Duke’s Diwan | Amman

Information

Landmark: Duke’s Diwan
City: Amman
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Duke’s Diwan, Amman, Jordan, Asia

Duke’s Diwan is a historic residence and cultural center located in the Al-Balad district of Amman, Jordan. It is recognized as the city's oldest preserved townhouse, serving as a public space for arts, literature, and architectural heritage.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a two-story structure constructed from traditional Jordanian limestone with a symmetrical facade. It features five high-arched balconies overlooking the street and high ceilings (approximately 4 meters) that facilitate natural ventilation. The interior is characterized by original colorful floor tiles, turquoise-painted wooden window frames, and period-accurate furnishings, including vintage radio sets, typewriters, and heavy wooden tables.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located at 12 King Faisal Street, situated in the center of the downtown Al-Balad area. It is positioned on the second floor above a commercial shop, accessible via a narrow, steep stone staircase. The landmark is approximately 0.5 kilometers west of the Roman Theater. Public transport is available via yellow taxis or "service" jitneys to the King Faisal Street terminal. Parking is not available on-site; visitors must use paid public lots located near the Al-Husseini Grand Mosque.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was originally constructed in 1924 by Abdul Rahman Madi to serve as Amman’s first central post office. It later functioned as the Finance Ministry and then the Haifa Hotel before being leased in 2001 by Mamdouh Bisharat, known as the "Duke of Mukhaibeh." Bisharat preserved the structure to prevent its demolition and reopened it as a "diwan" (a traditional meeting place) for the public.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk through the various rooms to observe the 1920s urban Jordanian architecture and household artifacts. The diwan hosts regular poetry readings, musical performances, and art exhibitions. A common activity is sitting on the vintage balconies to observe the pedestrian traffic and street life of King Faisal Street below.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility consists of several interconnected rooms and a small outdoor balcony area. There are no modern climate control systems, as the building relies on its original thick stone walls for cooling. One basic restroom is available for visitors. While there are no food vendors inside, the building is surrounded by dozens of traditional cafes and restaurants. Reliable 5G cellular signal is available throughout the premises.

Best Time to Visit

The diwan is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00. The best time for photography is during the morning hours (10:00–11:00) when natural light enters through the large street-facing windows. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for the non-air-conditioned interior.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical oddity is that the building served as a headquarters for the British Mandate’s postal services during the early 20th century. A local "secret" is the collection of rare, out-of-print books and historical photographs of Amman that visitors are permitted to browse while sitting in the main salon.