Aqaba Fort | Aqaba

Information

Landmark: Aqaba Fort
City: Aqaba
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Aqaba Fort, Aqaba, Jordan, Asia

Aqaba Fort is a 16th-century military fortification located on the northern shore of the Gulf of Aqaba, serving originally as a caravanserai for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. It currently functions as a historical monument and museum adjacent to the Great Arab Revolt Plaza.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a rectangular enclosure measuring approximately 56 by 58 meters, constructed from dressed limestone and granite. The entrance is marked by a large arched gateway featuring a machicolation and the Hashemite coat of arms, flanked by two semicircular towers. Inside, the layout consists of a central courtyard surrounded by two stories of vaulted chambers, originally used as cells, stables, and soldier barracks.

Location & Access Logistics

The fort is situated on King Hussein Street (The Corniche), immediately adjacent to the shoreline and the Great Arab Revolt Plaza. It is a pedestrian-friendly site located 1.5km south of the city center commercial district. There is no specific public bus stop, but the site is easily reached by taxi or on foot from downtown hotels; public parking is available at the adjacent plaza lot.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The extant structure was commissioned by the Mamluk Sultan Qansuh al-Ghawri between 1510 and 1517. It was significantly modified by the Ottoman Sultan Murad III in 1587 to secure the Hajj pilgrimage route connecting Egypt and the Levant.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the internal cells, the execution chamber, and the upper ramparts which offer line-of-sight views of the Gulf of Aqaba. The gateway vestibule contains original Islamic inscriptions detailing the construction lineage. A small museum inside displays artifacts related to the 1917 Arab Revolt and the history of the site.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not located inside the fort itself but are available at the public facilities in the Great Arab Revolt Plaza next door. 4G and 5G cellular signals are strong throughout the site. Food and water are not sold inside, but numerous vendors and cafes operate along the adjacent waterfront promenade.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal visiting window is between November and March to avoid extreme heat. For photography, the late afternoon sun (around 4:00 PM) illuminates the stone façade and the Hashemite flag in the background. Summer visits should be concluded before 10:00 AM.

Facts & Legends

This fort was the site of a decisive victory on July 6, 1917, when Arab Revolt forces, advised by T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), seized the stronghold from the Ottomans after a surprise desert crossing. A local claim suggests Lawrence rode his camel into the sea near this spot to celebrate the capture of the port.