Face2Market (Jordan)

The Face2Market is an informal market in Jordan located near the Al-Hassan Industrial Estate, close to the Syrian border and the town of Ar-Ramtha. Approximately 30,000 migrant workers, primarily from Bangladesh and India, work in textile factories in this area. They also reside in dormitories within the Industrial Estate, a space they rarely leave. It goes without saying that their living conditions are extremely hard, sometimes close from modern slavery. In their daily lives, Face2Market serves as a gathering spot where migrant workers can meet and connect with friends from their home countries. Small shops in the market offer products from their countries of origin, including food, clothing, and cosmetics. Additionally, Jordanian street vendors sell Asian fruits and vegetables, some of which are cultivated on local farms here in Jordan. This cosmopolitan hub becomes especially lively on Thursday and Friday evenings, drawing crowds of workers and vendors alike. Recorded with an AB Setup EARSIGHT THUMB Omndirectional microphones. Recorded on a Sound Devices MixPre-6.