The Middle East and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is amongst the top contenders for one of the great prizes of the 21st century.
Jordan’s top attraction the Rose Red city of Petra is currently ranking in the top seven of the 21 finalists in a worldwide competition to decide on the New Seven Wonders of the World. With 25 million votes already cast Petra is up there with the Pyramids of Giza (the only one of the Ancient Wonders still standing ), the Taj Mahal, Easter Island Statues, Machu Picchu, the Colloseum and the Great Wall of China.
To celebrate the end of the first leg of the World tour the committee are showing the current ranking on their web site for one week only.
During the last leg of their tour they visited Petra walking along the Siq until ‘suddenly the huge, rose facade of the ancient treasury building came into sight’.The committee were well impressed by the building that was made famous in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and also with Jordan’s Queen Rania al-Abdullah whom they presented with the N7W certificate confirming Petra’s place as a finalist.
But more votes are needed if Petra is to attain World Wonder status. There is still time to cast your vote at the N7W website.
And now children all over the world can get in on the act. For the first time ever they can cast votes that will count in an election. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for their teachers to tell them about the 21 monuments in the final and about the culture, history and geography of the countries where they are situated. The kids & schools website has some teaching materials and tools and a facility to send in pictures and artwork and see them displayed online.
The New 7 Wonders of the World will be announced during the Official Declaration ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday, July 7, 2007 - 07.07.07.
The copyright of the article Petra Wonder Of The World in Jordan Travel is owned by Hugh Taylor. Permission to republish Petra Wonder Of The World in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
I love this article. I read somewhere that the Jordanians welcomed the
voting committee, whereas in Egypt, there was a bit of attitude since Giza
is the only remaining ancient wonder - as you noted. What's your feeling on
this? I have to say that, for my part, I agree with the Egyptians (although
with less condescension). The pyramids really are in a class of their own.
Feb 6, 2007 6:14 AM
Hugh Taylor :
Yes the Pyramids are in a class of their own and they are the only
remaining Ancient Wonder but other sites like Petra and the Hagia Sophia
are equally awesome in their own way. Anyway there is no way the
Pyramids are not going to be amongst the winning seven. Petra is
doing well in the voting and is in the top seven at present. I hope it
makes it as it is one of my most favourites sites and it would do so much
for Jordanian Tourism. Unlike other Middle East countries they have no oil
so tourism is very important.
Feb 9, 2007 10:07 AM
hiddeneurope :
I share your enthusiasm for Petra - an absolutely marvellous spot. I am
more sceptical however about the Swiss New Open World Foundation which is
behind the New 7 Wonders competition. I see that the Egyptian government is
quoted by AGP as describing the whole Swiss venture as absurd. And I'm
inclined to agree. This seems to be a private venture that relies on
getting well meaning folk to fork out to call premium phone lines (which
reap a handsome divident for the organisers). The organisers say you can
vote as often as you like, so effectively we can buy votes. Have I missed
something here?
