jordan pulse -

With wooden rhythms echoing through bedouin encampments and villages, the Jordanian Mehbash was not merely a tool for grinding coffee beans, but rather served as a means of social communication and an integral component of hospitality rituals associated with generosity, reconciliation, and social occasions.
​From the Mahmasah to the Fidawi
​Despite the presence of the Mehbash among the possessions of Jordanian households, it held a special symbolic status in the councils of sheikhs and major guest houses (Mudyafs), reflecting the standing and influence of their owners.
​It constituted part of a traditional coffee preparation system that begins with roasting coffee beans on the Mahmasah (roasting pan), followed by pounding them in the Mehbash, and ultimately brewing them in the Dallah (coffee pot).
​Given the physical effort and expertise required by this process, the task of preparing coffee in large guest houses was assigned to specialized men known as the Qahwaji or Fidawi, who undertook its preparation according to inherited traditions.
​The Mehbash.. A Means of Communication
​The Mehbash is traditionally crafted from hard Atlantic terebinth (Butm) wood; however, due to the scarcity of this tree in Jordan, artisans turned to using other types of wood, including eucalyptus, acacia, carob, apricot, and fig.
​The sizes and decorations of the Mehbash varied between the desert (Badia) and rural areas, while it gradually transitioned from a tool for daily use into a heritage decorative piece and a product attracting heritage enthusiasts and tourists.
​Speaking on its social significance, heritage expert Muhyiddin Saleh Abdul-Rahman Al-Qadaram, known as "Bani Issa" or "Abu Qais," explains that the Mehbash—which is also known by names such as the Jurn, Madaq, Najr, and Azzam—served as a medium of communication prior to the spread of technology. The sound of pounding coffee signaled to neighbors and travelers preparations to receive guests, inviting them to participate.
​According to inherited oral narratives, nighttime beatings were used in certain instances to launch an appeal for help, prompting the town to hasten to the homeowner's assistance.
​Rhythms Preserving Coffee Memory
​Al-Qadaram learned the rhythms and beats of the Mehbash from his father before innovating custom rhythms he describes as a source of joy and comfort, maintaining a keen interest in transmitting this art form to his family members, grandchildren, and visitors interested in documenting it.
​The importance of the Mehbash is not confined to its social role; Al-Qadaram notes that grinding coffee freshly within it, along with roasting quality and bean selection, contributes to extracting its essential oils and preserving its aroma, imparting a distinct flavor that differs from pre-ground coffee.
​However, the proliferation of electric grinders, shifting patterns of hospitality, and the scarcity of skilled artisans represent factors contributing to the decline of this ritual, according to the heritage expert, who expressed regret over the waning culture of preparing coffee in the traditional manner and the passing of its veteran connoisseurs.
​He noted that coffee served in modern weddings and event halls lacks the traditional flavor and quality known to the ancient councils.
​Source: Rum News Agency