History

  AQABA FORT The Crusaders occupied the area in the 12th century & built their fortress of Helim, which remains relatively well-preserved today. By 1170 Aqaba had been conquered by Salah Eddin. Aqaba Fort was rebuilt in the 14th century under one of the last Mamluk sultans, Qansah al- Ghouri & has been substantially altered several times since then. By the beginning of the 16th century Aqaba had been overtaken by the Ottoman Empire. The city then declined in status and for 400 years or so it remained a simple fishing village of little significance. During World War I, however, Ottoman forces were forced to withdraw from the town after a raid by Lawrence of Arabia and the Arab forces of Sharif Hussein. The Hashemite Coat of Arms was placed above the main doorway of Aqaba Fort. AQABA’S ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM Located adjacent to Aqaba Fort & housed in the historical residence of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, leader of the Great Arab Revolt & great-grandfather of King Hussein. It displays a number of exhibits and plenty of information on the old city.     Open ( 08h00 – 16h00 )