By : Nedal Zubeidi
Jordan Daily – A new photography exhibition, titled “You Are Not Alone: The Jordanian Labor Movement – A Visual History,” has opened at the Wijdan Art Space at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, documenting more than 100 years of the Jordanian labor movement’s history.
The exhibition, organized in cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Amman office and Al-Urdun Al-Jadid Centre, coincides with the release of a new book by author Hani Hourani, exploring the history of Jordan’s labor movement.
Sven Schwersensky, Director of FES Amman, emphasized the exhibition’s significance, calling it a first in Jordan’s cultural history. “The book and this exhibition are about how generations of workers have been striving for recognition and rights. These photographs are not just memory from a distant past- they should inspire us to reflect on our present conditions. United we stand, divided we fall,” he said.
The exhibition, which features rare images dating back to the 1920s, highlights the enduring strength and solidarity within Jordan’s labor movement. The photographs retrace its origins, crises, and revivals over the past century, reflecting the collective power of workers who have fought for their rights through solidarity and mutual support.
Khaled Abu Marjoub, Deputy President of the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions, praised the exhibition for spotlighting the history of the labor movement. “It is a joy to see this comprehensive visual documentation, with some images dating back to the 1920s,” he said, commending Hourani for his dedication to researching and documenting the labor movement.
Hourani, Director of Al-Urdun Al-Jadid Centre, noted that this book is his fourth on the subject but stands out by including personal stories and images of key figures in the movement. “This book highlights the personal roles of the founders of the Jordanian labor movement, tracing back to the early 1950s,” Hourani said, acknowledging support from the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.
