Star Wars: Rogue One premiered in cinemas around the world last week, showcasing Jordan's Wadi Rum as the fictional moon of Jedha.
A sort of pilgrimage site for believers in "the Force", Jedha is a small desert moon located in the Jedha system of the galaxy's Mid Rim. It is considered the spiritual home of the Jedi and it is the first place where individuals began exploring the nature of the Force.
Here's a look at Jedha (AKA Wadi Rum) in Rogue One
It's definitely an "otherwordly" and very fitting setting
People usually travel through Wadi Rum with ATVs or Camels ... But Star Wars took it up a notch
Go to Jordan, and you can actually take a photo like this and pretend you're on Jedha
And this isn't the first time Star Wars turned to the Arab world for a location
2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens was partially filmed in the deserts of Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi production team built this epic set representing a town on the planet Jakku
Contrary to the rumors, the set is no longer there. So, please hardcore fans, don't go getting lost in the desert trying to find it!
But, you can take a guided desert safari and try to recreate some epic shots from the film!
And long before Abu Dhabi, Star Wars also filmed in Tunisia!
Star Wars Episodes I, II and IV all used Tunisia to represent Anakin and Luke Skywalker’s home planet of Tatooine
And, unlike Abu Dhabi, some of the set is still there! Just go to the town of Matmata
The Skywalker homestead is actually the Hotel Sidi Driss.
And these ruins were used as slave quarters in Episode I
Fun fact: Even though Tunisia also has a town called Tatouine (very similar to Tatooine), this is not where Star Wars filmed. Remember, Matmata is the place. Don't get confused!
Yes, the Force is definitely strong in the Arab world
And this also isn't Wadi Rum's first prominent appearance in a Hollywood blockbuster
Wadi Rum and Matt Damon stole the spotlight in 2015's The Martian
It's an epic landscape to represent Mars
Basically, Wadi Rum should top any Sci-Fi buff's list of pilgrimage sites
You don't even have to travel at light speed to get there!