Jordan Beyond Petra: Azraq Castle Tour: Lawrence of Arabia Slept Here

Описание: To get the most out of a trip to Jordan by hiring a professional driver like Ali Farash.
It is the best investment.
Hiring Ali gave me the flexibility to go anywhere I wanted.
He offered suggestions to visit places the average tourist would not know about.
He made every wish I had come true.
5 castles in 1 day.

🎙️ "Hi, I’m Julie from Jules Cruise Companion, and today’s adventure takes us deep into the eastern desert of Jordan, about 120 kilometers from Amman. We’re standing at the gates of a remarkable fortress built entirely from black basalt — welcome to Azraq Castle!"

🎙️ "This place has layers of history, but perhaps its most famous resident was none other than T.E. Lawrence — Lawrence of Arabia — who used this site as a base during the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire in 1917 and 1918."
🎙️ "But Azraq Castle is older than that. It was originally a Roman fort, later occupied by early Christian groups, and then transformed during the Crusader and Ayyubid periods — we’re talking 12th century, maybe earlier. Built entirely of basalt, it blends power with permanence."
🎙️ "So we’re stepping into the fortress now — and here’s something amazing right away: this front door isn't wood. It’s an actual solid slab of basalt — and it pivots right on its own socket. This was incredibly clever engineering for the time. You’ll see the pivot point — it's smooth, heavy, and it still works!"
🎙️ "Right above us, there’s a classic murder hole — defenders would pour hot oil, water, or even throw rocks down on invaders trying to break through. I mean, this was no joke. You had to really want it to get inside."
🎙️ "Once you pass that initial defense, you step into this central courtyard. Back in the day, this would’ve been alive with activity — tents, horses, supplies, and people. It’s surrounded by thick walls — some up to two meters — and every stone is local basalt, giving it this dramatic dark tone."
🎙️ "Look closely — see those corbels jutting from the walls? Those were used to support a second floor. These stone brackets acted like ancient architectural fingers holding up upper-level walkways and rooms."
🎙️ "And check this out — rooms are actually built into the thickness of the castle walls. The basalt kept them cool in the brutal summer heat and retained warmth in winter. These were used for storage, sleeping quarters, and even strategy rooms."

🎙️ "Now this… this could be one of the most important parts of Azraq Castle. In this very space, Lawrence of Arabia planned military operations with tribal leaders, coordinating attacks against the Ottoman railway lines. Just think — these walls heard the whispers of revolt and revolution."

🎙️ "Now as much as I’m not a fan of stairs, these little stone projections sticking out of the walls? That’s your staircase. Just basalt blocks poking out, and yes — I’m climbing them, because there’s a room up there I want to see."

🎙️ "Look at this blockwork — these aren’t rough stones. They were shaped, placed with precision, and stacked like a puzzle. This castle wasn’t just built — it was engineered."

🎙️ "So right in the middle of Azraq Castle is this square building that stands out. To one side is a semi-circular niche carved into the exterior wall. There’s no signage, but it could have been a chapel — it has that early Christian layout and architectural feel."

🎙️ "The presence of plinths and the structure's shape suggest it wasn’t a mosque, and it seems too detailed for simple storage. It’s fascinating that in a place with such military focus, you’d also find a space for worship — it adds another layer to the life lived here."

🎙️ "Everywhere you turn here, there’s something new to marvel at — a hidden room, a defensive structure, a strategic detail that tells the story of centuries of conflict, power, and resilience."

🎙️ "So if you ever have the chance, come to Azraq Castle — the basalt fortress of the eastern desert. Whether you’re a history lover, a Lawrence of Arabia fan, or just looking to see something that hasn’t been polished and packaged for mass tourism, this place is unforgettable."

🎙️ "This is Jules, signing off from Azraq. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real Jordanian adventures. See you at the next ruin!"
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