Smaller Frontier Cities of Jordan. Unveiling Historical Dynamics and Paths to Sustainable Development in the Middle East from the Middle Ages to the Contemporary Period

Small cities and towns worldwide face challenges of marginalization despite their crucial role in regional development. Through a detailed analysis of four smaller cities in Jordan – Ajloun, Salt, Karak, and Ma’an – this study examines how frontier settlements evolve and adapt over time. By surveying their transformation from medieval Islamic fortified towns to contemporary urban centres, it reveals how environmental conditions, tribal dynamics, and political contexts shape their development trajectories. The analysis demonstrates how these cities create distinctive urban forms through three key patterns: the persistence of tribal influence in governance, resilient adaptation through mobilizing unique local assets, and maintaining crucial regional roles despite metropolitan dominance. While Jordan’s urban system is dominated by Amman, these smaller cities sustain important functions through historical heritage, agricultural linkages, and emerging activities in tourism and industry. Their experience offers insights for development planning globally by showing how historically-rooted local dynamics and social structures can be harnessed for sustainable development, while bridging the gap between capital cities and small regional centres.