Aqaba in Jordan is at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba on the border with
Israel. It is the only Jordanian Port with direct access to the Red Sea.
Since at least 1000 BC, a port has continually existed on the site handling
trade between Palestine and Syria.
Aqaba stands on or near the biblical Elath (Elat). A Roman military post of
Aelana later occupied the site. A great road built by Emperor Trajan linked the
area with Damascus and Egypt. Occupied and fortified by the Crusaders in 1115,
Aqaba was retaken by Saladin in 1187. During the 19th century the town became a
staging point on the pilgrim route to Mecca. T. E. Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia,
captured Aqaba for the Allies in World War I. It later became part of the Hejaz,
but was ceded to Transjordan in 1924. Its name is sometimes spelled Akaba.
The Mameluk Fort, one of the main historical landmarks of Aqaba was
originally a Crusader Castle, rebuilt by the Mameluks in the 16th century.
Square in shape and flanked by semicircular towers, the fort is marked with
various inscriptions marking the latter period of the Islamic dynasty. The
current excavations at the ancient site of Medieval Islamic Ayla have already
revealed a gate and city wall along with towers, buildings, a town mosque,
courtyards and baths.
The Museum houses a collection of artefacts collected in the region,
including pottery and coins. It also hosts the house of Sharif Hussein Bin Ali,
the great grandfather of King Abdullah II.
Aqaba, with its clean sandy beaches and transparent waters, is an ideal
location for both relaxation and water sports. Sunbathing, Swimming,
parasailing, water skiing and jet skiing, are just some of the activities. Famed
for its preserved coral reefs and unique sea life.
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