May | 2025 | Michael Hoffman Photography

Posted

May 9, 2025

The Sacred Sea

The Dead Sea, resting at the lowest point on Earth, is more than just a natural wonder—it is a place of spiritual stillness and profound historical weight. Revered since ancient times, this hypersaline lake has drawn prophets, pilgrims, and seekers for millennia. Its mineral-rich waters and black mud, long believed to possess healing properties, attract visitors looking for both physical and spiritual renewal. Nearby, the windswept hills of Mount Nebo—where Moses is said to have glimpsed the Promised Land—offer sweeping views of the sea, connecting this landscape to sacred narratives found in the Torah, Bible, and Quran.

Today, the Jordanian coast of the Dead Sea remains a place where silence speaks volumes. Luxurious spas and wellness resorts line its shores, yet just a short drive away, modest villages and desolate stretches of salt-encrusted rock evoke the timeless, almost otherworldly essence of the place. Many who visit talk of a strange serenity in floating effortlessly on its dense waters, as if cradled by an ancient force. It’s this mix of spiritual heritage, natural extremity, and reflective solitude that makes the Dead Sea more than just a destination—it becomes a quiet sanctuary, where the sacred whispers through salt, stone, and stillness.

Posted

May 4, 2025

Streets of Amman

Amman’s streets are alive with vibrant murals and graffiti that reflect the city’s dynamic culture and evolving identity.From towering murals that span entire buildings to intricate designs on staircases and alleyways, the city’s street art scene has flourished, especially since the Arab Spring, when public walls became canvases for political expression and resistance. Neighborhoods like Jabal al-Weibdeh and downtown Amman are particularly rich in street art, showcasing works by both local and international artists.

Posted

May 2, 2025

Ammon & Amman

Long before Amman became the modern capital of Jordan, it was known as Rabbath Ammon, the stronghold of the ancient Ammonite kingdom. Located east of the Jordan River, Ammon was a powerful biblical-era state, often at odds with neighboring Israel. Its capital was both a military fortress and a cultural center, and its legacy still echoes in ancient ruins found in today’s city.

Over centuries, Rabbath Ammon transformed—renamed Philadelphia by the Greeks, expanded by the Romans, and eventually evolving into Amman. Today’s bustling metropolis blends its ancient roots with modern life. The name change may be slight, but it reflects a deep, continuous story—one of resilience and reinvention from the days of Ammon to the streets of Amman.