Ajloun Castle (Qal'at Ar-Rabad)
The genius of medieval Arab military
The road to ‘Ajloun, located 25 kilometers west of Jerash and 73 kilometers from Amman, winds through fertile green hillsides lined with olive groves. The main attraction in ‘Ajloun is the stronghold of Qala’at al-Rabadh, a fine example of medieval Arab/Islamic military architecture. The castle was built in 1184-1185 CE by the Izzeddin Usama Munqith (The nephew of Salah al-Din Al Ayyoubi - known in the West as Saladin).
Inside, the castle is a labyrinth of vaulted passages, winding staircases, and long ramps, enormous rooms that served as dining halls, dormitories and stables. The castle hosts a total of 11 water cisterns and the private quarters of the Lord of the Castle.
Ajloun’s strategic position commanding the Jordan Valley, as well as the three small valleys leading to it, made it an important link in the defensive chain against the Crusaders, who spent decades unsuccessfully trying to capture the castle and nearby village. The fortress is built upon the apex of the hill above ‘Ajloun, and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day you can see the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, the West Bank, and Lake Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee).
The original fortress had four corner towers, with arrow slits and a 16-meter-wide moat. It was enlarged in 1214-15 CE by the Mamluk officer Aibak ibn Abdullah, who added a new tower in the southeast corner and constructed the main one. In 1229, the castle fell to the Emirate of Karak. In 1260, it was largely destroyed by the Mongol invaders, but was reconquered and rebuilt almost immediately by the Mamluk Sultan Baybars. The southwest tower was constructed at that time. During Mamluk times, Qala’at al-Rabadh was one in a network of beacons and pigeon posts that allowed messages to be transmitted from Baghdad to Cairo in only twelve hours
Nearby site
Ajloun Nature Reserve, a 13 square kilometer protected area of outstanding beauty and diverse wildlife. Ajloun Reserve is open for visitors from the 1st of April until the 31st of October; within the reserve are two nature trails and chalet-style accommodation.