Thousands of archaeological sites are recorded, but unfortunately
only some are excavated in Jordan. Many of these were either
destroyed or at few cases protected by the local communities, in
the meantime others were illegally excavated by the treasure
hunters. Archaeological work in Jordan must place the local
communities as the heart of protection and presenting efforts of
this cultural heritage. It has been argued that by engaging the
local communities in the long-term archaeological fieldworks and
in restoring and conserving the archaeological sites on year-round
programs that might help with local employment, training and
education. This paper aims at shedding light on the local communities'
attitude against the archaeological sites. The archaeological site
of Tell Deir 'Alla might be considered as a good example of explaining
this relation. To discuss, the partners of the project (Jordanian and
Dutch) constructed an archaeological research station that includes a
small site-museum in which many inhabitants of the town Deir 'Alla
are engaged in supervising, cleaning and cooking for the teams
excavating at sites in Valley and renting the station. Moreover, the
inhabitants of Deir 'Alla and the surroundings are always involved
in all activities of the excavations conducted in the Jordan valley.
In addition, the Tell Deir 'Alla long-term project produced an excellent
relationship amongst the local community and the members of the
joint expedition. We assume that due to this good relationship, the
financial help offered to the local community of Deir 'Alla, and the
archaeological field training offered to the inhabitants of the town
Deir 'Alla and the surrounding villages , the site has been saved
and protected from destruction and illicit excavations.