Ajloun, Oct. 7 (Petra) -- Nestled along the winding valleys of Ajloun, Kafranjah, Arjan, and Rajeb, the ancient water mills stand as timeless witnesses to the rhythm of rural life. Their stone foundations, weathered by time and stream, still whisper stories of work, unity, and ingenuity, of ancestors who turned the power of water into the pulse of community.
According to Ismail Al-Arroud, head of the Kafranjah Municipality Committee, efforts are underway to restore and rehabilitate these historical mills, transforming them into tourist destinations that celebrate both heritage and sustainability.
He emphasized that preserving the mills is not merely a duty to the past but an investment in cultural identity, noting that such projects could boost local tourism and create economic opportunities for nearby villages.
For Ajloun Antiquities Director Akram Al-Atoom, the water mills represent more than old stone structures; they are archaeological landmarks that chronicle the evolution of rural craftsmanship.
"These mills document a legacy of production, resourcefulness, and the art of harnessing water for daily life," he said, adding that including them in heritage and eco-tourism trails would highlight their historic and cultural value to both visitors and researchers.
Samer Freihat, Director of Culture in Ajloun, described the mills as part of the governorate’s collective memory, embodying the connection between nature and tradition.
"The mills tell a story where history meets landscape," he said, noting that recent cultural initiatives aim to raise awareness of their significance and inspire the younger generation to appreciate the region’s rural roots.
Local writer Rasmi Al-Zughoul called the water mills a civilizational and human treasure, reflecting a way of life founded on cooperation and self-reliance.
He recalled that the mills once lined the valleys of Kafranjah, Rajeb, and Arjan, operating year-round as the lifeblood of farming communities. Many bore the names of families who built them, such as Al-Wahsh Mill and Al-Jabour (Al-Nithr) Mill, serving as communal centers where neighbors shared labor, laughter, and livelihood.
For Issa Ba’ara, a lifelong resident of Kafranjah Valley, the sight of the old mills remains a vivid memory, a reminder of a simpler time when grain and olives were milled by hand, and the sound of water powered the heartbeat of daily life.
"Their presence," he said, "still paints a living picture of our agricultural and social heritage, a blend of nature’s beauty and human perseverance." As Ajloun looks toward the future, the echoes of its water-powered past continue to ripple through its valleys, a flowing reminder that history, like water, never truly stops moving.
//Petra// RZ
