a wide area of agricultural land considered the widest in Jerash. For many centuries, Souf was the center of al-Meradh region; which has been called المعراض in Arabic because it defeated Bani Sakhr, Bedouins used to attack on north Jordan during the 19th century. Later, this region was the base for the governorate of Jerash which been created according to the kingdom new administrative divisions. Recently, Souf has been attached to greater city of Jerash due to its closeness to the new city.

People of Souf

Soufanians keep a strong family relations beside a strong loyalty to their tribes and to their town Souf. Many villages in the governorate of Jerash have been founded by Soufanian including Kufr Khall, Balila, Thughretasfour, Jaba, Zagreet, Majar, and Megbleh. Natives of Souf are the majority of the population in the city of Jerash, and they comprise small minorities in Amman and Irbid. During the last century, some Soufanian individuals have emigrated to the Arabian Peninsula, Europe and to the United States.

The main profession in Souf was agriculture for centuries, but during the last decades, a growing number of pepople is moving toward higher education, government, military and business.

Traditions of Souf

Souf is rich with its heritage and traditions. The women in souf (Muslims, and Christians) used to wear a long black dress embroidered with beautiful colourful stripes called "The Soufanian Costume" or Eshorsheh Essoufaniieh which is desiged uniquely to express the special identity of Souf.

The men used to wear a special type of robe comes in two forms: an open style called Maznook which is tightened to the body using a leather belt, and a closed style called Doshdash. They also wear a special type of wide trousers called Serwal, and a head cover comes in white and red called Kufeiieh, Hattah or Selk which is fixed to the head using a black headband called Eqall. In special celebrations and ceremonies they wear a special type of cloak made of camel's hair called Abaah comes in black, brown or beige. The soufanians men's custome is also popular in other regions in north of Jordan, but there are some slight differences which depend on the place.

Agriculture in Souf

Souf is famous for its water springs and small waterfalls. A wide range of fruits is grown in Souf, including olives, grapes, figs, peaches, pears, plums, apples, apricots, almonds, and cherries. Beside the irrigated lands in Souf valley, there is a wide area of non-irrigated lands scattered over a number of hills and mountains which depend on seasonal rains: Manarah, Koom, Sabatah, Mraba'ah, Sahlat, Wadi Warran (Abu-Hmaidan Farm), and others.