An-Nekhel Fortress, Military fortress in Sinai Peninsula, Egypt.
An-Nekhel Fortress is a square stone structure in the Sinai Peninsula built with high defensive walls, towers, and multiple gates for protection. A large water reservoir at 408 meters elevation demonstrates the strategic design needed to sustain occupants in this remote location.
Sultan Al-Ashraf Qansuh Al-Ghuri built the fortress in the 16th century as a defensive stronghold to control the region. Ottoman forces took control after Sultan Selim's conquest of Egypt in 1517 and adapted the structure to suit their military needs.
The fortress served as a vital waypoint on the traditional pilgrimage route to Mecca, providing protection and water to travelers crossing the Sinai Peninsula. Visitors can still sense how this place once supported thousands of pilgrims on their spiritual journey.
The fortress sits in a remote location across the Sinai Peninsula and requires careful planning before visiting due to limited facilities in the surrounding area. Travelers should prepare for the challenging terrain and come equipped for the isolated setting.
Turkish forces deliberately destroyed sections of the fortress during World War I, leading to its abandonment by British military units in 1917. The scars from this wartime destruction remain visible on the walls today.
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