|
The Dead Sea is one of the most spectacular nat ural
and spiritual landscapes in the whole world. It is known
for being the lowest body of water on earth, the lowest
point on earth, and the world's richest source of
natural salts, hiding wonderful treasures that
accumulated throughout thousands of years The Dead Sea
is 75 kilometers long and from 6 to 16 kilometers wide
and it got its name in antiquity due to its uniquely
salty water, which kills all marine life. (The salt
content is four times that of most world's oceans).
The image of sunset touching distant hills with ribbons
of fire across the waters of the Dead Sea brings a sense
of unreality to finish a day's visit to this region. You
can relax in the gently lapping water where drowning or
sinking would be quite a feat as a result to the high
salinity! It's the only place in the world where you can
recline on the water to re ad
a newspaper. You can have a soothing massage or try the
healing powers of minerals from the sea's muddy floor,
which will leave you with a baby-soft skin, and if u
want a luxurious stay, you can spend the night at one of
the most charming and comfortable hotels that look
across the sea to the western banks.
Scientifically speaking, the Dead Sea water contains
more than 35 different types of minerals that are
essential for the health and care of the body skin
including Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Bromine,
Sulfur, and Iodine. They are well known for relieving
pains and sufferings caused by arthritis, rheumatism,
psoriasis, eczema, headache and foot-ache, while
nourishing and softening the skin.
The area has a historical and spiritual legacy of its
own. It is believed to be the site of five biblical
cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zebouin and Zoar. It was
mentioned in the bible as the "Salt Sea".
The area around the Dead Sea offers fascinating
landscapes, from the mushroom-like hills in the southern
area, sculpted by the erosion from wind and sand in the
mountains of Judea. While in the northern area,
threatening rocky cliffs rise hundreds of meters,
crisscrossed by small streams and waterfalls full of
flora and fauna. Nearby is the Mujib Nature Reserve,
with borders extending from 400 metrs below sea level to
Kerak and Madaba Mountain, 900 meters above sea level.
The reserve is renowned for the beautiful mountain goat,
the lbex, which the RSCN re-established after a
captive-breeding program. Also present are various
carnivores, including the endangered Caracal (wild cat).
Without a doubt, the Dead Sea is one of the most saline
lakes in the world, and is fed mainly by the River
Jordan in the north and by perennial spring and streams
from the east and west. Having no outlet, the Dead Sea
is a "terminal lake", which loses huge amounts of water
by evaporation into the hot dry air.
The Dead Sea Medical center was created in 1989 and is
headed by a German dermatologist an expert in
climatological treatment of skin complaints, and
assisted by multilingual staff. The Dead Sea Medical
Center is certified by the Jordanian Ministry of Health
and the Jordanian Chamber of Physicians for the
treatment of skin complaints, physical therapy and
rehabilitation.
For those who have a fascination with archaeological and
religious history, the
Dead Sea region offers a rich and fascinating selection
of sites that encompass much of our collective history.
On its western shores, there is the mountain fortress of
Masada, scene of the last holdout by the Jews against
the marauding Romans; Qumran, where the famous Dead Sea
scrolls were found in ancient pottery jars; and Ein Gedi,
where David found refuge from King Saul, and the first
monasteries of the Christian monks were created in the
Judean Desert.
The Dead Sea is also the site of a number of sporting
events, namely the Dead Sea Marathon, which takes place
in April each year and raises money for the society for
care of Neurological Patients. Competitors from all over
Jordan and the world take part, running the 26
kilometers from the capital Amman down to the Dead Sea,
which fortunately is practically all downhill. |
