E Library

The Royal Hashemite Court Documentation and Research Center has recently published a book entitled The High Palace: The Hashemite Royal Court and Its Role in Public Life in Jordan (1921–1951), authored by Dr. Maen Musa Al-Qallab. The book presents a historical and documentary study examining the historical and institutional beginnings of the High Palace (the Hashemite Royal Court) and its role in the process of state-building and the development of Jordan’s institutions during the formative period. The book traces the establishment of the High Palace from the founding of the Emirate of Transjordan and the transfer of the seat of government from Ma’an to Amman, through to the establishment of the Royal Court at Raghadan Palace. It also examines the evolution of the designation of the Amiri Diwan, its administrative organization, and matters related to decorations, titles, and budget allocations. These developments reflect the institution’s transition from an emerging institutional framework during the formative period to a more structured administrative and sovereign body, in line with the development of Jordan’s state institutions. The significance of the book lies in its examination of one of the central institutions associated with political and administrative decision-making in the Emirate of Transjordan and, subsequently, at the beginning of the era of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It sheds light on the nature of the roles undertaken by the High Palace in public life and its relationship with various government departments and state institutions. The book also addresses the role of the High Palace in overseeing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and managing consular affairs, revealing the expanding scope of its responsibilities from following internal state affairs during the state’s formative years to contributing to the management of foreign affairs and the organization of its instruments. This highlights its political and administrative significance during important stages in the history of the Jordanian state. This study provides a documented account of the development of the High Palace during the period 1921–1951, contributing to a deeper understanding of an important aspect of the history of Jordanian state institutions and the mechanisms of administrative and political work during the formative period. It also enriches the Jordanian historical library with a specialized study addressing the development of the Hashemite Royal Court and its role in public life. The publication of this book comes within the Royal Hashemite Court Documentation and Research Center’s efforts to document the history of the Jordanian state and its institutions, and to make available studies that contribute to understanding the history of modern Jordan through documents, sources, and specialized scholarly research.