Ajloun
| Ajloun مدينة عجلون Ajlun |
|
|---|---|
| — City — | |
 |
|
| Nickname(s): Jordan Green | |
 Ajloun
|
|
| Coordinates: 32°21′N 35°44′E / 32.35°N 35.733°E | |
| Country | Jordan |
| Governorate | Ajloun |
| Municipality established | 1920 |
| Area | |
| • City | 1.5 sq mi (4 km2) |
| • Metro | 11.6 sq mi (30 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,508 ft (760 m) |
| Population (2004) | |
| • City | 8,200 |
| • Metro | 55,000 |
| Time zone | GMT (UTC+2) |
| • Summer (DST) | +3 (UTC) |
| Postal code | 26810 |
| Area code(s) | +(962)2 |
| Website | http://www.ajloun.gov.jo |
Ajloun also written Ajlun (Arabic: عجلون, ‘Ajlūn) is the capital town of the Ajloun Governorate (although it is not the largest city in the governorate). A hilly town in the north of Jordan, located 76 kilometers (around 47 miles) north west of Amman. It is noted for its impressive ruins the 12th century castle which known nowadays as Ajlun Castle. The Ajlun Governorate has a population of over 142000 widespread in twenty seven villages and towns and area about 420 km2. The population of Ajlun Governorate is mainly composed of the following tribes:Al-Share, Al-Zghoul , Al-Qudah, Al-Momani , Al-smadi , Al-Freihat , Al-Khatatbah , and others. Haddad and Rabadi are the main Christian tribes in Ajloun. Ajloun Governorate has four seats in the national parliament one of which is dedicated for the Christian minority.
Contents |
[edit] Districts of Metropolitan Ajloun
there are five districts in the Greater Ajloun Municipality:
| District | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ajloun |
| 2 | Ain Janna |
| 3 | Anjara |
| 4 | ِSakhra |
| 5 | Rawabi |
| 6 | Safa |
| 7 | Khet Al-Laban |
| 8 | Mrrajjam |
[edit] Demographics
According to the Jordan national census of 2004, the population of the town of Ajloun was 7,289. For Ajloun Governorate was about 131,000. Muslims make up the majority of Ajloun's population, there are Christian minority groups in the city as well. The governorate of Ajloun is highly agricultural, as the population distribution tells.
There is a theory that the town's name is connected with the Moabite King Eglon mentioned in the Bible, though the precise derivation is obscure.
Ajlun Castle is located on the site of an old monastery. It was built in 1184 by Izz al-Din Usama, a general in the army of Saladin. The castle controlled traffic along the road connecting Damascus and Egypt. The fortress marks the furthest limit of Frankish incursions during the Crusades. The Mamluks added a prominent tower to the castle. It was captured by the Mongols in 1260 and was partially destroyed in the process.
Located in the center of Ajloun is the Great Ajlun Mosque. This mosque is one of the oldest extant in Jordan and dates back around 800 years. In 2007 work began on improving the mosque to allow tourists to visit it.
Tell Mar Elias is located just outside the city limits. This site contains Byzantine mosaics which are uncovered during the summer months for tourists. Ajloun National Private University is the only university in Ajloun Governorate.[1]
The Ajloun Forest Reserve is also located nearby.
[edit] Climate and Topography
The Ajlun mountains are famous for their lush vegetation and thick green forests and a good place for hikes. Its highest mountain peaks reach around 1268 meters above sea level and Ajloun mountains receive a few snow storms every year usually in winter season from December to March. It's one of the country's most beautiful regions. Ajlun has a Mediterranean weather rainy and snowy in winter season and pleasant in the summer time. File:/discover/previews/936/50186082.JPG
[edit] Gallery
-
Ajlun mountains
-
Breakfast at Ajlun
-
Ajlun Castle inside
-
Ajlun Castle inside
-
One of watchtowers
-
Ajlun Castle Roof
-
Forests surround Ajloun
-
Downtown Ajloun
-
The Great Ajloun Mosque is one of the oldest in Jordan and dates back more than 600 years.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ajloun |
