Restoration of Dr. Antoni Ostrasz's Tombstone in Jerash
On November 2, 2025, representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Amman visited the Christian cemetery in Jerash to honor Dr. Antoni Ostrasz (1929–1996), a Polish architect and conservator buried there. Dr. Ostrasz led the renovation project of the hippodrome in Jerash's historic complex from 1984 until his death in 1996.
At the Embassy's initiative and with funding from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ostrasz's tombstone was restored. The cemetery caretaker assisted by performing minor repairs and cleaning voluntarily.
Commemoration Activities
- Karol Leśniak and Consul Adrian Browarczyk laid a commemorative wreath on Dr. Ostrasz’s grave.
- The Embassy staff presented a profile of the Polish architect during the visit.
- The restoration coincided with All Saints' Day observances.
Dr. Antoni Ostrasz’s Legacy
Antoni Ostrasz played a key role in the preservation of Jerash, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman cities. In 1984, the Jordanian Department of Antiquities appointed him director of the Jerash Hippodrome renovation project, a role he maintained until his passing.
"Antoni Ostrasz is one of the few Polish memorial sites in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan that serve to preserve and strengthen national identity."
The tombstone restoration reflects ongoing efforts to honor notable Polish contributions abroad and maintain cultural heritage ties between Poland and Jordan.
Author's Summary: The Polish Embassy in Amman restored Dr. Antoni Ostrasz’s tombstone in Jerash, honoring his lasting impact on heritage conservation in Jordan and Polish-Jordanian cultural relations.