Qasr Azraq: The Castle that Was

The Ruins at Qasr Azraq

Outer Wall at Qasr Azraq

The oasis at Azraq has been a big attraction for people for thousands of years; there is evidence of human settlement at Azraq dating back 250,000 years. Azraq was a major stopping point on the same trade route that went through Petra (more on this later in the trip); it has been home to Nabataeans, Romans, Bedouin tribes, Byzantine, Umayyad and Ottoman empires. In the 2nd century CE, the Romans built a basalt stone castle at Azraq, the remains of which are still standing today.

Taken from the Inner Courtyard at Qasr Azraq

Some of the original sculptures and carvings could still be found around the castle, including bas relief animals and Latin script. I was wondering why they wrote in a continuous string of letters, with no spaces, and then it occurred to me that if I had to write on stone, I might want to save space too.

Remains of a Bas Relief Sculpture at Qasr Azraq

Remains of Latin Sign Post at Qasr Azraq

3-Ton Door at Qasr Azraq

The Romans also carved amazing doors in the castle, some as heavy as 3 tons (6,000 pounds or 2,722 kilograms). The doors sat in grooves carved into the framework and were still able to swing open and closed when we visited.

Grooves for a 3-Ton Door at Qasr Azraq

In the 13th century, Izz Ed Din Aybak, Emir of the Umayyad empire built a mosque in the center of the courtyard, using some of the original Roman stonework.

Exterior of the Mosque Built in the 13th Century

Mehrab in the Mosque:
A place for the Prayer Leader to Stand

Interior of the Mosque:
Original Roman Columns at the Base

And what trip would be complete if we didn't make Dr. Heidi nervous by climbing places we're not supposed to climb?

From Left to Right: Maggie, Rico and Kenten

In 1918, Qasr Azraq was also home to T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, who fought against the Ottomans during the Arab Revolt. The Arab revolt sought to establish independence from the Ottoman Empire and create a single Arab state from Syria to Yemen.

The Bedroom of T.E. Lawrence