Azraq Castle Mosque
Al Mafraq
Qasr al-Azraq, known as the Blue Fortress, is a large basalt fortress located near the Azraq oasis in eastern Jordan. Its strategic importance derives from the oasis, the only permanent water source in the surrounding desert. The fortress has a square layout with 80-meter-long walls enclosing a central courtyard, where a small mosque, possibly dating back to Umayyad times, is situated. The fortress's current form dates from a major reconstruction by the Ayyubids in 1237 CE using locally quarried black basalt, giving it a distinctive dark appearance. Each corner of the fortress features oblong towers, and the main gate is a massive granite slab that pivots smoothly on stone sockets lubricated with palm tree oil. The site has been used by various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, Umayyads, Ottomans, and notably by T.E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt in 1917-18, who used it as his desert headquarters. Visitors today can explore much of the fortress, including the mosque, and appreciate its unique architecture and historical significance as a desert military hub.
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Tip: The best time to visit Azraq Castle Mosque is during the cooler months to avoid the desert heat. It is advisable to join a guided tour or day trip from Amman that includes other desert castles like Qasr Kharana and Qasr Amra. Tickets can often be bought on site, but checking for any available discounts or combined tickets for the desert castles is recommended. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water as the site is in a remote desert area with limited facilities.
Interesting facts
- •The fortress's main gate consists of enormous granite slabs weighing up to 3 tons each, which pivot on stone sockets lubricated with palm tree oil to enable movement despite their weight.
- •The small mosque inside the central courtyard may date back to Umayyad times, making it a rare example of early Islamic architecture within a military fortress.
- •T.E. Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia, used Qasr al-Azraq as his desert headquarters during the Arab Revolt in 1917-18, an experience he detailed in his book 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom'.
- •Carvings of a Roman board game are preserved in the pavement of the castle's vestibule area.
- •The fortress is constructed entirely from local black basalt, which is unusual compared to other regional buildings typically made from lighter stone.
History
The site of Qasr al-Azraq has been occupied since antiquity due to its strategic location by the Azraq oasis.
The Romans first established a military presence here around 200 CE, building a stone structure from local basalt.
This was followed by use and modifications by the Byzantine and Umayyad empires.
In 1237 CE, the Ayyubid emir 'Izz ad-Din Aybak extensively renovated and fortified the fortress into its present form.
During the Ottoman period, the fortress served as a garrison.
In the early 20th century, T.E.
Lawrence used it as his base during the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule, further cementing its historical significance.
Place Guide
Central Courtyard and MosqueUmayyad period (7th–8th century)
The heart of the fortress is a large square courtyard with a small mosque at its center, believed to be from the Umayyad period. This mosque is unique as it is one of the few early Islamic religious structures integrated within a desert fortress.
Main Gate and VestibuleAyyubid renovation, 1237 CE
The fortress's main entrance features massive granite doors weighing up to 3 tons each, which pivot on stone sockets lubricated with palm tree oil. The vestibule beyond the gate contains carved pavement showing the remains of a Roman board game, reflecting the site's long history.
Corner TowersAyyubid period, 13th century
Each of the fortress's four corners is reinforced with oblong towers used historically for defense and surveillance. These towers provided strategic vantage points over the surrounding desert and oasis.
T.E. Lawrence's Office1917–18
Located above the entrance gatehouse, this chamber served as the office of T.E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt. It symbolizes the fortress's role in early 20th-century Middle Eastern history.
Contact
Phone: 07 7708 0141
