Aqaba Castle

The Aqaba Fort is a fortress originally built by Crusaders in the 12th century and named Helim. Ayla (ancient Aqaba) was recaptured by Saladin in 1187 and the fortress was destroyed, until it was rebuilt in the early 16th century under the Mamluk Sultan Al-Ashraf Qansuh Al-Ghuri. In July 1916, the fortress was the location to a victory of the Arab Revolt, when this heavily defended Turkish stronghold fell to an Arab camel charge. Lawrence of Arabia rode triumphantly from here to Cairo to report the good news to General Allenby. The port of Aqaba became a major supply base for the advancing Arab Revolt. The fort is located next to the Aqaba Flagpole, which carries the flag of the Arab revolt against the Ottomans. Adjacent to the fort is the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, which was once Al-Sharif Hussein's residence.