Inside the Middle East from Jordan

The show also travels to Iran, to explore the effect of the technological revolution on a conservative culture.

The programme opens in Petra, where Hala Gorani investigates what makes the ancient city worthy of becoming one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. She reports from the huge celebrations that took place on the day that it was announced that Petra would be applying to be listed as a modern wonder; a celebration that burst out city-wide, and which even featured an appearance by Queen Rania of Jordan.

Staying with Jordan, 'Inside the Middle East' goes on to look at mental disability, and the system of traditions and laws that stand in the way of those affected, not just in Jordan, but in the whole Middle East region. In order to uncover the way that this marginalised section of the population is fighting for equal rights, Gorani talks to one of the humanitarian organisations that are working to improve conditions and break down the social barriers in place in Jordan. She also talks to the care workers who help people come to terms with this social taboo.

The programme closes with a report from Aneesh Raman in the highly conservative Iranian city of Qom, where he meets with the residents whose lives are being dramatically changed by the influx of new technological advancements. With the arrival of satellite dishes and the internet, the people of Qom have access to previously banned materials, and Raman looks at the way this is affecting the city and its inhabitants.

In February, 'Inside the Middle East' looks at the way that the traditions of the region are combining with the rapidly advancing cultural developments of the modern world.