Overview:

are a group of spectacular fortresses, castles, and desert palaces dating from the Umayyad era (7th century AD), when the Arabs first settled in Jordan. These well-preserved examples of Islamic architecture are located in various parts of the country, and served as important military and administrative centers during the Umayyad period. Today, the fortified buildings and exquisite details such as mosaics, carvings, and inlaid designs offer visitors a glimpse into the splendor of the period. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Jordan
Prominent Features:

, there are five main desert castles that are commonly referred to as Qasr. These are: Qasr Al-Azraq, Qasr Al-Hallabat, Qasr Al-Mushatta, Qasr Al-Muwaqqar, and Qasr Al-Qastal. These impressive monuments have been preserved and are now open to the public for tours and exploration. Each castle has distinct features that make it unique, such as architectural designs, wall paintings, and inscriptions written in various languages. The castles also feature prominent and impressive gateways, towers, and defensive walls. These sites were constructed during the Early Islamic period and were often used as fortress residences, military camps, guard posts, and garrisons. They served as symbolic displays of wealth and power and were used to protect the region from invaders. This national monument of Jordan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Qasr Al-Azraq Qasr Al-Azraq is a desert castle in Jordan, located in the city of Azraq. This castle is believed to have been built in the 3rd century as a Roman military fort, and then rebuilt by the Umayyad caliphs during the 8th century. During the Ottoman period, the castle was used as a military camp for the Ottomans and their forces. In the 20th century, it was used by Lawrence of Arabia and his forces during Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. Qasr Al-Hallabat Qasr Al-Hallabat is a desert castle located in the northeastern Jordan, in the town of Hallabat. It is believed to have been built in the 8th century by the Umayyad dynasty. The castle is composed of two parts: an inner keep and an outer fortification. During the 11th century, it was used as defense against Bedouin invasions. Later on, the castle was briefly used by the British Mandate forces during the Arab Revolt against the Ottomans. Qasr Al-Mushatta Qasr Al-Mushatta is a desert castle located in the southern part of Jordan near the town of Mushatta. This castle was built by Caliph Al-Walid I in the 8th century as part of an Umayyad palace complex. The castle was designed in a way that the focal point was the great Mushatta Dome, which is the largest standing Umayyad architectural structure in the world. The castle also included a mosque, an audience hall, and a residential area for its inhabitants. Qasr Al-Muwaqqar Qasr Al-Muwaqqar is a desert castle located in Jordan near the city of Madaba. This castle was built by the Umayyad dynasty in the 9th century as part of an administrative center. The castle was designed in a way to protect the nearby town against Bedouin invasions. It included two towers and an underground tunnel system, which were connected to the main palace complex. Qasr Al-Qastal Qasr Al-Qastal is an ancient fortification located in Jordan near the Dead Sea. It was built by the Umayyad dynasty in the 8th century and was used as a defense against Byzantine attacks. The castle included a small garrison, a mosque, and an outer fortification with two towers. The castle was later abandoned during the Mamluk period and fell into disrepair. You must visit one of these historical places in Jordan on your Jordan tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Desert Castles of Jordan are some of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Middle East. They are a number of early Islamic monuments located in the eastern desert region of Jordan and built mostly during the Umayyad Caliphate in the 8th century CE. 2. The most famous of these structures are Qasr Al-Azraq and Qasr Al-Mushatta, both of which are located near the city of Azraq and are known for their wealth of sculptures and decorations. They are also the best preserved of the original Umayyad castles. 3. Qasr Al-Hallabat is another castle, located near Suwaqah, which is known for its large, round towers and is the best preserved of the Umayyad forts. 4. Qasr Al-Muwaqqar, located near the Dead Sea and the town of Madaba, is a large rectangular fortress that was once the Umayyad provincial headquarters. It is known for its large size and complex structure. 5. Qasr Al-Qastal, located near the city of Tafilah, is a smaller structure, but one of the most decorated of the Umayyad castles with intricate mosaics and sculptures. 6. These castles were constructed to serve a variety of functions, such as military bases, trading stations, and caravansaries, as well as residences. 7. Each of the castles is unique in its structure and decoration, with some being more ornate than others. 8. The Desert Castles of Jordan are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit one of the famous monuments of Jordan with your friends and family.