Natural arch in Wadi Rum, Jordan

December 1969 Issue

Natural arch in Wadi Rum, Jordan

People have lived in the Wadi Rum area of southwestern Jordan for thousands of years, but it wasn't until 1998 that the Jordanian government placed the area's fragile desert habitat under the protection of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority. Several natural arches can be found in Wadi Rum, one of which was pictured in our May mystery photo. Located about 200 yards from the famous Rock Bridge of Kharaz, the arch shown is about 85 feet long.

After living for centuries as nomads among the red sandstone mountains and valleys (sometimes known as Valley of the Moon), Bedouins now play a major role in helping to develop Wadi Rum into a popular destination for travelers.

Eleven correct answers were submitted, and MARIA CUETO of Weehawken, New Jersey, won the drawing. We thank Michele Burgess of Huntington Beach, California, for submitting the photo.

Correct answers were submitted by:

Shirley Becker, Skokie, IL; WINNER:  Maria Cueto, Weehawken, NJ; Roberta A. Davis, St. Petersburg, FL; George Graf, Palmyra, VA; Jane & Clyde Holt, Hinesburg, VT; Stephen Jeffries, Centennial, CO; Stan C. Kimer, Raleigh, NC; James B. Oerding, Capay, CA; Donna Peterson, Patch Grove, WI; Lawrence A. Radcliffe, El Cerrito, CA; Jim Randall, Mountlake Terrace, WA; Kathy Wilhelm, Cary, NC; Jane B. Holt, Hinesburg VT.