Châteaux du désert

Qasr Amra is an ancient castle located in the eastern desert of Jordan, built during the reign of the Umayyad caliph Yazid bin Abd al-Malik, who is considered to be the sixth caliph of the Umayyad successors. It is believed that the castle was constructed as a hunting lodge for the caliph.

Qasr Amra is one of the best-preserved desert buildings of the Umayyads and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle is part of a larger complex that served as a caravanserai, bathhouse, and hunting lodge. However, Qasr Amra is renowned for its rather risqué 8th-century frescoes depicting wine, women, and wild times, making it a unique and unforgettable castle experience.

Visitors to Qasr Amra can explore the castle and view its well-preserved carvings and frescoes, which offer a glimpse into the artistic and cultural traditions of the Umayyad period. The castle’s historical significance and stunning artwork make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich history and culture of Jordan.

Qaser Kharanah, also known as Al-Harrana Castle, is located in the Al-Harrana Valley and was resurrected during the reign of Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik. The square fortress has been restored several times due to the frequent invasions of various empires throughout history.

Despite not being a castle, Qaser Kharanah is an important Umayyad structure and is arguably the most photogenic of all the desert castles. Its imposing thick walls and dramatic size and shape make it a fascinating sight for visitors, situated off the main Azraq-Amman road.

While there is controversy about the castle’s function and purpose, it appears to have served as a meeting space for the Damascus elite and local Bedouin. Interestingly, Kharanah was not located on any major trade route, and there is no evidence of structures for water storage, which adds to the mystery surrounding its purpose.

The castle is named after the harra, the surrounding gravel plains, and lords over a harsh and barren moonscape that appears inhospitable for human habitation. However, inside the castle’s walls, visitors will find a calm and protected space in the internal courtyard that even the strong winds fail to penetrate. Overall, Qaser Kharanah’s unique history and impressive structure make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich culture and heritage of Jordan.

Qaser al-Hallabat is a significant archaeological site located in the Middle East. Originally built as a small Roman fortress to protect the Nova Trajana route, it was occupied in 106 AD and became a part of Limas Arabicus in the Arabian Peninsula. The castle was enlarged and protected by four towers in the fourth century, possibly during the reign of Diocletian.

Today, visitors to Qaser al-Hallabat can still see a fair amount of the masonry, as well as beautifully restored archways. The castle sits on the edge of the Eastern Desert and is a great starting point for learning about the region’s history. At its peak, Hallabat had elaborate baths, intricate frescoes and mosaics, a mosque, and several reservoirs, and was a hub for a thriving farming community.

Thanks to restoration work carried out under Spanish direction, a substantial part of the site has been restored to its former glory. As a result, visitors can get a glimpse of what this castle looked like in its prime.

Hammam al-Sarah, also known as as-Sarkh, is a bath complex located in Qasr al-Hallabat, about 55 km (34 mi) northeast of Amman, Jordan. The complex dates back to the 7th or 8th century and was originally built as part of a larger Umayyad palace.

Qasr Tuba is an ancient castle located in the eastern desert of Jordan, approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) northeast of Amman. The castle dates back to the early Islamic period, specifically the Umayyad dynasty, and was likely constructed in the early 8th century. It is one of several desert castles located in the region and is known for its impressive architectural features and historical significance.

The castle was likely constructed as a fortified palace and was likely used as a hunting lodge and agricultural estate. It features a large rectangular structure with two large courtyards and numerous rooms, some of which have been partially restored. The castle is constructed from local limestone and features intricate carvings and designs on its walls and arches.

One of the most impressive features of Qasr Tuba is its central dome, which is made of a unique mixture of mud and straw and is believed to be one of the largest such domes in the world. The dome is supported by a series of arches and columns and features a small opening at the top that allows light and air to enter the building.

The castle is also known for its impressive water system, which includes a large cistern for storing rainwater and an aqueduct system that brings water into the castle from a nearby spring. This system allowed the castle’s inhabitants to maintain a reliable source of water in the arid desert environment.

Today, Qasr Tuba is a popular tourist destination and is open to visitors who can explore the various rooms and courtyards of the castle. The site is maintained by the Department of Antiquities of Jordan, which has undertaken several restoration and conservation projects to preserve the castle’s unique architectural features. Visitors can also learn about the history of the Umayyad dynasty and the important role played by the desert castles in the region’s cultural and historical heritage.

Qasr Bayir is an ancient castle located in the eastern desert of Jordan, approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) southeast of Amman. The castle dates back to the early Islamic period, specifically the Umayyad dynasty, and was likely constructed in the early 8th century. It is one of several desert castles located in the region and is known for its unique architectural features and historical significance.

The castle is situated in a strategic location overlooking a natural spring, which provided a reliable source of water in the arid desert environment. It features a rectangular layout with several courtyards and numerous rooms, some of which have been partially restored. The castle is constructed from local limestone and features intricate carvings and designs on its walls and arches.

One of the most striking features of Qasr Bayir is its impressive gatehouse, which features a large horseshoe arch and a decorative niche above the entrance. The gatehouse is flanked by two towers, each of which has a series of arrow slits for defensive purposes. The castle also features a large central hall, which was likely used for public gatherings and receptions, as well as smaller rooms for private use.

The castle is also known for its sophisticated water system, which includes a large cistern for storing rainwater and a network of underground tunnels and channels for transporting water from the nearby spring to the castle. This system allowed the castle’s inhabitants to maintain a reliable source of water and irrigate nearby agricultural fields.

Today, Qasr Bayir is a popular tourist destination and is open to visitors who can explore the various rooms and courtyards of the castle. The site is maintained by the Department of Antiquities of Jordan, which has undertaken several restoration and conservation projects to preserve the castle’s unique architectural features. Visitors can also learn about the history of the Umayyad dynasty and the important role played by the desert castles in the region’s cultural and historical heritage.

Qasr Al-Mshatta is an impressive archaeological site located in the eastern part of Jordan, approximately 35 km south of the capital city, Amman. This site was once a palace of the Umayyad caliphs and is considered one of the most significant early Islamic architectural achievements. The palace was constructed in the early 8th century CE under the orders of the Umayyad caliph Al-Walid II, but was never completed.

The site covers an area of approximately 40 hectares and contains the remains of several buildings, including a main palace complex, a mosque, a bathhouse, and several other structures. The palace complex is the most well-preserved part of the site and features a large rectangular courtyard surrounded by several rooms and halls. The exterior walls of the palace are adorned with intricately carved stone reliefs depicting hunting scenes, animals, and floral motifs.

One of the most striking features of Qasr Al-Mshatta is its ornate facade, which is covered with a complex pattern of stone carvings. The facade is divided into panels, each of which contains intricate geometric designs and patterns. The carvings are highly detailed and include depictions of mythical creatures, hunting scenes, and floral motifs.

Despite its historical and architectural significance, Qasr Al-Mshatta has suffered from neglect and damage over the centuries. The palace was abandoned shortly after construction, and over time, the site was used as a quarry for building materials. In the early 20th century, the German archaeologist Ernst Herzfeld conducted extensive excavations at the site and removed several of the carved stone panels from the palace facade. Today, these panels are on display at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany.

Despite its current state of disrepair, Qasr Al-Mshatta remains a significant historical and cultural landmark in Jordan. In recent years, efforts have been made to restore the site and make it accessible to visitors. The site is currently open to the public, and visitors can explore the remains of the palace complex and admire the intricate stone carvings that decorate its exterior walls.

Al Qastal is an ancient site located in central Jordan, approximately 17 km southwest of the capital city, Amman. The site is believed to have been inhabited continuously from the Bronze Age to the Islamic period, and it played an important role in the region’s history.

During the Iron Age, Al Qastal was a fortified city that served as a major center of power and trade in the region. The city’s strategic location on a hilltop overlooking a major trade route made it an important stopover for caravans traveling between Arabia, Syria, and Palestine. The city was also a center of worship for the god Baal, and several temples dedicated to him were constructed on the site.

In the 7th century CE, Al Qastal played a pivotal role in the early Islamic period. The city was the site of a major battle between the Arab forces led by the future caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab and the Byzantine forces. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Arab forces, and it marked the beginning of the Muslim conquest of the Levant.

Today, visitors to Al Qastal can explore the site’s impressive archaeological remains, including the remains of the ancient city walls, temples, and other structures. The site also features a museum that showcases artifacts from the different periods of its history. One of the most impressive structures on the site is the ancient fortress, which is believed to have been built during the Iron Age and was used as a military outpost during the Islamic period.

Al Qastal is an important historical and cultural landmark in Jordan, and its rich history and impressive archaeological remains make it a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring the country’s ancient past.

Qasr Mshash is an ancient archaeological site located in southern Jordan and is classified as one of the Early Islamic “Desert Castles.” It was likely used as a waystation for caravans and is situated near a variety of hydraulic installations, including reservoirs, cisterns, and dams. The central part of the site consists of a caravanserai-like building, a bath, and a large reservoir buried in sand, with surrounding domestic structures forming a small settlement. Investigations into the water supply have revealed that only the winter rains were used, and further research is necessary to determine the conduits to the water storage facilities. Qasr Mshash is part of a cooperation project between the Orient Department of the German Archaeological Institute and the Jordan Department of Antiquities, with the aim of documenting all archaeological sites within a radius of 10 km from the settlement and creating a new plan of the entire site.

Qasr Burqu is an ancient ruin located in the Eastern Desert of Jordan, 80km away from the Iraqi border. It is difficult to reach and requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a guide. Qasr Burqu is home to a lake that was created by an ancient dam built by the Romans to secure water for caravans. The area is also a wildlife preserve, with various animal species such as gazelles, desert hares, and foxes. Qasr Burqu is a popular site to visit in Jordan and is recommended to be included in travel plans. The ruins contain inscriptions in Greek and Arabic, dating back to the 3rd century and the Umayyad era.

Qasr Al-Muwaqqar is a former Umayyad complex located 20 km from Amman in Jordan. Its remains are used as livestock pens and have been subjected to rubbish dumping. The Qasr was likely used by caravans passing through the area, and its reservoir was built by order of the Caliph Yazid II. A few subterranean vaulted structures, low walls, and paving remain today. The site also contains ruins of a Byzantine settlement. A stone column capital salvaged from the site and now in the Archaeological Museum on the Amman Citadel bears a Kufic inscription revealing the origin of the reservoir.