Zaatari refugee camp, Refugee camp in Mafraq Governorate, Jordan.
Zaatari is a refugee settlement in Mafraq Governorate, Jordan, built on desert ground and serving as a haven for Syrian families. The site is divided into several districts, with housing made from solid materials lining the streets, alongside communal facilities such as health centers, school buildings, and marketplace areas.
The facility opened in July 2012 as a rapid response to the outbreak of civil conflict in Syria and initially received thousands of people fleeing across the border. In the months that followed, the settlement grew rapidly and reached its peak occupation in early 2013 with more than 150,000 inhabitants.
Residents continue to observe Syrian customs through communal celebrations, weddings, and religious festivals within the settlement. Many children attend schools here and learn foreign languages alongside Arabic, while adults take part in courses that teach traditional crafts or new skills.
Access to the area is restricted and subject to official regulations, so visitors should obtain permission from the relevant organizations in advance. The climate is extreme, with hot summers and cold winters, making weather-appropriate clothing and plenty of water advisable.
Residents have established thousands of small businesses over the years, including cafés, barbershops, and grocery stores, creating a kind of informal market street with its own economic flow. This commercial activity brings life to the otherwise bare streets and shows the entrepreneurial spirit of the people who live here long-term.
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