The Duke of Mukhyber's Residence is also known as the “Duke’s Diwan,” which roughly translates to “guest place” or “meeting place” in Arabic. The former post office and hotel is surrounded by the tall buildings and bustle of modern day Amman. Keep your eyes open as you walk along King Faisal Street as it is easy to miss this piece of the city’s history.
Take a moment to admire the old stone façade before heading inside. As you slowly make your way up the stairs to the entrance of the Duke’s Diwan, it is like you are stepping back in time. As you browse the rooms and stand on the balcony, ponder the various functions this building has had.
Originally built in 1924, the building first served as Amman’s first Post Office and later included part of the Ministry of Finance. In 1948 it was converted into the small Haifa Hotel and remained as a hotel for half a century.
The old building’s fate changed when it was purchased in 2001 by Mamdouh Bisharat, otherwise known as the Duke of Mukhyber. He set out to preserve the monumental building and allow it to operate as a diwan.
A diwan was traditionally a place where people, artists and visionaries could meet to exchange ideas and was always open to guests. Today it serves more as a museum and a visit to this building provides a chance to see a glimpse of Amman’s fascinating past.
Embrace the historic charm of the building as you wander around. The colorful but faded décor and furnishings look as though they are from the days when the hotel first opened. Have a closer look at the paintings by famous Jordanian artists. Browse the photos and articles about Mamdouh Bisharat.
The Duke of Mukhyber’s Residence is located centrally in Amman and is best reached on foot or by taxi. Entry is free of charge and the diwan is open daily. If you’re lucky, the duke himself may be in residence at the time of your visit. He’s known as a very amiable person who often delights visitors with stories and tales of the past.
