# Salt

> city in Jordan

**Wikidata**: [Q867586](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q867586)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/As-Salt)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/salt

## Summary  
Salt, also known as As-Salt, is a city in Jordan designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. Located in the Balqa Governorate, it is renowned for its historical significance, cultural tolerance, and well-preserved architectural heritage blending Ottoman, Syrian, and Palestinian influences.  

## Key Facts  
- **Area**: 48 km² (total), 24.68 ha (World Heritage Site core), 71.12 ha (buffer zone).  
- **Country**: Jordan (since 1946); previously part of the Emirate of Transjordan (1921–1946) and the Ottoman Empire (1517–1918).  
- **Population**: 88,900.  
- **Coordinates**: 32°02′21″N 35°43′38″E.  
- **Elevation**: 820 metres above sea level.  
- **UNESCO Status**: World Heritage Site (ID 689) since 27 July 2021, recognized under criteria (ii) and (iii).  
- **Twin Towns**: Inđija (Serbia) and Pazardzhik (Bulgaria).  
- **Website**: [www.salt.gov.jo](http://www.salt.gov.jo) (Arabic).  
- **Aliases**: As Salt, Saltus, 阿爾薩特 (Chinese), Ас-Сальт (Russian), سلط (Arabic).  
- **Instance Of**: City, archaeological site.  
- **Capital Of**: Balqa Governorate.  

## FAQs  
**Q: When was Salt designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site?**  
A: Salt was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 27 July 2021 under the title "As-Salt – The Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality."  

**Q: What historical empires and states has Salt been part of?**  
A: Salt was part of the Ottoman Empire (1517–1918), the Emirate of Transjordan (1921–1946), and modern Jordan (since 1946).  

**Q: What are Salt’s notable architectural features?**  
A: Salt is recognized for its 19th- and early 20th-century architecture, blending Ottoman, Syrian, and Palestinian styles, exemplified by structures like the Latin Church and As-Salt Small Mosque.  

**Q: How large is Salt’s World Heritage Site area?**  
A: The core World Heritage Site covers 24.68 hectares, with a buffer zone of 71.12 hectares.  

**Q: What is Salt’s population and elevation?**  
A: As of the latest data, Salt has a population of 88,900 and is situated at 820 metres above sea level.  

## Why It Matters  
Salt holds global significance as a model of cultural coexistence and urban hospitality, reflecting centuries of trade and migration along the Levantine routes. Its well-preserved architecture and historical role as a trading hub underscore its unique blend of traditions, earning it international recognition as a UNESCO site. The city’s endurance through multiple empires and its continued relevance in modern Jordan highlight its adaptability and lasting cultural impact.  

## Notable For  
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021, emphasizing tolerance and urban heritage.  
- Distinctive 19th-century Ottoman-inspired architecture.  
- Historical crossroads of trade and cultural exchange in the Levant.  
- Twinning with Inđija (Serbia) and Pazardzhik (Bulgaria).  
- Elevation of 820 metres, offering strategic and scenic value.  
- Capital of the Balqa Governorate, a key administrative region in Jordan.  

## Body  

### Geography & Location  
Salt is situated in northwest Jordan, within the Balqa Governorate, at coordinates 32°02′21″N 35°43′38″E. The city spans 48 km², with its UNESCO World Heritage core covering 24.68 hectares and a buffer zone of 71.12 hectares. It lies at an elevation of 820 metres above sea level.  

### History & Governance  
- **Ottoman Rule (1517–1918)**: Salt thrived as a trade and agricultural center under the Ottoman Empire.  
- **Emirate of Transjordan (1921–1946)**: The city transitioned to the Emirate’s control after World War I.  
- **Modern Jordan (1946–Present)**: Salt became part of independent Jordan on 17 June 1946 and serves as the capital of the Balqa Governorate.  

### UNESCO Heritage  
Salt’s World Heritage designation (ID 689) recognizes its role as a "Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality." Inscribed on 27 July 2021, it meets criteria (ii) for cultural exchange and (iii) for traditional human settlement. The site includes historic neighborhoods, mosques, churches, and souks (markets).  

### Demographics & Infrastructure  
- **Population**: 88,900 residents.  
- **Local Dialing Code**: +5.  
- **Website**: Official site at [www.salt.gov.jo](http://www.salt.gov.jo) (Arabic).  

### Culture & Architecture  
Salt’s architecture reflects Ottoman, Syrian, and Palestinian influences, with notable landmarks such as the Latin Church and As-Salt Small Mosque. The city’s urban planning and hospitality traditions embody its historical role as a melting pot of cultures.  

### International Relations  
Salt is twinned with **Inđija** (Serbia) and **Pazardzhik** (Bulgaria), fostering cultural and economic ties.  

### Identifiers & References  
- **VIAF ID**: 140872736.  
- **GeoNames ID**: 250258.  
- **World Heritage Tentative List ID**: 6012 (pre-2021).  
- **Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID**: "place/Al-Salt" (alternate name *Al-Salṭ*).  

### Documentation & Research  
Salt is categorized under "Told Cities" on Wikimedia’s focus list and has a dedicated commons category ([As-Salt](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:As-Salt)). Its latitude and longitude are verified by GeoNames (ID 250258) and OpenStreetMap (node ID 802856870).

## References

1. GEOnet Names Server. 2018
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://whc.unesco.org/fr/list/689)
5. GeoNames