Scenes from the Underground Amman Tour, led by founder Alaeddin Pasha. From the neighbourhoods of Jabal Amman to Jabal Weibdeh, Pasha takes visitors on a walking tour to discover the growing street art scene in Jordan's capital. All photos by Amy McConaghy / The National
The street art scene in Amman, Jordan has been booming for the past few years.
It's part of a locally cultivated hip-hop culture that has been developing among the country’s youth for the last couple of decades.
From joyful images of flamingos and twirling dervishes, to more profound messages of equality, strength and hope, the artworks' styles and sizes vary on each wall and street.
Alaeddin Pasha's tour starts on the hill of Jabal Amman and then weaves through stairways, hills and narrow streets, before ending up in the neighbourhood of Jabal Al Weibdeh.
The development of street art and the hip-hop scene was a challenge to Jordan’s traditional societal norms.
The scene starting booming in 2014.
Artists also recreate famous artworks.
Pasha sees the tour as an opportunity to shine a light on the overlooked talent of Amman’s youth.
Street art is becoming more accepted in conservative Amman.
Alaeddin Pasha hopes to carve out a new narrative that challenges international stereotypes surrounding Jordan and the Middle East.
In more conservative circles, the sight of street art was seen as a sign of devil worship.
