Azraq's Desert Castles Travel Guide
Travel to Azraq's Desert Castles - Discover the Stunning Desert Castles of Eastern Jordan
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East of Amman the desert stretches seemingly endlessly towards Iraq and is the preserve of the Bedouin and desert animals. This parched landscape hides many surprising attractions - at Azraq there is a wetlands reserve and wildlife sanctuary, the substantial remains of ‘Lawrence’s’ fort and the gems of Qas’r Kharanah and Qas’r Amra, hunting lodge and bath house of an 8th century Caliph.
Heading east from Amman after some 60 or so kilometres a large square building comes into view – Qas’r Kharanah. Historians are divided about its purpose, debating whether it was a khan (a staging post) or a meeting house for local tribes.
Further on lies the Ommayed bath house of Qas’r Amra whose frescoed walls remain fresh after 1,300 years. Whilst an unimpressive town today Azraq to the east it is a focal point for local bedouins and home to Qas’r Azraq a brooding black castle use by Lawrence of Arabia. Here too are the Azraq Wetlands Reserve and Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, where important conservation work is being undertaken.
Attractions in Azraq's Desert Castles
The main draws of the area are Qas’r Amra and Qas’r Kharanah, two Ommayed-period buildings that are well worth visiting for an indication of just how important this apparently lifeless desert was 1,200 years ago.
At nearby Azraq sits a forbidding fort built of black Hauran basalt, and it was here that Lawrence of Arabia spent a cold winter in 1917 during the Arab Revolt against the Turks. The castle dates back to the 3rd century but is not as interesting as Amra and Kharanah.
Nearby is the Azraq Wetlands Reserve where the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature is striving to protect what was once an important habitat for birds, whilst at the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve four of the region’s important animal species are being re-established.
Activities in Azraq's Desert Castles
A visit to the eastern desert region makes for an interesting and very varied day trip from Amman, or visit as part of a wider sightseeing itinerary.
Relaxing
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the walls of Lawrence’s old HQ at Azraq Castle
Getting Around
The best way of sightseeing is by taking an organised tour arranged by a local travel expert or by having your own transport.
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