Ajloun, Sept. 14 (Petra) -- Perched atop Mount Auf in northern Jordan, Ajloun Castle remains one of the Kingdom's most iconic historical landmarks, blending military architecture, cultural memory, and natural beauty.
Built in 1184 AD (580 AH) by order of Ayyubid commander Izz Al-Din Usama bin Munqidh, a general under Salah Al-Din Al-Ayyubi (Saladin), the fortress served as a defensive stronghold against Crusader incursions and a surveillance post over vital trade routes.
According to Ajloun Antiquities Director Akram Al-Atoum, the castle features a 20-meter-deep dry moat, a movable drawbridge, arrow slits, and oil chutes, innovations that reflect the advanced military engineering of the time. Constructed from solid limestone and distinguished by its arches and vaults, the castle stands not only as an archaeological site but as a symbol of resilience and identity for the local community.
Academic Khaled Al-Jubaili noted that the fortress also embodies Islamic architectural ingenuity of the Middle Ages, with fortified towers, water reservoirs, and defensive chambers. Excavations have uncovered remains of a Byzantine church near the site, evidence of its continued use across civilizations.
Tourism activist Rakan Al-Suyouf highlighted the castle’s strategic location overlooking Ajloun’s green valleys and forests, which draw large numbers of visitors, particularly on weekends and holidays, contributing to local economic activity. Meanwhile, Yusuf Al-Sumadi of the "Nasmah Shawq" tourism initiative stressed the need to expand cultural and environmental programs linking the castle to surrounding forests and heritage sites.
Located about 73 kilometers northwest of Amman, Ajloun Castle offers panoramic views that combine history with nature, reinforcing its position as both a national treasure and a key attraction for visitors from around the world.
//Petra// RZ
