Ancient Islamic City of Ayla, Archaeological site in Aqaba, Jordan.
The Ancient Islamic City of Ayla comprises rectangular stone fortifications roughly 170 meters by 145 meters in size, surrounded by numerous towers that once protected the perimeter. These structural remains give visitors a clear sense of how the settlement was organized and defended during its active years.
The city was founded around 650 AD as a port settlement under Caliph Othman Ben Afen and became a crucial trading hub for the region. It remained active through the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Fatimid periods before finally being abandoned around 1116.
The central mosque served as a gathering place for prayer and learning, where community members came together for both religious practice and scholarly discussion. Its layout reveals how central religious life was to the daily rhythm of the settlement.
The site is located near King Hussein Street and sits close to the waterfront, making it easy to reach and explore on foot. Information panels placed throughout help explain the visible remains and offer context for what you see while walking around.
Underwater surveys near the site continue to reveal fragments linked to the ancient port mentioned in historical texts, showing that the city's influence extended beyond its visible walls. These discoveries suggest the settlement had deeper maritime connections than ground-level remains alone indicate.
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