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Ramadan in Amman: Traffic Congestion and Social Customs
In Amman, Jordan, during Ramadan (February-March 2024), the city experiences significant traffic congestion around 6 PM as people rush home for Iftar; the high smoking rate poses a challenge for many; and the city's social norms differ from other Middle Eastern nations.
- What are the immediate effects of the daily fast during Ramadan on Amman's traffic and public life?
- During Ramadan in Amman, Jordan, the city experiences significant traffic congestion around 6 PM as drivers rush home for Iftar, the breaking of the fast. This is further amplified by the high smoking rates in Jordan, with many fasting individuals finding it particularly challenging to abstain from cigarettes. The end of the fast is signaled by the Adhan, the call to prayer from mosques, marking the start of Iftar, often beginning with dates.
- How does the high smoking rate in Jordan affect the observance of Ramadan, and what are the implications?
- The traffic congestion in Amman during Iftar reflects the cultural significance of Ramadan, where the daily fast is broken communally. The high smoking rates in Jordan, coupled with the Ramadan fast, highlight a potential public health challenge. The contrast between Amman's relatively open society, where women drive freely, and countries like Saudi Arabia, where this right was only granted in 2018, provides a broader perspective on regional social norms.
- What broader social and cultural trends are highlighted by contrasting the situation of women drivers in Amman with that in other Middle Eastern countries?
- The observance of Ramadan in Amman reveals a complex interplay of religious practice, social customs, and public health concerns. The rush-hour traffic and the difficulty some experience abstaining from smoking point to potential areas for urban planning and public health interventions. Comparing Amman's gender equality in driving to other Middle Eastern countries highlights evolving social dynamics in the region.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely descriptive, focusing on the sensory experiences of the authors (sound, sights, smells implied) and their observations of daily life in Amman during Ramadan. The emphasis on the authors' hunger and efforts to respect local customs shapes the narrative. The headline (if one existed) would significantly impact the framing. For instance, a headline focusing on traffic congestion would create a different framing compared to one focusing on the religious observance.
Language Bias
The language used is largely descriptive and neutral. However, phrases like "zmęczeni i zdenerwowani" (tired and nervous) drivers could be interpreted as slightly loaded, implying a negative connotation to the drivers' behavior. More neutral alternatives could be used, such as "hurried" or "focused on reaching their destination.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the experiences of the authors and their observations during Ramadan in Amman. While it mentions the restrictions of Ramadan (no eating, drinking, smoking, or sex), it lacks perspectives from a wider range of Jordanians, particularly women or those with differing religious practices. The article might benefit from including perspectives beyond the experiences of the journalist and the interviewed shopkeeper. Omission of alternative viewpoints could limit the reader's understanding of the diversity of experiences during Ramadan.
Gender Bias
The article mentions women driving in Amman without issue, contrasting it with Saudi Arabia. However, there is a lack of broader representation of women's experiences during Ramadan in Amman. More balanced gender representation would strengthen the article. The article should actively seek out and include perspectives from women observing Ramadan in Amman.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article describes the Ramadan traditions in Amman, Jordan, focusing on the Iftar meal, which breaks the daily fast. This directly relates to food security and the importance of access to nutritious meals, a core element of the Zero Hunger SDG. The description of the Iftar meal, including dates and various dishes, highlights the cultural significance of food and the community aspect of breaking the fast together.