Irbid, Feb. 23 (Petra) – Perched amid the sweeping mountainous landscape that links the governorates of Ajloun and Irbid, and overlooking the springs of Wadi al-Rayyan in the Jadita area of the Koura district, Iraq al-Dubb Cave stands as a living testament to successive human civilizations that have flourished in northern Jordan over thousands of years. The site embodies a unique fusion of natural splendor, archaeological depth, and tourism potential.

Set within a biodiversity-rich environment characterized by rugged mountains and dense forest cover, the cave is among the largest natural caves in the Kingdom, spanning approximately 200 square meters. Archaeological research indicates that human settlement at the site dates back to prehistoric times, beginning in the Neolithic period around 8000 BC and continuing through the Copper and Bronze Ages.

President of the Human and Environmental Development Association, Ahmed Shuraideh, told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the cave’s importance was further underscored by excavation and exploration works carried out in 1989. The findings provided significant scientific evidence confirming habitation during the pre-pottery Neolithic period.

He detailed that excavations uncovered remains of residential structures built from mud and stone inside the cave, in addition to clay flooring and a hearth located within a circular structure. These features indicate that the cave served as a relatively permanent dwelling rather than a temporary shelter.

Shuraideh said two human burials were discovered beneath the cave floor, reflecting a long-standing human connection to the site and suggesting its use for both daily living and ritual practices. The discoveries were accompanied by a collection of stone tools, including flint blades, arrowheads, grinding implements, and stone hammers used for hunting and food preparation. Such findings shed light on the daily life of prehistoric communities and highlight the role of northern Jordan’s mountainous and forested regions as early centers of human settlement.

Regarding the cave’s name, Shuraideh noted that "Iraq al-Dubb" is commonly interpreted in local folklore as referring to the cave’s deep and cavernous nature. The term "Iraq" denotes a grotto or rocky crevice, while "Dubb" (bear) is linked to traditional narratives about bears believed to have once inhabited the area.

He described the site as a promising hub for ecotourism, adventure tourism, exploration, and photography, given its panoramic views over Wadi al-Rayyan and its rich mountainous terrain. Integrating the cave into approved tourism trails and ensuring adequate protection measures, he said, would contribute to sustainable local development.

Shuraideh added that Iraq al-Dubb Cave represents a model of sustainable natural heritage that can be leveraged through the promotion of hiking tourism and youth-led environmental initiatives focused on safeguarding natural and archaeological assets.

He underscored that the cave combines historical depth with striking natural beauty, standing as evidence of the earliest phases of human settlement in northern Jordan and the enduring relationship between humans and the land.

During the spring season, the site attracts organized mountain rappelling activities from its highest point, which rises more than 40 meters. Participants, typically experienced adventure enthusiasts, reach the cave after a hike of approximately three kilometers from the Wadi al-Rayyan area.

//Petra// AJ

23/02/2026 14:42:56