Al-Azraq is a black basalt castle whose walls still carry mixed memories of history lies in the Azraq area in eastern Jordan, once very important for its strategic location and abundant water resources. The 'Qasr' or Castle carries the name of the area which means 'blue'. It is one of a number of castles that dot the road starting from northern Damascus until Jericho and is believed to be constructed by the Ummayads in the seventh and eighth centuries.
Many dynasties starting with the Romans left their marks on al-Azraq Castle in times of war, peace, and prosperity. The first fortress was built around 300 CE during the reign of Diocletian. More additions were made by the Byzantines and later the Ummayads who built a mosque in the central courtyard. A final re-design and construction work was made in 1237 by the Ayubids under Izz ad-Din Aybak fortifying the monument. Although a major earthquake in 1927 caused heavy damage to the building, it was reconstructed and renovated.
Structure and Architecture
The square castle is built with locally crafted basalt stones, evidence to man's ability to exploit resources in his surroundings successfully. One assumption is that the rare use of the basalt could be due to lack of wood sources in the region. The dark building stretches along a piece of land not far from the wetland reserve of al-Azraq.
Eighty-meter long walls topped by oblong towers on each corner encircle the castle with a large courtyard in the middle leading off to dining rooms and kitchens as well as horse stables. A solid granite slab that still turns on its hinges makes the gate to the entrance. The western tower also has one of these massive slabs.
Lawrence of Arabia Turns the Castle into Headquarters in World War 1
Above the entrance to the monument lies the room where T.E.Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) spent three months in the winter of 1917-1918 making the castle his desert headquarters as he prepared for the assault on Damascus during the war and the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Turks. Visitors usually take the rugged steps up to take a look at his room. This was the last military use of the ancient building in recent history. Ottomans placed a garrison in the Castle during their conquest in 1516.
The silent rooms of the castle, some with stone arches, still hold between their walls many untold stories of the history of the area, rough tales of conflicts, animosities, and peace deals but also of fine days of prosperity and glory when the Azraq region was a rich oasis on the path to neighboring countries.
Azza Munir - null
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