Postcards From Mediana, The Latest Music, Culture And Arts Festival Set Against Jordan's Rugged Skyline

Harpers Bazaar Arabia

20-06-2025

Tithorea has hosted immersive festivals in some of the world's most exotic locations – this summer it came to Jordan's breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site
Picture the scene – the sun is rising between the dramatic sandstone canyons of Petra, Jordan. Light floods the ancient valleys, awakening a new energy in 1,500 fortunate guests who've travelled to the UNESCO World Heritage site for an unforgettable experience. Hypnotic music rebounds through the gorge, captivating lighting bounces off the ancient rocks, and the beautiful people below sway to the tribal and rhythmic beats and basslines. Dotted around the valley floor are traders selling traditional Jordanian fabrics and cuisine, each stall bathed in a warm, multicoloured glow from the impressive laser show that pulsates overhead.
This is Mediana, the latest music and culture event from Tithorea. Founded by Shahin Mani and Sherif Koyess, Tithorea curates unique and highly exclusive music experiences by combining breathtaking locations, immersive production and thoughtful collaborations with local communities. Having previously staged events in Turkey, Iceland, Costa Rica and Romania, the team's sights were firmly set on Jordan as its next location, inspired by its ancient heritage, cultural richness, and otherworldly landscapes.
We start our Medaina experience at the beautiful Hyatt Zaman hotel, just outside the valley of At-Taybeh. As cultural experiences are customary at Tithorea events, the festival includes a daytime trip to Jordan's archaeological jewel, Petra, and its world-famous highlight, Al Khazna or the Treasury. As we're surrounded by the magnificent, ancient carvings, tombs and rock paintings, it's hard to believe that in mere hours we'll be back in the same sacred area, soundtracked by DJs Sonja Moonear and Mind Against.
When night falls, we make our way to the main event and are greeted by a mind-blowing production, assembled with the utmost care for the natural environment. In isolation, the coloured uplighting, lasers and strobes, booming sound system and elevated decor would impress, but to stage it in the middle of an isolated valley and a UNESCO World Heritage site is remarkable.
'The first thing I did was try to understand how I'm going to express the art that pays tribute to the culture, to the artists and the nature here,' says Tithorea's Creative Director, Melissa Ouellette, in a conversation with us. Decorative rugs are placed around the event for visitors to rest and connect, each mat a tribute to the Bedouins' creative past and present. 'The culture of the area is the heritage of the loom machine, so everything was made from fabrics,' she continues. 'To work with the local people and be able to express our vision in these insane locations is super humbling.'
The setting feels simultaneously like a step back in time and a taste of a distant future, with local businesses and traders dotting the walkway towards the candle-lit DJ booth, packed full of revellers, kaftans rippling as they dance to the music. The vibe pulsates with positivity and euphoria until the early hours – this isn't your average festival, and everyone knows it. And Petra isn't just the backdrop, it's a collaborator.
As the sky turned blue, it was time to leave, but there's no time to get sentimental – the enchanting deserts of Wadi Rum await. On very little sleep, we're on the road again, this time to the magical sands of the Jordanian desert, recently the set for the sci-fi epic Dune, as well as The Martian and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, among others.
Wadi Rum's burnt red hues make it the perfect spot for epic tales – and dazzling stargazing. After arriving at Wadi Rum Bubble Luxhotel, a dip in the obligatory hot tub at sunset centres the mind and soul, the Milky Way slowly rising into sight like a cosmic rainbow across the night sky.
Partly down to necessity but a welcome quirk all the same, Tithroea is a rare festival that takes a day off between events. As producers and organisers begin the unenviable challenge of transporting sound systems, lighting and production props from a rugged valley to the heart of the desert in the summer heat, punters can take a day to rest, visiting local historical landmarks, trying their hands at Jordanian crafts, and enjoying local cuisine. While they might appear tacked on at first, these activities – including a camel ride and a First World War-era train ride with a surprise reenactment of the Arab Revolt – do provide a fuller appreciation for Jordanian culture and add more respect for the special sites Tithorea has chosen for Mediana.
Set at the base of one of Wadi Rum's iconic towering rock formations and soundtracked by DJs me, Jimi Jules and the aptly-named Bedouin, night two was a stunning example of immersive production executed with elegance. At once vast and intimate, the scene is captivating and curious, again adding a sense of futurism to an ancient land. The Romero Group takes care of Jordanian cuisine and flavours, offering a menu that combines sizzling meats, vegan options, and local sweets and teas. Immersive chill-out areas give those looking for downtime some respite, while others climb atop a nearby dune for a better view of the DJs and the surrounding landscape. As the sun rises once more, we find ourselves thinking, Wadi Rum's ethereal and transcendental spirit was made for moments like this.
By bringing modern music and event production to an ancient land, while respecting local cultures, communities and cuisine, Tithorea represents something truly unique in the oversaturated festival market. Often, authorities, governments and indeed UNESCO itself are sensitive about these types of events – and rightly so. These historical regions are not only sacred to the locals, but they're at the heart of a vibrant tourist industry that's a core part of Jordan's economy. Mediana showed that the two can co-exist, and it's a credit to the team at Tithorea for their considered and sensitive approach, and to the Jordanian government for taking the risk to modernise and attract a younger, more diverse crowd.
Tithorea just gained another loyal follower. See you at the next one… wherever it may be.