Ayla | Aqaba

Information

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

Ayla, Aqaba, Jordan, Asia

Ayla is the excavated remains of the first Islamic city built outside the Arabian Peninsula, established during the Rashidun Caliphate circa 650 AD. The ruins are located in the northern hotel district of Aqaba, positioned between the shoreline and the modern city center.

Visual Characteristics

The site consists of low-standing limestone and sandstone wall foundations arranged in a rectangular 165 by 140-meter grid. Identifiable features include the remains of four fortified gates, two main intersecting streets (Cardo and Decumanus), a congregational mosque, and several residential blocks. The masonry utilizes a mix of local stone and repurposed Roman-era materials, with most walls reaching a height of 1 to 2 meters above the current ground level.

Location & Access Logistics

The ruins are situated on King Hussein Street, nestled between the Mövenpick Resort and the InterContinental Hotel. Access is via a marked pedestrian entrance directly off the main road, approximately 1km northwest of the Aqaba city center. There is no dedicated parking lot for the site; visitors typically use street parking or walk from nearby hotels. The site is a 15-minute walk from the downtown bus station.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Ayla was founded by the Caliph Uthman ibn Affan as a strategic port and "misr" (garrison town) to facilitate trade and Hajj pilgrimage between Egypt, Syria, and the Hejaz. It was constructed on a flat coastal plain characterized by sandy soil and a high water table, which eventually led to the preservation of its lower architectural strata after the city was abandoned following the Crusader invasions and an earthquake in 1068 AD.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is a self-guided walking tour along the original street grid. Key points of interest include the Sea Gate (southwest), the Egyptian Gate (northwest), and the foundations of the 8th-century mosque which shows multiple phases of expansion. Interpretive signage provides historical context for the structural remains of the marketplace and the governor's residence.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site is an open-air archaeological park with no restrooms, visitor center, or indoor facilities. There is limited shade provided by a few palm trees on the periphery. 5G cellular signal is excellent throughout the ruins. Food and water are available at the numerous hotels and convenience stores immediately surrounding the perimeter fence.

Best Time to Visit

The site is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid direct sun exposure, as there is no overhead cover. For photography, the late afternoon light provides high contrast on the stone foundations. The ruins are accessible year-round, but the winter months (November to February) offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploration.

Facts & Legends

Archaeologists discovered a hoard of 32 gold dinars within the ruins, dating to the Abbasid period, which indicates the city's former wealth as a maritime hub. A unique feature of Ayla is that it was built as a "closed" city with a definitive plan, unlike many ancient cities that grew organically, making it a "textbook" example of early Islamic urban planning.