Az Zarqa is a city in Jordan, and its name is spelled using the Arabic alphabet. The first letter, ا (alif), is silent and serves as a marker for the indefinite article "a" or "an". The second letter, ز (zayn), is pronounced as a voiced "z" sound. The third letter, ر (ra), is pronounced as a rolled "r" sound. The fourth letter, ق (qaf), is pronounced as a voiced velar stop, similar to the "k" in "king". Therefore, the correct phonetic transcription of Az Zarqa is /æz zərˈkɑː/.
Az Zarqa is a noun, referring to a city in Jordan and also the capital of Zarqa Governorate. With a population of approximately 1.6 million people, it is the second most populous city in the country after Amman. Situated in the Zarqa River basin, the city is known for its strategic location, being situated just 22 kilometers northeast of Amman, the capital of Jordan.
Az Zarqa serves as an industrial hub, housing numerous factories, including those for chemicals, fertilizers, and textiles. The city's industrial development started in the 1930s, driven by the establishment of the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, which utilizes the nearby phosphate resources for production.
Though Az Zarqa is primarily known for its industrial significance, it also boasts historical and cultural attractions. The city features a number of archaeological sites, such as the ancient Roman city of Dion and the Byzantine ruins of Esbus. Moreover, Az Zarqa is home to several educational institutions, including Zarqa University, providing higher education opportunities for its residents and attracting students from across the country.
Overall, Az Zarqa is a bustling city in Jordan known for its industrial prowess, historical heritage, and educational institutions. With its proximity to the capital and its growing population, Az Zarqa plays a vital role in the country's economy and cultural landscape.
The word "Az Zarqa" is derived from Arabic. "Az" means "the" in Arabic, while "Zarqa" is the feminine form of the Arabic word "Azraq", which means "blue". Thus, "Az Zarqa" translates to "the blue" in English. The name is often used to refer to places or geographical features that are associated with the color blue, such as the Az Zarqa River in Jordan.