Aqaba Fortress
29°31′.08″N 35°0′5.54″E / 29.5166889°N 35.0015389°E
Aqaba Castle, Mamluk Castle or Aqaba Fort (قلعة العقبة): Located in Aqaba, Jordan. The fortress was originally built by Crusaders in the 12th century, and named Helim. Ayla (Aqaba) was recaptured by Saladin in 1187 and the fortress was destroyed. It was rebuilt in the early 16th century under Mamluk sultan Al-Ashraf Qansuh al-Ghawri.
In July 1916, Aqaba Fortress was the scene of a great victory of the Arab Revolt, when this heavily defended Turkish stronghold fell to a daring Arab camel charge. Lawrence of Arabia rode triumphantly from here to Cairo to report the good news to an astonished General Allenby. The port of Aqaba became a major supply base for the advancing Arab Revolt.[1]
The fort is located next to the Aqaba Flagpole which carries the flag of the Arab revolt again the Ottomans. Adjacent to the fort is the Aqaba Archaeological Museum. The museum next to the fort was once the residence of Sharif Hussein.
References
- ^ "PBS - Laurence of Arabia - Arab revolt". PBS - Laurence of Arabia - Arab revolt. PBS. Retrieved 10 January 2012.