Amman
Amman, the capital of Jordan is a fascinating city of contr ...
Read MoreJordan is one of the most beautiful Arab countries, and you can’t
know the amount of its beauty until you visit it. It is safe from all the
difficult events taking place in the world and this makes it an ideal place for
tourism and spends a special time.
The Kingdom is characterized by a great variety of tourist
products, despite the small area of Jordan, where historical sites and
archaeological spread from the north, where the archaeological cities of Jerash
and Um Qais passaging through the Jordan Great Rift Valley to the Baptism site,
located near the Jordan River and the lowest point in the world, the Dead Sea.
Farther south where the Red Rose city of Petra “The Nabateans capital and one
of the wonders of the world”. Also, Jordan is very safe and stable, despite to
what is happening in the region.
The tourism resources can be classified
into the following categories:
v Historical
and Archaeological Resources: This category encompasses the remnants of ancient
civilizations that once inhabited the region. Notable sites include the
globally renowned Petra (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven
Wonders of the World), the Jordan River, Mount Nebo, Madaba, Jerash, Amman, and
various medieval mosques and churches.
v Natural
Resources: This category includes areas characterized by significant landscapes
and seascapes. Notable destinations within this classification are Aqaba, Wadi
Rum, and Natural Reserves that extend across the country.
v Cultural
Resources: This category is primarily focused on cultural experiences,
including shopping districts, galleries, events, handcrafts, and festivals.
v Therapeutic
Resources: Comprising mainly locations like the Dead Sea, as well as areas
featuring waterfalls and hot springs, such as Ma’in Hot Springs and others.
These locations offer therapeutic and rejuvenating experiences for visitors.
The Desert Castles of Jordan
stand as a remarkable testament to the architectural and cultural splendor of
the Umayyad era, a period when Islamic architecture flourished due to
influences from builders and craftsmen hailing from regions as diverse as Egypt
and Mesopotamia. These exquisite structures, scattered throughout the eastern
desert of Jordan, offer a captivating glimpse into the early Islamic period and
the cosmopolitan world it embodied.
Stretching like a chain from
Damascus to Jericho in Palestine, these Desert Castles are a treasure trove of
historical and architectural wonders. Their purpose, however, has been a
subject of intrigue and debate among historians and scholars.
One theory suggests that these
desert palaces were not primarily designed for defensive purposes. Instead,
they were constructed as recreational retreats for the elite of the Umayyad
dynasty. The desert region, surprisingly rich with water sources, offered an
oasis of abundance with fruit, vegetables, and ample opportunities for hunting.
It provided the perfect setting for leisure and relaxation away from the
bustling cities.
Another theory proposes a more practical reason for the desert sojourns. It suggests that the Umayyads retreated to these castles to escape the epidemics that often plagued crowded urban centers, ensuring their safety and continuity. Moreover, these desert castles could have served as a means of maintaining connections with the Bedouin communities, who were the bedrock of their power. This theory underscores the strategic importance of these structures as more than just opulent retreats.
Regardless of their precise
purpose, the Desert Castles of Jordan remain a remarkable fusion of
architecture, history, and culture. Visitors today can explore these splendid
remnants of a bygone era, where the whispers of the past resonate through every
stone, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Umayyad dynasty and the
cosmopolitan influences that shaped it.
Here are some popular itineraries that include a visit to Desert Castles Alternatively, if you would like to include a visit to Desert Castles on a bespoke touring itinerary to Jordan, take a look at our private tours or drop us an E-mail for specific arrangements.