Qasr Burqu', Desert castle in Eastern Jordan.

Qasr Burqu' is a set of ruins in Jordan's black basalt desert, centred on a 5-metre tower probably of Roman origin, once about 13 metres tall. The early Islamic palace complex was built around this tower, and the enclosures of basalt were used to pen animals. The site sits on the edge of an oasis formed by a natural shallow basin that collects rainwater.

The fortress was built around 700 CE during the Umayyad Caliphate under al-Walid I, and the site was previously home to a Roman fort and a Byzantine monastery. These layers show how this place held strategic importance over centuries.

The fortress shows early Islamic building techniques that blend Roman engineering with Umayyad palace design. You can see how different architectural traditions came together at this location.

The site is remote in the desert with no modern amenities, so careful planning is needed before visiting. Bring water, food, and proper clothing for exploring this harsh terrain.

The site's tallest surviving structure is a 5-metre tower, probably Roman, once estimated at 13 metres; the early Islamic palace was built around it. Rock-cut inscriptions record Bedouin tribes camping here each spring through the medieval period.