Balila
| Balila | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Coordinates: 32°33′0″N 35°51′0″E / 32.55000°N 35.85000°ECoordinates: 32°33′0″N 35°51′0″E / 32.55000°N 35.85000°E | |
| Country |
 Jordan |
| Province | Irbid Governorate |
| Municipality established | 1927 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipality |
| • Mayor | Magableh |
| Population (2007) | |
| • Total | 12,000 |
| Time zone | GMT +2 |
| • Summer (DST) | +3 (UTC) |
| Area code(s) | +(962)2 |
Balila is a town in far northwest Jordan, between Irbid and Jerash located in the Irbid Governorate. It covers 40 km², and has a population of over 8,000 people.
Name
Balila is Turkish for "high point". It is located at the foot of the mountains bordering Syria known as Huran, which translates to "flat land".
History
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Balila is located near the border of Syria and Israel. The Roman Empire utilized Balila as a remote hub to link between their colonies.
Economy
Balila's economy relies on local commerce and farming.
Culture
The town is famous for the ritual poetry recited in wedding ceremonies and public affairs. The Dabke, an Arab folk dance, has had several notable dancers from Balilia.
Education
The town is home to the Jordan University of Science and Technology, which includes a large private hospital that provides medical treatments and allows medical students attending the university to participate in internships.
Influenced dance
Dabke (Arabic: دبكة; also transliterated dabka and dabkeh) is the most popular Arab folk dance in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.It is also danced in parts of Egypt Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. A line dance, it is widely performed at weddings and joyous occasions. The leader of the dabke heads the line, alternating between facing the audience and the other dancers.