Suwaylih

Introduction

Sweileh sits north of Amman's city centre, one of the capital's districts and a place with a history of its own: it was founded by Chechen settlers in the early twentieth century, during Ottoman rule. Its position and altitude give it a climate that stays pleasant through the year, and in winter it is among the few districts of Amman that see snow.

Olives and grapes are grown locally, and heavy industry — auto assembly, steel and cement — shapes the working life of the area. The University of Jordan is here, and the district serves as a connection point to Salt, Irbid and Jarash, which makes it a busy, practical base rather than a quiet suburb.

Three days in Suwaylih

Day one: Start in Sweileh itself, getting your bearings in this district of Amman. Look for the traces of its Chechen and Ottoman heritage as you walk, and notice the olives that mark the surrounding landscape. The University is nearby, so the area has a steady student rhythm to fall into.

Day two: Use Sweileh as your base for wider excursions. Head out towards Salt, Irbid or Jarash, all reachable from Jordan's capital, and return to Amman in the evening.

Day three: Spend a final day closer in, revisiting the parts of Sweileh you liked best and taking in the everyday life of the district before you move on.