The Aqaba Castle, also known as Aqaba Fort or Mamluk Castle, is a historic fortress located in the heart of Aqaba, Jordan, near the Red Sea waterfront and the Raghadan Street Market. Built in the early 16th century during the Mamluk Sultanate and later expanded by the Ottomans, the castle is a testament to Aqaba’s strategic importance as a port city and a key stop on trade and pilgrimage routes. Famous for its role in the 1917 Arab Revolt, when it was captured by T.E. Lawrence and Arab forces, the castle is now a partially restored archaeological site and museum, offering insights into Aqaba’s layered history from the Nabataean period to the 20th century.
Aqaba’s strategic location at the northeastern tip of the Gulf of
Aqaba has made it a vital port for millennia, with evidence of human
activity dating back to the Chalcolithic period (circa 4000 BCE) at
sites like Tall Hujayrat Al-Ghuzlan. Known as Elath in biblical times
and Ayla during the Islamic era, Aqaba was a hub for trade routes like
the King’s Highway and a staging point for the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
The castle’s origins trace to the Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517 CE),
specifically during the reign of Sultan Al-Ashraf Qansuh Al-Ghuri, who
ordered its construction in 1501–1510 CE to protect the port and secure
the pilgrimage route from Cairo to Mecca.
The Mamluks, a military
caste ruling Egypt and Syria, built the fortress to replace an earlier
Crusader castle on Pharaoh’s Island (10 km south), which had fallen into
disuse. The castle, initially called Qal’at Aqaba, served as a defensive
stronghold, administrative center, and caravan stop for pilgrims. In
1517 CE, the Ottoman Empire conquered Aqaba, renaming the fortress Kale
(Turkish for castle) and expanding it in the late 16th century under
Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Ottoman additions included a moat and
reinforced walls, reflecting their focus on controlling Red Sea trade
and pilgrimage routes.
The castle’s most famous moment came
during the Arab Revolt of 1916–1918, when, on July 6, 1917, Arab forces
led by Auda Abu Tayi, Sharif Hussein bin Ali, and advised by T.E.
Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) captured Aqaba from the Ottomans. This
victory, depicted in the film Lawrence of Arabia (1962), was a turning
point in the revolt, securing Allied access to the Red Sea and weakening
Ottoman control. The castle was damaged during the battle and further
neglected in the early 20th century as Aqaba’s focus shifted to modern
ports.
Archaeological interest in the castle began in the 1920s,
with excavations and restorations intensifying in the 1980s–1990s under
the Jordanian Department of Antiquities and support from the Aqaba
Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). A significant renovation in
1997, costing 1 million JOD, restored the castle as a museum, though it
was closed for further upgrades from 2018–2020. Reopened in 2020, it now
houses artifacts and exhibits on Aqaba’s history, cementing its role as
a cultural landmark.
The Aqaba Castle is a classic example of Mamluk military
architecture, with Ottoman modifications enhancing its defensive
capabilities. Covering approximately 250 x 250 meters (62,500 square
meters), the fortress is a square structure with four corner towers and
a central courtyard, designed to withstand sieges and protect the port.
Despite damage from earthquakes, battles, and time, its restored
elements reveal a blend of functionality and aesthetic refinement. Below
are the key architectural features, based on archaeological descriptions
and web sources:
1. Layout and Structure
Square Plan: The
castle is a square fortress with sides measuring about 250 meters,
enclosing a central courtyard. This layout, typical of Mamluk forts like
Qalat al-Bahrain, maximizes defensibility with minimal manpower.
Corner Towers: Four cylindrical towers anchor the corners, with the
southeastern tower featuring the Hashemite coat of arms added after the
1917 Arab Revolt. The towers housed archers and artillery, offering
panoramic views of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Main Entrance: The primary
gate, on the western side facing the sea, is a pointed arch framed by
stonework, leading to a vaulted passageway with guard rooms. Above the
gate, a Mamluk inscription in Arabic details Sultan Al-Ghuri’s
construction (circa 1501–1510 CE), restored for legibility.
Courtyard: The open courtyard, surrounded by colonnaded walkways, served
as a mustering area for troops, a storage space, and a resting point for
pilgrims. It housed stables, water cisterns, and administrative rooms,
now partially excavated.
2. Defensive Features
Walls: The
castle’s limestone walls, up to 3 meters thick and 10 meters high, were
built with ashlar blocks and a rubble core, a Mamluk technique seen in
Cairo’s citadels. The walls feature crenelated parapets for archers and
slit windows for crossbows or early firearms.
Moat: An Ottoman-era
moat, added in the late 16th century, surrounded the castle, filled by
seawater to deter land-based attacks. The moat is now dry and partially
filled, visible as a depression around the perimeter.
Battlements:
The towers and walls include machicolations (openings for dropping
projectiles), reflecting Mamluk defensive strategies adapted by the
Ottomans for cannon warfare.
Gunpowder Store: A vaulted chamber in
the northeastern tower, added during Ottoman rule, stored gunpowder,
indicating the castle’s adaptation to 16th-century artillery.
3.
Decorative Elements
Inscriptions: The western gate’s Mamluk
inscription, carved in Naskh script, records Sultan Al-Ghuri’s patronage
and the construction date (circa 1501–1510 CE). A Hashemite inscription
on the southeastern tower commemorates the 1917 Arab Revolt, added
post-capture.
Geometric Patterns: The entrance and interior arches
feature geometric stonework, including muqarnas (stalactite-like
vaulting) and arabesque motifs, typical of Mamluk aesthetics. These are
subtle compared to grand mosques but reflect Islamic artistry.
Hashemite Coat of Arms: The southeastern tower’s coat of arms, a star
and crescent with Arabic calligraphy, symbolizes Jordan’s Hashemite
monarchy, a modern addition post-1917.
4. Construction Materials
Local Limestone: The castle is built from white and pink limestone
quarried in Aqaba, blending with the region’s natural palette, as seen
in the Ayla Archaeological Site. The stone’s durability has preserved
much of the structure.
Mortar and Plaster: Walls used lime-based
mortar with ash, a Mamluk technique, while interior rooms were coated
with plaster, some painted with geometric designs (now faded).
Restoration Materials: The 1997 and 2018–2020 renovations used new
limestone and concrete to stabilize walls and towers, with efforts to
match original stonework. Some modern patches are visible, as noted by
visitors.
5. Museum and Exhibits
Aqaba Archaeological Museum:
Housed within the castle since 1990, the museum occupies restored rooms
around the courtyard. It features:
Nabataean Artifacts: Pottery,
jewelry, and statues from Petra and Ayla, dating to the 1st century
BCE–1st century CE.
Islamic Artifacts: Umayyad and Abbasid coins,
ceramics, and inscriptions from Ayla (7th–10th centuries CE).
Mamluk
and Ottoman Items: Weapons, tools, and textiles from the castle’s active
periods (13th–19th centuries CE).
Arab Revolt Memorabilia:
Photographs, documents, and weapons related to the 1917 battle,
including T.E. Lawrence’s contributions.
Exhibition Space: The
museum’s small rooms display artifacts in glass cases with English and
Arabic labels, though some visitors note sparse descriptions. A
multimedia exhibit added in 2020 includes videos on Aqaba’s history and
the Arab Revolt.
6. Relationship to Surroundings
Waterfront
Location: Positioned 50 meters from the Gulf of Aqaba, the castle
guarded the port, with views of Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. Its
proximity to the Flagpole Plaza (bearing Jordan’s Arab Revolt flag)
enhances its historical ambiance.
Downtown Integration: The castle is
steps from the Raghadan Street Market, Al-Sharif Al-Hussein bin Ali
Mosque, and Ayla Archaeological Site, forming Aqaba’s cultural core.
Strategic Design: The castle’s elevated position and moat leveraged
Aqaba’s flat terrain, controlling access to the port and pilgrimage
routes.
Aqaba Castle is a cultural and historical landmark, embodying the
city’s role as a trade and pilgrimage hub across centuries. Its
significance includes:
Mamluk Legacy: As a rare surviving Mamluk
fortress in Jordan, the castle reflects the sultanate’s architectural
and military prowess, protecting the Hajj route and Red Sea trade. Its
inscriptions and geometric designs link it to Mamluk centers like Cairo
and Damascus.
Ottoman Expansion: The castle’s Ottoman upgrades,
including the moat and gunpowder store, highlight Aqaba’s role in the
empire’s maritime strategy, connecting it to forts like Qalat al-Arish
in Egypt.
Arab Revolt Turning Point: The 1917 capture by Arab forces,
led by Auda Abu Tayi and T.E. Lawrence, was a pivotal moment in Jordan’s
modern history, symbolizing resistance against Ottoman rule. The
Hashemite coat of arms and museum exhibits celebrate this legacy, tying
the castle to Jordan’s national identity.
Archaeological Value:
Excavations since the 1920s, supported by the Jordanian Department of
Antiquities and ASEZA, reveal Aqaba’s layered past, from Nabataean trade
to Islamic governance. The museum’s artifacts complement sites like Ayla
and Tall al-Khalifa.
Cultural Tourism: The castle is a top
attraction, drawing visitors for its history, museum, and waterfront
location. Its inclusion in the Jordan Pass and proximity to the Raghadan
Street Market make it a gateway to Aqaba’s heritage, complementing
marine sites like Rainbow Reef and Japanese Garden.
Symbol of
Resilience: Surviving earthquakes, battles, and neglect, the castle
embodies Aqaba’s enduring significance, from ancient Elath to modern
Jordan’s only port city.
Compared to other Jordanian forts, like Qasr
al-Kharraneh (Umayyad, 8th century) or Karak Castle (Crusader, 12th
century), Aqaba Castle is smaller but uniquely tied to the Red Sea and
the Arab Revolt, offering a maritime and modern historical narrative.
The Aqaba Castle is in a partially restored state, with significant
preservation efforts ensuring its accessibility as a museum and
archaeological site. Key aspects of its current condition include:
Preservation: The main gate, corner towers, courtyard, and
colonnaded walkways are well-preserved, with the Mamluk inscription and
Hashemite coat of arms clearly visible. The limestone walls and vaulted
chambers retain much of their original form, though upper sections are
eroded.
Damage: Earthquakes (e.g., 749 CE, 1068 CE), the 1917 battle,
and 20th-century neglect damaged the moat, upper walls, and decorative
elements. The interior rooms lost most plaster and paint, and some
towers are partially collapsed.
Restoration: Major renovations in
1997 (1 million JOD) and 2018–2020 by the Jordanian Department of
Antiquities, ASEZA, and international partners (e.g., USAID) stabilized
the structure, rebuilt collapsed sections, and upgraded the museum.
Modern limestone and concrete patches are visible but blend with the
original stonework.
Museum Condition: The Aqaba Archaeological
Museum, housed in restored rooms, is clean and organized, with artifacts
in glass cases and multimedia displays added in 2020. Some visitors note
“limited exhibits” and sparse English labels, but the collection is
growing.
Environmental Challenges: Exposure to coastal humidity,
sandstorms, and urban pollution requires ongoing maintenance, with
cleaning noted in 2025 reviews. The dry moat and open courtyard are
susceptible to debris accumulation.
Public Access: The castle is open
to the public, with a 2 JOD entry fee (free with Jordan Pass), and a
metal fence ensures safety while allowing exterior views. Its downtown
location makes it highly accessible.
The castle’s restoration has
revitalized its appeal, though it remains less grandiose than sites like
Petra or Karak Castle, as some reviews suggest it feels “small” but
“authentic.”
Visiting Aqaba Castle offers a compact yet enriching journey into
Jordan’s maritime and military history, ideal for history enthusiasts
and cultural tourists. Here’s what to expect:
Duration of Visit:
Exploring the castle and museum takes 30–60 minutes, including the
courtyard, towers, and exhibits. Combining with nearby sites like the
Raghadan Street Market, Al-Sharif Al-Hussein bin Ali Mosque, or Ayla
Archaeological Site (all within 0.5–1 km) creates a 2–3-hour itinerary.
Accessibility: Located on Al-Hussein Bin Ali Street, near the waterfront
and Flagpole Plaza, the castle is in Aqaba’s old town:
On Foot: A
5-minute walk from Raghadan Street Market, Al-Sharif Mosque, or Aqaba
Archaeological Museum; 10 minutes from the public beach.
By
Taxi/Rideshare: Costs 1–2 JOD (~1.41–2.82 USD) from downtown hotels
(e.g., Nairoukh Hotel) or malls (e.g., Aqaba Gateway). Use Uber, Careem,
or GPS coordinates (e.g., G2G2+8X).
By Public Transport: Shared taxis
from Local Mini Station to Petra/Wadi Rum (near mosque) cost ~0.5 JOD
(~0.70 USD). Ask for “Aqaba Fort.”
By Car: Limited street parking
near the waterfront or mosque; free spaces are available.
Entry
Requirements:
Admission: 2 JOD (~2.82 USD) for tourists, includes
museum; 0.25 JOD for Jordanian residents; free with Jordan Pass.
Hours: Open Sunday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Friday–Saturday, 10:00
AM–4:00 PM (as of 2025, per www.visitjordan.com). Confirm for holiday
closures or festival events.
Highlights:
Main Gate and
Inscription: The pointed arch with the Mamluk inscription is a
photogenic entry, evoking the castle’s 16th-century origins.
Courtyard and Towers: The open courtyard, with colonnaded walkways and
cylindrical towers, offers a sense of the castle’s defensive layout. The
Hashemite coat of arms on the southeastern tower is a nod to the Arab
Revolt.
Museum Exhibits: The Aqaba Archaeological Museum displays
Nabataean pottery, Islamic coins, and Arab Revolt artifacts, with a
multimedia video on the 1917 battle. The collection is small but
contextualizes Aqaba’s history.
Waterfront Views: From the towers,
visitors enjoy views of the Gulf of Aqaba, with Egypt, Israel, and Saudi
Arabia visible, and the Arab Revolt flag at Flagpole Plaza adding
historical ambiance.
Atmosphere: Described as “authentic,”
“peaceful,” and “steeped in history,” the castle offers a quiet contrast
to Aqaba’s bustling market. Its compact size and waterfront breeze
create a relaxed vibe, though some visitors note it feels
“underwhelming” compared to grander forts like Karak.
Photography:
Permitted throughout, with the main gate, towers, and courtyard offering
iconic shots. Sunset lighting enhances the limestone’s texture, with the
gulf and flagpole as backdrops. Avoid flash in the museum to protect
artifacts.
Guided Tours: No on-site guides are stationed, but
informative signage in English and Arabic covers the castle’s history.
Local guides (~10–15 JOD/hour) from agencies like Via Jordan Travel or
Flow Travel Jordan include the castle in downtown tours, often with Ayla
and the museum. Self-guided apps like GPSmyCity provide audio tours.
Nearby Attractions:
Raghadan Street Market (0.2 km): A vibrant
souk for spices, seafood, and crafts.
Al-Sharif Al-Hussein bin Ali
Mosque (0.2 km): A historic mosque, a cultural landmark.
Ayla
Archaeological Site (0.5 km): Ruins of an Umayyad city with a
3rd-century church.
Aqaba Archaeological Museum (adjacent): Shares
space with the castle, included in the ticket.
Souk by the Sea (1 km,
Nahdah St.): A Friday evening market with crafts and music.
Palm
Beach (Al-Hafaeyer) (2 km): A public beach for swimming or snorkeling.
Rainbow Reef (12 km south): A vibrant
dive site in Aqaba Marine Park.
Limitations:
Compact Size: The
castle is smaller than expected, with some reviews calling it “basic” or
“not as grand” as Karak or Ajloun. Its museum is modest, with limited
artifacts and English labels.
Restoration Patches: Modern concrete
and limestone repairs, while necessary, can feel inauthentic to purists,
as noted in 2025 reviews.
Limited Interpretation: Sparse signage and
no dedicated guides may leave casual visitors wanting more context,
requiring research or a tour.
Accessibility: Uneven courtyard
surfaces and steps to towers challenge those with mobility issues. No
ramps are available, though the museum is ground-level.
Heat
Exposure: The open courtyard lacks shade, requiring water and sun
protection in summer (up to 40°C/104°F).
Location: Aqaba Castle, Al-Hussein Bin Ali St., Downtown Aqaba,
Jordan (near Flagpole Plaza; GPS: ~G2G2+8X).
Opening Hours:
Sunday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Friday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (as
of June 13, 2025). Confirm via www.visitjordan.com for holiday or event
closures.
Admission: 2 JOD (~2.82 USD) for tourists, includes Aqaba
Archaeological Museum; 0.25 JOD for Jordanian residents; free with
Jordan Pass.
Getting There:
On Foot: 5-minute walk from
Raghadan Street Market, Al-Sharif Mosque, or Ayla Archaeological Site;
10 minutes from Palm Beach.
By Taxi/Rideshare: 1–2 JOD from downtown
hotels (e.g., Nairoukh, DoubleTree) or malls (e.g., Aqaba Gateway).
Request “Aqaba Fort” or “Al-Hussein Bin Ali Street.” Uber/Careem
available.
By Public Transport: Shared taxis from Local Mini Station
to Petra/Wadi Rum (near mosque) cost ~0.5 JOD. Ask for “Aqaba Fort.”
By Car: Free street parking near the waterfront, mosque, or Flagpole
Plaza; spaces may be limited during evenings.
Tips for Visitors:
Visit early morning (8:00 AM–10:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00 PM–5:00
PM) for cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and better lighting for
photos, especially in summer.
Wear sturdy shoes for uneven surfaces
and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.
Read
signage or book a guided tour (~10–15 JOD) for context on the Mamluk era
and Arab Revolt, as the museum’s labels are limited.
Combine with
Raghadan Street Market, Al-Sharif Mosque, and Ayla for a 2–3-hour
downtown itinerary, or add Rainbow Reef or Japanese Garden (12 km) for a
full day.
Explore nearby dining at Al-Shami or Ali Baba on Raghadan
Street (5–10 JOD for mezze or sayadieh) or grab falafel (1 JOD) from
market stalls.
Check www.visitjordan.com or www.touristjordan.com for
events (e.g., cultural festivals) or road closures affecting downtown
access.
Budget small JOD notes (1, 5) for entry or nearby market
purchases, as change may be limited.
Contact: Jordan Tourism Board
(www.visitjordan.com); Aqaba Archaeological Museum inquiries via
Department of Antiquities (+962 3 201 9066) or local agencies like Via
Jordan Travel (+962 3 202 2990).