Water wondrously rises from the wetland oasis near an immense fortress and an air base in this gateway to the Eastern Desert.
Sandwiched between a scenic wetland area and an intriguing air base is the charming town of Azraq. The town itself contains historic sights, including mosques and one of the Desert Castles of Jordan. Stroll along the main street and stop at the cafés and restaurants for tastes of the local food and culture.
Lining the eastern side of the town is the Azraq Wetlands Reserve, which supplies the local drinking water. Stay at the main lodge in this scenic area and pick up souvenirs from the gift shop. Spot some of the colourful migratory birds gracing the sky, such as the desert finch, the hoopoe lark and the marsh harrier. Follow the Marsh Trail, a raised wooden platform that meanders through the grasslands.
Back in the town, head to the impressive Qasr al-Azraq. Most of the fortress was built in the 13th century, although some form of castle had existed on this spot even earlier. Wander through the building and find the small mosque in the courtyard. A shortage of wood in the region led to the use of heavy stone for the doors in ancient times. For a more modern scene watch airplanes land at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.
Note that the town has long been of strategic importance due to its convenient location near the wetland reserve. The oasis provides the last drops of freshwater for immense swaths of desert. Azraq was the location of a transit camp during the Gulf War and the Azraq Refugee Camp for the Syrian Civil War.
Find the city in the Zarqa Governorate in the northern part of Jordan. It’s a little west of the border with Saudi Arabia. Drive east from Amman for about 60 miles (100 kilometres) to get here in less than 90 minutes.
Azraq is an extraordinary oasis of water and historic attractions in the middle of the desert.
