Jordan Royal Family Tree: The Hashemite Kingdom's Legacy

The royal family of Jordan has been led by the Hashemite dynasty since the kingdom’s creation in 1921.

This royal family traces its roots back to the Prophet Mohammad himself, making it one of the oldest and most respected dynasties in the Arab world.

It is known for its leadership within Jordan and its part in regional politics.

The family has steered many challenges, from the Syrian civil war to the fight against ISIS, all while maintaining the stability of the Jordanian monarchy.

Table of Contents

The Origins of the Hashemite Dynasty

The Hashemite dynasty is one of the oldest and most respected families, belonging to the Banu Hashim clan, a branch of the Quraysh tribe.

For centuries, the Hashemites were recognized as the Sharifs of Mecca, a title that signified their role as the guardians of the holy city of Mecca and the custodians of Islam’s most sacred sites.

Their role as Sharifs of Mecca lasted for over 700 years. During this time they became deeply intertwined with the region’s religious and political history.

The Hashemite dynasty was known for upholding the principles of justice and leadership, which were essential qualities for the rulers of Mecca.

Over time, the Hashemites expanded their influence beyond the Hijaz region.

Sharif Hussein bin Ali (1853–1931)

Sharif Hussein bin Ali, born in 1853, and a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, served as the Sharif and Emir of Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. His contribution came during World War I when he led the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire.

In 1916, Sharif Hussein, seeing an opportunity to free Arab lands from Ottoman rule, launched the revolt with the support of the British. This alliance was part of a broader strategy to weaken the Ottomans, who were aligned with the Central Powers.

After the war, Sharif Hussein was recognized as the leader of the Hashemite dynasty. They were seen as protectors of Islamic traditions and leaders who could unite the Arab people.

Sharif Hussein’s descendants, including his sons who became kings of Jordan and Iraq, carried forward this legacy.

Faisal I of Iraq (1885–1933)

Faisal I of Iraq, born in 1885, was the son of Sharif Hussein bin Ali and an essential figure in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

As a young leader, Faisal was instrumental in organizing and leading Arab forces alongside British troops, aiming to liberate Arab lands from Ottoman control.

After the war, he took part in the post-war negotiations, advocating for Arab independence at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. Although his initial attempt to become the ruler of Syria was short-lived due to French opposition.

In 1921, Faisal was chosen by the British to become the King of Iraq, a newly established kingdom carved out of the former Ottoman territories.

His vision for Iraq included the establishment of institutions and infrastructure, as well as fostering a sense of Iraqi nationalism. Faisal I ruled Iraq until his death in 1933.

Abdullah I of Jordan (1882–1951)

Abdullah I of Jordan was born in 1882. As the son of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, Abdullah was deeply involved in the Arab Revolt during World War I, working alongside his brother, Faisal I, to fight against Ottoman rule.

After the war, he focused on securing a future for the Hashemite family and the Arab people. In 1921, Abdullah founded the Emirate of Transjordan with the support of the British.

The territory was carved out of the former Ottoman lands and placed under Abdullah’s leadership as part of a broader British strategy in the Middle East.

The Founding of the Jordanian Kingdom

The creation of the Emirate of Transjordan observed the beginning of what would later become the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I, the Middle East was divided into various mandates under the control of European powers. In 1921, with British support, Abdullah I established the Emirate of Transjordan as a semi-autonomous region.

The British detected Abdullah as a reliable ally in the region, and they provided him with the backing needed to govern this newly created territory. Transjordan was initially part of the larger British mandate of Palestine.

In 1946, Transjordan achieved full independence from British rule and was officially recognized as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This marked the transformation of the Emirate into a sovereign state.

The establishment of Jordan under the Hashemite dynasty set the stage for the country’s future development and its part in the region.

King Abdullah I (1882–1951)

King Abdullah I was the first ruler of what is now known as Jordan. Born in 1882, Abdullah was the son of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, the leader of the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

After the war, the Middle East was divided under European mandates, with the British controlling large parts of the region. In 1921, Abdullah founded the Emirate of Transjordan under British oversight.

The geopolitical situation was tricky, with European powers redrawing borders and influencing local governance. Abdullah’s leadership helped in uniting the diverse population and securing his family’s position in the region.

In 1946, with British support, Transjordan gained full independence, and Abdullah was crowned as the first King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Unfortunately, his reign came to a tragic end when he was assassinated in 1951 while attending Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

His assassination was a consequential event in Jordanian history, underscoring the volatile nature of the region during that time.

Emir Abdullah (1921–1946)

From 1921 to 1946, Emir Abdullah served as the leader of the Emirate of Transjordan under the British mandate. Abdullah, the son of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, was chosen to lead the newly created Transjordan.

As Emir, Abdullah worked closely with the British to build a functioning state from the lands east of the Jordan River. His leadership united the diverse tribes and communities within Transjordan, ensuring their loyalty to the Hashemite rule.

During this period, Abdullah laid the groundwork for what would eventually become an independent Jordan, focusing on infrastructure, education, and governance.

Abdullah’s time as Emir was also characterized by his diplomatic efforts to secure Transjordan’s future in a rapidly changing region. He maintained a delicate balance between cooperation with the British and fostering a sense of Arab nationalism.

His vision for Transjordan was one of stability and gradual independence, which he pursued by strengthening ties with neighboring Arab states. With Abdullah’s leadership, in 1946 when he was crowned its first king.

Prince Nayef bin Abdullah (1914–1983)

Prince Nayef bin Abdullah, born in 1914, was the son of King Abdullah I of Jordan. He briefly served as the Crown Prince of Jordan following his father’s assassination in 1951.

After King Abdullah I’s death, there was a period of uncertainty regarding the succession. During this time, Nayef was appointed as Crown Prince, but his tenure was short-lived.

The royal edict appointing him was soon overridden as the succession was settled, and his nephew, King Hussein, eventually took the throne.

Despite his brief role as Crown Prince, Nayef remained an influential figure within the Royal Hashemite Court and continued to serve his country in various capacities until his death in 1983.

The Reigns of King Talal and King Hussein

The transition from one monarch to the next in Jordan’s history marked substantial changes in the kingdom’s development and stability.

King Talal (1909–1972)

King Talal ascended to the throne of Jordan in 1951, following the assassination of his father, King Abdullah I. His reign was in Jordan’s legal and political evolution.

Born in 1909, Talal was educated in military academies in the Middle East and Europe, which prepared him for a life of leadership. Once he became king, one of his most notable achievements was the introduction of Jordan’s first constitution in 1952.

This constitution laid the foundation for a constitutional monarchy in Jordan, establishing the legal framework for the government and enhancing the rights of its citizens.

King Talal’s time on the throne was cut short due to his declining health, particularly his struggles with mental illness.

His health issues made it difficult for him to continue ruling, and in the same year the constitution was introduced, he was forced to abdicate the throne.

Queen Zein al-Sharaf (1916–1994)

Queen Zein al-Sharaf, born in 1916, was the wife of King Talal and an influential figure in Jordan’s history. During King Talal’s brief reign from 1951 to 1952, Queen Zein played a vital function in supporting her husband.

After King Talal was forced to abdicate due to his health, Queen Zein’s focus shifted to ensuring a smooth transition of power to her son, King Hussein, who was only 17 at the time. Her wisdom and guidance secured the future of the Hashemite dynasty.

She was a trusted advisor to her son and was deeply involved in social initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Jordanians, particularly in education and healthcare.

King Hussein (1935–1999)

King Hussein ruled Jordan for an impressive 47 years, from 1952 until his death in February 1999. Born in Amman in 1935, Hussein became king at the young age of 17 after the abdication of his father, King Talal.

His reign was observed by his relentless efforts to maintain stability in Jordan, a country surrounded by regional conflicts. One of his achievements was the survival of his kingdom during the tumultuous years of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

King Hussein managed to keep Jordan on a path of moderation and peace, especially with the signing of the Jordan-Israel peace treaty in 1994.

He focused on improving education, infrastructure, and the economy, transforming Jordan into a more modern and developed state.

Queen Noor (b. 1951)

Queen Noor, born Lisa Halaby in 1951 in the United States, became the fourth wife of King Hussein in 1978. After their marriage, she took on the name Noor Al-Hussein, meaning “Light of Hussein,” and became a prominent figure in Jordan.

Queen Noor quickly became known for her humanitarian work, focusing on education, women’s rights, and cultural heritage preservation.

Her influence extended beyond Jordan as she became a global advocate for peace and development. Even after King Hussein’s death, Queen Noor has remained active in various international organizations.

The Reign of King Abdullah II (b.1962)

The reign of King Abdullah II was a period of influential change and modernization for Jordan.

King Abdullah II was born on 30 January 1962 in Amman, the eldest son of King Hussein and Princess Muna. He ascended to the throne on 7 February 1999, following the death of his father, King Hussein.

Abdullah was well-prepared for leadership, having received military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and further education at Deerfield Academy and Georgetown University.

As king, he has focused on modernizing Jordan’s economy, enhancing education, and strengthening the country’s infrastructure. His efforts have included various initiatives to attract foreign investment and develop the technology sector.

Throughout his reign, King Abdullah II has also had regional challenges, including the Syrian civil war and the fight against ISIS.

Despite these difficulties, he has maintained Jordan’s stability and upheld the country’s role as a key ally of both the United States and other Arab states.

Queen Rania (b. 1970)

Queen Rania of Jordan, was born Rania Al-Yassin on 31 August 1970 in Kuwait to a Palestinian family. She met King Abdullah II at a dinner party in Amman in 1993, and they were married later that year.

As Queen, Rania quickly established herself as a passionate advocate for social issues, focusing on improving the quality of education in Jordan.

She has launched numerous initiatives aimed at reforming the education system, ensuring that Jordanian children have access to quality learning opportunities. Her position also engages in global discussions on education through her parts with international organizations.

Queen Rania is also known for her advocacy for women’s rights and health. She has worked to empower women in Jordan, promoting their participation in the workforce and their access to education and healthcare.

In addition to her advocacy, she has a strong presence on social media, using it to raise awareness about critical issues. Her Majesty Queen Rania has received numerous awards and honors for her humanitarian work.

Crown Prince Hussein (b. 1994)

Crown Prince Hussein, born on 28 June 1994 in Amman, is the eldest son of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania. He was named the heir apparent to the Jordanian throne in 2009.

Crown Prince Hussein has followed a path similar to his father’s, attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and graduating from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

He is known for his strong involvement in various social and humanitarian initiatives, focusing on youth empowerment and technology.

Prince Hashem bin Abdullah (b. 2005)

Prince Hashem bin Abdullah, born on 30 January 2005, is the youngest son of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania. Although still young, Prince Hashem is in the line of succession and has started to appear more frequently in public alongside his family.

He is currently pursuing his education, with a strong foundation in both academic and religious studies, typical of Jordan’s royal family.

The Line of Succession

In the Jordanian royal family, the line of succession is traditionally determined by male primogeniture, meaning the eldest son of the reigning king is typically named the Crown Prince and heir apparent to the Jordanian throne.

The line of succession would likely continue with his own children. However, the king has the authority to issue a royal decree to alter the line of succession if necessary.

The line of succession can be influenced by various factors, including the king’s judgment of the best candidate to lead the nation and the Jordanian government’s support for that decision.

Crown Prince Hussein (b. 1994)

Crown Prince Hussein, born on 28 June 1994, is currently first in line to the Jordanian throne and is deeply involved in both state affairs and international diplomacy.

As the eldest son of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, he was named Crown Prince in 2009. Prince Hussein has taken on a visible position in public life, representing Jordan at major international events and working closely with the Jordanian government on initiatives related to youth, technology, and security.

He has also undergone rigorous military training with the Jordanian Armed Forces and graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Princess Iman (b. 1996)

Princess Iman, born on 27 September 1996, is the second child of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania.

Educated both in Jordan and abroad, Princess Iman is known for her graceful presence at official functions and her involvement in initiatives that focus on education and women’s empowerment.

Like her mother, Her Royal Highness Princess Iman uses her platform to emphasize important social issues and contribute positively to her country.

Princess Salma (b. 2000)

Princess Salma, born on 26 September 2000, is the third child of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania. Following in her family’s tradition of public service, she is actively pursuing a career in the military.

In 2020, Princess Salma made history by becoming the first Jordanian woman to complete a preliminary pilot training course with the Royal Jordanian Air Force.

In addition, she is involved in various public service initiatives.

Prince Hashem bin Abdullah (b. 2005)

Prince Hashem bin Abdullah, born on 30 January 2005, is the fourth child of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania and is currently fourth in line to the throne.

While still completing his education, he attends the Islamic Educational College in Amman. Where he is gaining a well-rounded education that prepares him for future parts within the Royal Hashemite Court.

Connections to Other Royal Families

The Hashemite family of Jordan has established strong connections with other royal families both in the Middle East and beyond, playing a crucial role in regional diplomacy.

Given their shared heritage and close political relationships, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania also maintain strong diplomatic relations with the British royal family.

Additionally, the Hashemites have connections with other Gulf monarchies, including those in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

Beyond the Arab world, the Hashemite family’s ties extend to European royals, often collaborating on issues like education and cultural exchange.

Saudi Arabia

The relationship between the Hashemite family and the Saudi royal family is rooted in a shared Islamic heritage.

Historically, the Hashemites were the custodians of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

However, this changed in the 1920s when the Saudis, led by Ibn Saud, defeated the Hashemites in the Hejaz and established the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Despite the rivalry, the two royal families have developed a pragmatic relationship over the decades. Jordan and Saudi Arabia have often aligned on key regional issues, particularly concerning security and economic cooperation.

British Royal Family

Dating back to the early 20th century the connection began during the time of the British mandate in Transjordan when the British played a role in establishing the Hashemite leadership.

This close relationship has influenced Jordan with Western powers. The strong ties with the British royal family have helped Jordan position itself as a moderate and stable ally in a region often observed by conflict and instability.

This relationship has also been a key factor in securing military and economic support from the United Kingdom, which has been crucial for the Jordanian army.

Whether addressing issues related to the Middle East peace process or participating in global initiatives, Jordan’s close ties with the British monarchy have provided it with both the credibility and the support needed to be an effective player on the world stage.

The Hashemite Legacy and Cultural Influence

The Hashemite dynasty holds a profound cultural and religious significance, not only in Jordan but across the wider Islamic world.

As descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, the Hashemites have a unique and honored status that has shaped their leadership position in the Arab world.

Religious Leadership

The Hashemite family’s claim to the title of Sharif of Mecca accentuates their historical and religious leadership within Islam.

Traditionally, the Sharif of Mecca was the custodian of the Islamic holy sites in Mecca and Medina, a role that the Hashemites fulfilled for centuries before the establishment of the Saudi state.

Although the Hashemites lost control of these sites in the 1920s, their spiritual legacy as custodians of Islam’s most sacred places continues to resonate.

The Hashemites’ part as religious leaders is also reflected in their efforts to protect and preserve Islamic heritage.

Cultural Contributions

The Hashemite family has long been patrons of the arts, education, and cultural heritage in Jordan, playing a vital role in enriching the kingdom’s cultural landscape.

Their support extends to various cultural institutions, including museums, libraries, and art galleries, which help preserve Jordan’s rich history and traditions.

The Hashemites have also been instrumental in promoting education, recognizing its importance in shaping the future of the nation. Initiatives launched under the leadership of the royal family have improved access to education.

Historical Significance

The Hashemites are seen as the protectors of Jordan’s history and traditions, a legacy that dates back to their function as leaders of the Arab Revolt and their establishment of the modern Jordanian state.

The Hashemite influence is evident in the kingdom’s approach to governance, diplomacy, and social development, where the values of tolerance, stability, and respect for cultural heritage are consistently emphasized.

The royal family’s act of preserving cultural heritage and promoting education has not only strengthened Jordan internally but has also enhanced its reputation.

Wrapping Up the Jordan Royal Family Tree

The Jordan royal family has remained steadfast throughout history.

Their lineage extends beyond ceremonies and stretches more into the meat of politics, charity work, and trying to keep it all together under the world’s watchful eye.