The Qishla of Asfan

The Qishla of Asfan is a military fortress with thick defensive walls, ammunition storage areas, and strategically positioned points for light artillery near Jeddah. The structure clearly shows military planning with different sections for various purposes.

The fortress was built in the 18th century and served the Ottoman Empire as a military outpost to monitor the important road between Mecca and Medina. This strategic location made it a key point for regional control during that period.

The name Qishla comes from Turkish military terminology, showing Ottoman influence on the region's building design and defenses. You can see this connection directly in the structures and construction style here.

The site is located about 30 kilometers north of Jeddah and remains accessible for visitors interested in Ottoman military architecture. Plan to spend time exploring the different areas and construction details throughout the structure.

Inside are specialized chambers for storing weapons, showing how carefully the military planning was done. These rooms were designed to keep ammunition and weapons safe while remaining quickly accessible.

GPS coordinates: 21.91630,39.33990

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:04