{"id":31969,"date":"2022-04-19T10:36:49","date_gmt":"2022-04-19T07:36:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/one-city-three-days-aqaba\/"},"modified":"2022-06-24T14:36:31","modified_gmt":"2022-06-24T11:36:31","slug":"one-city-three-days-aqaba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/one-city-three-days-aqaba\/","title":{"rendered":"One city, three days : Aqaba"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s go: History of Aqaba<\/b><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"Wadi
Wadi Rum, Aqaba.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With evidence of settlements dating to 4000 BC, Aqaba was an important port city dominated by various kingdoms throughout its history, including the Greek, Roman and Byzantine empires. It fell to Muslim armies in the seventh century and then to the Crusaders in the tenth century. In the twelfth century, the area was captured by Saladin, the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty. In 1516, following the Egypt campaign of Sultan Yavuz Selim the city was under Ottoman rule until the First World War. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the Hejaz Railway in 1908, Aqaba gradually lost its importance as a strategic center. It became part of Jordan in 1946 and is currently a thriving tourism center, notable for its diving industry as well as its proximity to Wadi Rum and the Ancient City of Petra. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

An authentic route: Places to visit <\/b><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aqaba offers diverse sights and activities: this sunny city has historical sites as well as wonderful local shops, restaurants, and cafes. Speaking of sun, Aqaba has a mild climate throughout the year, with higher temperatures in the summer. In fact, temperatures between May and October can reach 40\u2092 C. The months of November through April deliver slightly cooler weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical sites of Aqaba<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The history of Aqaba is long and quite impressive. Let\u2019s start exploring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aqaba Castle<\/b><\/p><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\"Aqaba
Aqaba Castle, also known as the Mamluk Castle. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dominating the port area is Aqaba Castle. The castle was first erected by the Mamluks and underwent further fortification during the Ottoman era; in addition to its defensive functions, it was used as a caravanserai (inn) for Muslim pilgrims. The stone structure is partly intact and features inscriptions, as well as lovely sea views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ancient City of Petra<\/b><\/p><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The Ancient City of Petra, Aqaba.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Aqaba is a popular setting-off point for the Ancient City of Petra, which is approximately 130 kilometers from the Aqaba airport. Petra, also known as the Rose City for its pink-tinted sandstone structures; it was built as the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. The ancient city was accessible via a narrow passage, providing it \u2013 and its rulers \u2013 with a strategic defensive and commercial advantages. In 2007, Petra, with its dramatic setting and magnificent structures, was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aqaba Church<\/b><\/p><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This Christian church dates from the third century and is believed to be one of the oldest churches in the world. While the church was heavily damaged by an earthquake in the fourth century, the basilica-shaped structure remained somewhat intact, preserved by wind-blown sand until its discovery in 1998. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Old City<\/b><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Known as Early Islamic Aqaba, the area was excavated in 1989. Originally the old city was surrounded by twenty-four towers, with gates on the north, south, east and west; the western gate faced the Gulf of Aqaba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aqaba\u2019s natural beauties<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\"Sunset
Red Sea, Aqaba.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Aqaba\u2019s natural beauty is a compelling reason to visit! Keep reading to discover some of the natural wonders in the region\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wadi Rum<\/b><\/p><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Wadi Rum, about 70 kilometers from the Aqaba airport, is considered one of the most strikingly beautiful desert landscapes in the world. The area is so dramatic, in fact, that it has been used as a set for a number of movies, including \u201cLawrence of Arabia,\u201d \u201cDune\u201d and several films in the Star Wars franchise, as well as \u201cThe Martian\u201d and \u201cPrometheus.\u201d While the area is protected, camel and jeep tours are available. Wadi Rum is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diving in the Red Sea <\/b><\/p><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\"Red
The underwater richness of the Red Sea. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Flowing into the Red Sea, with some of the world\u2019s premier dive sites, the Gulf of Aqaba also offers excellent diving and snorkeling. Various dive centers in Aqaba provide tours as well as diving courses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aqaba museums<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a city with a long and storied history, Aqaba has some interesting museums. The Aqaba Heritage Museum, set on the Great Arab Revolution Square, features exhibitions on the history, culture and lifestyle of Aqaba. The Aqaba Archaeological Museum and the Jordan Maritime Museum are also worth visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Dining in Aqaba<\/b><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"Hummus.\"
Hummus is widely consumed in Aqaba. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Much of Aqaba\u2019s culinary culture centers around Middle Eastern traditions, including yogurts, cheeses, kebabs and, of course, mezes! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the city\u2019s most notable dishes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n