Arabian rhythm, carved horizon (Jordan, Petra)

Since 1985, Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, this mythical valley is not a museum setting: it still belongs to the local Bedouin tribes , mainly the B'doul, who have lived or worked there for generations. Unlike other state-run archaeological sites, the Petra site is partially self-managed by the Bedouins , who receive a portion of the tourist revenue and provide maintenance, reception, transportation, and security on site.

The site's management is based on a unique agreement between the Jordanian government and local communities, recognizing their right to presence, economic activity, and cultural transmission . The Bedouins organize tours on horseback, donkey, or camel, sell handicrafts, and ensure the delicate balance between mass tourism and preservation of the site.

This unbreakable link between territory, culture and local sovereignty makes it a rare example of cohabitation between modern tourism and ancestral ways of life.