Army and Arab Renaissance Day in Jordan (10/06)

A special place among the holidays in Jordan is occupied by Army and Arab Renaissance Day, celebrated annually on June 10.

The holiday traces its history back to the events of the early 20th century, when Jordan was part of the Ottoman Empire. Then, in 1916, an uprising against Ottoman rule arose in Mecca, due to the growing self-awareness of the Arab peoples who were part of the once most powerful empire. An active movement for independence began among the Arabs, and the policies of the Young Turks, accompanied by nationalist manifestations and ethnic persecution, only accelerated the processes and contributed to the growth of anti-Turkish protests.

On June 10, 1916, an anti-Turkish uprising led by Sheriff Hussein Ben Ali broke out in Mecca. Its organizers saw the main goal of the uprising as the creation of an independent Arab state. The Arabs received support from Great Britain, which opposed Turkey during the First World War, which was on fire in those years.

The collapse of the Ottoman Empire ultimately led to the fact that the Arab territories liberated from Turkish power were under the influence of the new « hosts»: Great Britain and France. It was they who exercised the right of the victors, depriving the Arabs of what they sought during the uprising. As a result, the struggle of Arab peoples for independence continued for a long time. Jordan received it only in 1946.

However, the day of June 10 in Jordan is remembered and honored in memory of all the heroes who gave their lives in the struggle for independence. A special role, at the same time, is assigned to the armed forces, whose task is precisely to ensure independence and protect sovereignty.

Traditionally, on June 10, the King addresses the citizens of Jordan with a congratulatory speech, who on the same day hosts the parade of the armed forces as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. The best military formations of the Jordanian army take part in the parade. The king welcomes them, expressing gratitude for their service, devotion and courage, comparing them to those who fearlessly stood up for independence in 1916.

1920