Anthropology in Jordan

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Darwinism, Orientalism, and Colonialism have often hindered the growth of anthropology in Arab-Islamic countries, particularly in the Middle East. This study focuses on Jordan, where a deeper understanding of anthropology has fostered the development of socio-cultural, physical, and general anthropology since the establishment of the Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology at Yarmouk University. Notably, the Institute's Physical Anthropology M.A. program, initiated in 1990, presents a unique case, as evolution theory is typically not well-received in Arab higher education. This raises questions about the political, economic, social, religious, and educational factors that facilitated this acceptance in Jordan. The aim is to uncover models that could inspire success in neighboring countries. The study aspires to ignite discussions about anthropology education at all levels and promote awareness of its historical context as an anthropological issue. It compiles primary and secondary sources to analyze how Jordan's academic circles have integrated anthropology into their educational system. Ultimately, it hopes that the Jordanian experience can serve as a paradigm for other Arab and Muslim universities, paving the way for anthropology's institutionalization in the region. The findings suggest that a promising indigenous anthropology must consider the historical contexts of both Western and Islamic/Arabic anthropology for a critic