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HISTORY AND SITES
Take time off
from the sun and fun and learn about the resort’s
history, which dates back to the fourth millennium
BC. Tel al-Khalifeh, inside the Jordanian-Eilat
border, was initially identified with the
Eziongerber, mentioned in the Holy Scriptures,
where King Solomon built a fleet that sailed to
Ophir (Somalia) and returned with 420 talents of
gold. But recent excavations indicate that the
site was found after the 8th Century BC and served
commercial and industrial purposes: for smelting
copper and as a halting place for caravans. During
the 1st Century BC, the Nabteans, who raised
livestock and pirated merchants’ ships in the Red
Sea, inhabited Ayla. During the same time,
merchants from Ailana were found in South Arabia
(Yemen) buying frankincense and myrrh. From 106
AD, rulers and civilizations came and went,
starting from the Romans, to the Sultans and
Islamic rule.
Just prior to Islam, the
Ghassanid Phylarchs (a tribe from western Arabia)
controlled Ayla on behalf of Byzantium, its
bishop at Ayla attended the Council of Nicaea in
North Carolina State University, located the
Nabatean-Roman town of Ayla two kilometers from
Tell Al-Khlifeh , in the circular area of modern
Aqaba.
In one of the most exciting
discoveries in recent times, archaeologists in
Aqaba have unearthed what they believe to be the
world’s oldest church, from the late 3rd Century
AD. It is slightly older than the Church of the
Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the Church of
Nativity in Bethlehem, both of which date back to
the 4th Century. The church is found on a plot of
land east of Istiklal Street (see map). It is now
back-filled with earth for protection.
The walled city of Ayla
was
constructed during the
early days of the Islamic era—a rare example of
early Islamic urbanization policy. Its layout is
marked by axial streets leading to four gates and
intersecting in the middle, where a tetrapylon
(four interconnection arches) was set up, thus
recalling the plan of roman legionary camps.
Unearthed in the mid-1980s by an America
–Jordanian archaeological team are the remains of
Ayla, located along the main water front road,
near the hotel district.
Islamic Ayla
benefited from the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and
continued to prosper until the end of the 12th
Century when the city suffered from a series of
earthquakes, Bedouin raids, and Crusader
attacks.
The Aqaba fort was rebuilt in 1587
AD under one of the last Mamluke Sultans and has
been substantially altered several times since
then. The Hashemite Coat of Arms was placed above
the main doorway during the Great Arab Revolt of
World War I, during which the Turks were driven
out of the city. Running around the first bay of
the passageway is a band of Arabic inscription.
written in Nakshi character, which gives the name
of the Mamluke Sultan, Qansweh Al-Ghuri (1501-1516
AD), responsible for building the fort
By
the beginning of the 16th Century both Aqaba and
the island had been ruled by the Ottoman Empire.
The city declined in status and for about 400
years remained a simple fishing village of little
significance. During World War I, Ottoman forces
withdrew from the town after the Arab Army of
Sharif Hussein bin Ali, the Hashemite Leader of
the Great Arab Revolt, attacked them. T.E.
Lawrence, popularly known as Lawrence of Arabia,
took part in this
campaign.
 CLIMATE
Surrounded
by rugged purplish mountains, Aqaba enjoys
formidable weather throughout the year. In the
winter, while Amman shivers at 5 C, the
temperature hovers steadily around 20 C. and while
spring and fall are the best times to visit Aqaba,
the fresh cool breeze coming in from the sea
alleviates the summer’s temperatures, which could
reach a high of 40 C.
Surrounded by rugged
purplish mountains, Aqaba enjoys formidable
weather throughout the year. In the winter, while
Amman shivers at 5 C, the temperature hovers
steadily around 20 C. and while spring and fall
are the best times to visit Aqaba, the fresh cool
breeze coming in from the sea alleviates the
summer’s temperatures, which could reach a high of
40 C.
WATER SPORTS
 The tranquil
waters of this port-resort make water sports
enjoyable. Scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing,
windsurfing and fishing are just some of the
popular activities in Aqaba. The Gulf of Aqaba is
a world known diving area. Aqaba itself offers
eager divers the chance to experience virgin coral
reefs, rare marine life forms, and encounters with
friendly sea animals like turtles and
dolphins.
MARINE LIFE
Some of
the many exotic marine animals and coral reefs are
nestled beneath the warm, crystal clear waters of
the Red Sea. Sting and manta rays, clown, angel,
butterfly and lionfish, and occasionally turtles,
eels and dolphins are spotted amid the resort’s
exquisite coral reefs. Over 140 species of coral
and at least 40 species of fish and other
invertebrates have been identified in Aqaba,
creating a colourful kaleidoscope. This, combined
with the Gulf’s depth and its isolation of sea
currents, which minimize turbulence and improve
visibility, make it one of the most rewarding
scuba diving and snorkelling spots in the world.
TRANSPORTATION
 Transportation
within Aqaba is easy. Taxis, rental cars and buses
are easily accessible. From Aqaba, there are JETT
and Alpha buses, public busses, and taxis to Amman
and Wadi Rum. Royal Wings Airlines has daily
flights between Aqaba and Amman. The 10km drive
from the Jordanian-Israel border crossing to the
city costs approximately three Jordanian Dinars.
Taxis within the city are usually not metered. A
minimum of half to one Jordanian Dinars is
expected
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