Aqaba history

Ancient Roots and First Mention

The history of Aqaba stretches back into deep antiquity, with the first settlements in this territory dating back to approximately 4000 BC. It began to take shape as a significant urban centre during the Iron Age. In historical sources, the city initially appeared under the biblical name Elat, and later, during the classical period, became known as Ayla (or Ailana). It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the region.

Factors of the City's Formation

The transformation of a small settlement into an important regional centre was driven by a unique convergence of circumstances:

• Geographical Location: The city is located at the northernmost point of the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, serving as a natural gateway between Asia and Africa.
• Intersection of Trade Routes: Aqaba served as a key node on the "Incense Route" and the "King's Highway", linking the Arabian Peninsula with Egypt and the Mediterranean.
• Resource Base: Proximity to rich copper deposits in the Wadi Araba valley made the city a centre for early metallurgy and mineral exports.

Early Culture and Economy

In the era of antiquity, Aqaba flourished as a cosmopolitan trading hub. The cultural and economic landscape was shaped by the influence of successive civilizations — from the Edomites and Nabataeans to the Romans and Byzantines.

• During the Roman period, the city became the terminus of the famous Via Traiana Nova road, built by Emperor Trajan to improve logistics and administration of the province of Arabia.
• The 10th Legion Fretensis was based here, ensuring stability and security for merchant caravans.
• The economy relied on the maritime trade of spices, glass, and copper, turning the city into a wealthy port connecting the Roman Empire with India and China.

• 1st Millennium BC — The Edomites establish the settlement of Elat, which becomes the first major trade hub in this territory.
• 106 AD — The Roman Empire annexes the city, renaming it Ayla and connecting it to the north via the famous Via Traiana Nova road.
• End of the 3rd Century — One of the world's oldest Christian churches is erected in the city; its foundations were discovered by archaeologists in modern times.
• 630 AD — The city peacefully transitions to Islamic rule, becoming an important resting point for pilgrims performing the Hajj.
• 1116 — Crusaders occupy this strategically important territory and fortify Pharaoh's Island to control sea routes.
• 1187 — The famous commander Salah al-Din (Saladin) recaptures Aqaba, returning the city to the sphere of influence of the Muslim world.
• Early 16th Century — Mamluk sultans significantly rebuild the Aqaba Fort, which would later become the city's landmark.
• 1917 — During the Great Arab Revolt, forces led by Sharif Hussein and Lawrence of Arabia liberate the city from the Ottoman garrison.
• 1946 — Following Jordan's independence, Aqaba begins to develop as the kingdom's only seaport.
• 1965 — Thanks to a land exchange agreement with Saudi Arabia, Aqaba's coastline expands, opening new opportunities for tourism.
• 2001 — The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) is established, transforming the city into a modern resort and logistics centre.

Modern Aqaba is the result of large-scale strategic decisions that transformed a historic port point into a world-class tourism and logistics hub. The city's development proceeded through several key stages, each of which radically changed its economic and architectural appearance.

• Expansion of the Coastline (1965). Through a land exchange, Jordan gained an additional 12 kilometres of coastline to the south. This event became the foundation for the tourism future: it was on this stretch that the Marine Park, major dive sites, and resort zones away from the city bustle were created.
• Creation of the Special Economic Zone (ASEZA). At the beginning of the 21st century, the city received a special administrative and tax status. The introduction of a duty-free trade regime and reduced taxes attracted billions in investment, turning Aqaba into a centre for shopping and business.
• Construction of "Ayla Oasis". This ambitious urban planning project changed the city's geography. The creation of a system of artificial lagoons allowed for the addition of 17 kilometres of new coastline within the city, opening opportunities for elite tourism and golf where there was once desert.
• Development of Tala Bay Resort. The formation of a gated tourist satellite town on the southern coast set new standards for architecture and service. The appearance of its own yacht marina and high-class hotels attracted a category of travellers who value privacy and comfort.
• Relocation of the Old Port. The strategic decision to move cargo facilities from the city centre to a new southern industrial zone radically improved the urban environment. The vacated territory in the centre (the Marsa Zayed project) was dedicated to the development of tourism, residential buildings, and entertainment, significantly improving the ecology of the bay.
• Modernisation of Air Travel. The development of King Hussein International Airport and the "open skies" policy allowed for the reception of budget and charter flights directly from Europe. This made the resort accessible to mass tourists, bypassing the need for transit through the capital.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Aqaba is a visual chronicle of the city's transformation from an ancient transit point into an ultra-modern resort. Unlike Amman with its hilly terrain and dense construction, Aqaba develops linearly along the Red Sea coast, combining the severity of past military fortifications with the futuristic forms of the present.

The urban fabric of the city is clearly divided into the historical centre, residential quarters of functional construction, and new gated tourist residences created on artificial lagoons and reclaimed lands.

Key architectural styles and eras:

• Early Islamic Urban Planning (Ruins of Ayla).
  The remains of the ancient city of Ayla demonstrate the planning principles of a misr (a military camp turned city) of the early Middle Ages. Foundations preserved here indicate a strict geometric grid of streets, the presence of a central square, and the use of local stone and clay. This is one of the oldest examples of Islamic urbanism outside the Arabian Peninsula.
• Islamic Fortification Architecture (Mamluk and Ottoman Periods).
  The brightest example is the Aqaba Fort. The structure is distinguished by its monumentality, thick stone walls, crenellated towers, and internal courtyard. The style is characterised by functionality and asceticism typical of military objects of that era, with elements of traditional stone masonry that protects against the heat.
• Jordanian Modernism and Neo-Traditionalism (20th Century).
  Residential and administrative buildings from the middle of the last century are executed in a functionalist style adapted to the climate. Buildings are clad in light limestone — "Jerusalem stone", which is mandatory for Jordanian cities. A landmark object is the Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque. This is a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture with a snow-white facade, elegant arches, stained glass windows, and towering minarets that dominate the city centre.
• Organic Architecture and High-Tech (21st Century).
  In new districts, such as Ayla Oasis, modern bionic architecture prevails. The Ayla Golf Academy building mimics desert dunes: wave-like concrete roofs of an orange hue blend with the landscape. Right angles are absent here, and forms are dictated by nature.
• Resort Orientalism (21st Century).
  The Tala Bay district represents a stylisation of a traditional Arab town with narrow streets, domes, wooden lattices (mashrabiya), and a terracotta colour scheme. This is an example of how modern construction technologies are masked as authentic antiquity to create a cosy atmosphere.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Aqaba

The history of Aqaba is inextricably linked with the names of great commanders, rulers, and strategists who shaped the destiny of this strategic crossroads between Asia and Africa.

• Thomas Edward Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)
  British officer, archaeologist, and writer.
  Played a decisive role during the Arab Revolt of 1917. It was he who devised the daring plan to attack the Ottoman garrison of Aqaba from the land, across the impassable Nefud desert, which was considered impossible. The success of this operation was a turning point in the region's history.
• Sharif Hussein bin Ali
  Emir of Mecca, leader of the Arab Revolt.
  The great-grandfather of the current King of Jordan and a key figure in the struggle for Arab independence from the Ottoman Empire. After the war, he lived in Aqaba; his former residence has today been converted into the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, serving as one of the city's main attractions.
• Salah al-Din (Saladin)
  Sultan of Egypt and Syria, legendary commander.
  In 1187, he liberated Aqaba (then called Ayla) from the Crusaders. His victory returned control of the vital pilgrim route to Mecca and the Red Sea trade routes to Muslims, and also led to the restoration of the city.
• Sultan Qansuh al-Ghawri
  One of the last Mamluk sultans.
  In the early 16th century (circa 1510–1517), he ordered a large-scale reconstruction of the Aqaba Fort. It was under him that the fortress acquired its current monumental appearance with characteristic towers. A carved cartouche with his name is still preserved above the entrance to the fort.
• Auda abu Tayi
  Chieftain of the Howeitat Bedouin tribe.
  A national hero whose bravery and support were pivotal to the success of capturing Aqaba in 1917. Uniting Bedouin forces with Lawrence's detachment, he led the cavalry charge, securing victory for the rebels.
• King Hussein bin Talal
  King of Jordan (reigned from 1952 to 1999).
  The architect of modern Aqaba. Thanks to his diplomatic efforts, a land exchange with Saudi Arabia was carried out in 1965, which extended Jordan's coastline and provided space for new beaches and a port. The city's international airport bears his name.