Description of the attraction
To the south of Taba, in the northernmost part of the Gulf of Aqaba and a few hundred meters from the coast, is the Pharaoh's island. Crowned by the imposing battlements of the restored citadel of Salah ad-Din, it is one of the most scenic spots in the entire Persian Gulf.
The earliest documents on buildings on the island date from the reign of Hiram, ruler of Tire (c. 969-936 BC). Pharaoh's island at that time was called Esiongaber and was valued for its beautiful natural harbors, where ships of cedar traders moored. About two thousand years later, the Byzantines occupied the island, then the Crusaders came in the 12th century. The Knights of the Maltese Cross, who defended the pilgrim route between Cairo and Damascus and controlled the neighboring city of Aqaba, built a fortress on a small island they named Ile de Grae. But its strategic importance was lost and the island soon became almost deserted.
In 1170, with the arrival of Salah ad-Din, the ancient fortress walls and fortifications were restored, the defenses were strengthened, a permanent garrison was left, the fort was given a new name - Qasr El-Hadid. In November 1181, Renaud de Chatillon, with Arabs from nearby Aila, tried to establish a naval blockade against Muslim troops. The siege consisted of only two ships and was not successful, although it lasted from 1181 to 1183. By the 13th century, according to the pilgrims' travel notes, all the surrounding area and the island were occupied by fishing villages with a population of Muslims and captive Franks. The governor of Mamluk Aqaba lived in the citadel on the island for some time until his residence was moved to the city.
Today, a trip to Pharaoh's island is one of the points of the excursion program for tourists living in Taba, Eilat or Aqaba. Except for a few ruins of walls and the remains of a tower, nothing remained of the old fort, all buildings are modern stylization.
Description added:
Vladimir 2012-23-04
In Egypt, the revolution will not subside in any way, we were in Aqaba, Jordan, and went on an excursion, the fortress of the Crusaders was restored and is a rather crude remake - a bait for tourists, there is nothing special to do here. All infrastructure is abandoned, toilets do not work, dusty generators are standing
Show full text In Egypt, the revolution will not subside in any way, we were in Aqaba, Jordan, and went on an excursion, the fortress of the Crusaders was restored and is a rather crude remake - a bait for tourists, there is nothing special to do here. The entire infrastructure is abandoned, toilets do not work, there are dusty generators, the show is also apparently in the past - a revolution in one word, and this is always devastation and redistribution. As well as everywhere where power cannot be changed in a democratic way.
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