Raghadan became the official residence of the first King of Jordan, King Abdullah I, who then went on to commission the construction of two more, smaller palaces in the 1930s; Al-Ma'wa (المأوى, al-Ma’wā, 'the Sanctuary') and Al-Qasr as-Saghir (القصر الصغير, al-Qaṣr aṣ-Ṣaġīr, 'the Small Palace').
Although it was originally intended solely as a guesthouse, Basman became King Hussein's primary residence after he ascended to the throne in 1953, at the age of 18, following the death of Abdullah I and the brief reign of his father Talal.
Following his move, Basman Palace became the official offices of the Royal Court, a function it continues to serve.
[1] Also located at Al-Maquar is the royal graveyard, where Kings Abdullah I, Talal and Hussein were buried.
[1] The offices of the royal court, including those of the advisers to the King, and the National Security Council of Jordan are situated at Al-Maquar.