JORDAN

Al-Hashimi Dynasty

BRIEF HISTORY

The Hashimite Kingdom of Jordan was founded by Sharif 'Abdu'llah ibn Hussein, third son of King Hussein of the Hejaz. He had been a successful military commander of the Arab revolt against the Turks during the Great War. As a reward for his services to the allies, the Amirate of Transjordan was created for him in 1921. The Amirate remained a British protectorate until 1946, when it was granted independence. Soon afterwards it became the Hashimite Kingdom of the Jordan, with 'Abdu'llah as its King. Assassinated by a fanatic in 1951, 'Abdu'llah was briefly succeeded by his eldest son Talal. The latter abdicated in favour of his eldest son, on health grounds, just over a year later. His son and successor, King Hussein I, was to become perhaps the most famous Hashimite of them all. He steered his small kingdom through the minefield of Middle Eastern and Cold War politics for close to half a century, surviving attempted coups, revolts and assassination attempts. Soldier, peacemaker, radio-ham, he captured the imagination of fans, the world over only to die tragically from cancer in 1999. He was succeeded by his eldest son, King 'Abdu'llah II, whom God preserve!
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RULES OF SUCCESSION:Copyright© Christopher Buyers Copyright© Christopher Buyers Copyright©
The King must be a Muslim, at least eighteen lunar years of age, and descendant from King Abdullah ibn Hussein, in the male line. If there is a failure of male heirs amongst the descendants of King Abdullah I, the male descendants of King Hussein ibn Ali of the Hejaz may succeed according to the same rules of primogeniture. The reigning King may also appoint a Crown Prince from amongst these princes.
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STYLES & TITLES:Copyright© Christopher Buyers Copyright© Christopher Buyers Copyright©
The Sovereign: by the help of God, King of the Hashimite Kingdom of Jordan, with the style of His Majesty.
The wife of the sovereign: Queen, with the style of Her Majesty.
The Heir Apparent: Crown Prince (given name) bin (father's given name), with the style of His Royal Highness (note: the actual Arabic title of Wali al-Ahd, is not entirely definitive and can mean both Heir Apparent and Heir Presumptive, nevertheless it is usually translated as Crown Prince).
Male descendants of Kings of Jordan, in the male line: Prince (given name) bin (father's given name), with the style of His Royal Highness.
Female descendants of Kings of Jordan, in the male line: Princess (given name) bint (father's given name), with the style of Her Royal Highness.
Certain, more remote, relatives and conections of the Royal family have been granted, at the discretion of the King, the personal title of Amir and are styled: Prince (given name) bin (father's given name), with the style of His Highness.Copyright© Christopher Buyers Copyright© Christopher Buyers Copyright© Christopher Buyers

ORDERS & DECORATIONS:
Please see link below.

SELECT GLOSSARY:
Amir (or Emir): Prince.
Amira (or Emira): Princess.
Bey (or Beg): title of Turkish origin, junior to Pasha.
Caliph (more properly, Caliph al-Islam): successor, i.e. head of the Islamic faith in succession to the Prophet.
Malik: King.
Malika: Queen.
Nishan: Turkish order of chivalry or decoration of honour.
Pasha: title of Turkish origin, senior to Bey.
Sayyid: hereditary title meaning Lord. A title held by male descendants of Hussein, younger twin son of 'Ali, the 4^th Caliph, by his wife Fatima, daughter of the Prophet.
Sayyida: hereditary title for a lady descended from Hussein, in the male line.
Shaikh (or Sheikh): hereditary title of an Arab tribal chieftain.
Shaikha (or Sheikha): feminine of Shaikh.
Sharif: hereditary title meaning Noble. A title held by male members of the Hashimite dynasty, descended in the male line from Hassan, elder twin son of 'Ali, the 4^th Caliph by his wife Fatima, daughter of the Prophet.
Sharifa: hereditary title for a lady of the Hashimite dynasty, descended from Hassan in the male line.
Wisam: order of chivalry or decoration of honour.

SOURCES:

Almanach de Gotha: annuaire généalogique, diplomatique et statistique, Justes Perthes, Gotha, 1924-1944.

Burke's Royal Families of the World. Volume II: Africa & The Middle East. Burke's Publications Ltd., London, 1980.

The Hashemites. Internet, 2005. http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/hashemites.html

Megen C. Robertson. Medals of the World. Internet, 2003.

Alan de Lacy Rush (ed.). Records of the Hashimite Dynasties, A Twentieth Century Documentary History. Archive Editions, Chippenham, Oxon., 1995.

H. Stanford Smith, The Minor Non-European Dynasties. Material not included in Vol. 1 of Manuel d'histoire, etc. by A.M.H.J. Stokvis. Manuscript, 1951.

A.M.H.J. Stokvis. Manuel d'histoire, de généalogie et de chronologie de tous les Etats du globe, etc. B.M. Israël, Leiden 1888.

Who's Who in the Arab World, Publitec Publications, London, 1967-1999.

HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein. Internet, 2006. http://www.princesshaya.net/

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Dr. Morris L. Bierbrier, FSA.
Dima Durra.
Magdalena Glowacka.
Torkel Nybakk Kvaal.
Grace Richie.
Hamish Todd.
The Royal Jordanian Embassy, London.

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I would be grateful to hear from anyone who may have changes, corrections or additions to contribute. If you do, please be kind enough to send me an e-mail using the contact details at: Copyright© Christopher Buyers

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