A residential house, a city complex and a castle offer three different ways to explore Aqaba’s history: Ayla represents a walled Islamic city, the house of Sharif Hussein bin Ali reflects traditional architecture and changing uses, and Aqaba Castle has Mamluk origins. For orientation, it helps to distinguish between the city of Aqaba, with its historical themes, and Aqaba Governorate, which also includes Wadi Rum.

Ayla: dimensions and early Islamic history

The walled Islamic city of Ayla in Aqaba had an approximately rectangular layout measuring 170 × 140 metres and covered about 24,650 square metres. Together, the dimensions and area give a concrete impression of the scale of the complex. Its history dates back to the early Islamic period and includes, among others, the eras of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, the Umayyads, the Abbasids and the Fatimids. The figures help visitors see Ayla as more than just a name in a chronology: they represent a clearly defined urban complex, while the periods mentioned provide a broad historical context. For travellers interested in early urban history, the layout and its place in time come together here.

The House of Sharif Hussein bin Ali and Aqaba Castle

The House of Sharif Hussein bin Ali was the first residence built by the people of Aqaba. Its traditional Hejazi architecture marks it as a distinct chapter in the region’s building history. It served as the residence of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, was later used as a government building, and was subsequently converted into the Aqaba Archaeological Museum. The fully restored building serves as a national museum. It is one of Jordan’s important heritage sites and has both historical and political significance. Its progression from residence to government building to museum highlights how its use changed; its architecture and history are difficult to separate.

Aqaba Castle stands directly beside the house. Their proximity makes it possible to compare their historical timelines: 1917 is the year the residence was built, while the castle’s origins date back to the reign of the Mamluk Sultan Qanswah el-Ghawri (1501–1517). Thus, a specific construction year and a historical account of the castle’s origins can be considered side by side.

Wadi Rum: a different reason to travel

In Wadi Rum, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can take a 4WD tour and arrange a time through their camp or the visitor centre. When choosing what to see based on your interests, Ayla, the house and Aqaba Castle lead to urban history, architecture and changing uses; an off-road tour makes Wadi Rum a specific destination for this kind of activity. World Heritage status and the activity may weigh differently in your decision: the listing designates the site’s status, while the 4WD tour offers a specific reason to visit.

Discover more destinations: Kerak, Zarqa, Ma'an, Balqa Governorate, Mafraq Governorate, Amman, Madaba Governorate, Ajloun

For the main travel overview: Jordan.