One of the most interesting archaeological sites in the whole of the Aqaba Governorate
Founded under the reign of the Rashidi Caliph Othman bin Affan, it’s the first Islamic city created outside the borders of the Arabian Peninsula In 630 A.D., the Prophet Muhammad concluded a treaty with the bishop of the Byzantine city of Ailana (located not far from here), guaranteeing the safety of the city during the Muslim conquests and its subsequent peaceful inclusion in the Muslim caliphate. Shortly afterwards, a new city was founded on this site. A city called Ayla.
The foundation of the ancient city is attributed to the Rashidi Othman Ben Affan around 650 AD. The town had great fortune, being inhabited during the Umayyad, Abbasid and Fatimid periods (around 650 to 1100).
The discovery of the city's remains is due to archaeological excavations conducted here between 1986 and 1993, directed by Donald Whitcomb of the University of Chicago,
The city of Ayla was a thriving port that played an important role in Islamic history as well as in later periods. Archaeological excavations have revealed the presence of rectangular-shaped walls, which contained marketplaces, houses of worship and commercial warehouses. A number of artefacts have also been found that testify to trade contacts with Ethiopia, the Indian Ocean region and the Far East. However, most maritime trade was closely linked to the territories of the Arabian Peninsula and Egypt, while overland trade with Iraq and Syria flourished.
Despite its small size, the ruins of the Islamic city of Ayla are one of the most interesting testimonies of southern Jordan, revealing the golden age of this nation.
Located between King Hussein Street and the sea, a short walk from the centre, the site is surrounded by other monuments from different periods, from the Byzantine church to the Sharif Hussein bin Ali mosque.
The site is open to the public during the day and has information panels explaining the history and functions of the monuments whose ruins are clearly visible today.
Quick overview
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Opening days
Open daily
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Opening times
From 8:00 am till before the sunset
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Accessibility
The site is not accessible to wheelchair users and is only partially accessible to persons with reduced mobility
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How to reach
By walk:
From the JETT BUS station walk in the direction of the sea and reach King Hussein Street. Then turn right. You will find the archaeological site on your right - Web
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Reservation & Price
You should coordinate with Department of Antiquities and Tourism directorate
Services
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Visits
Tourism directorate could provide you with the tourist guide.
Contact tourism directorate:
Phone: +962 64603360
Fax: +962 64648465
Available in
English, Arabic
Additional Info
If visiting during the hot season, it is recommended to cover up from the sun and bring drinking water
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Easter
- Spring
Visiting Rules
Basic rules:
All visitors are invited to observe the basic rules of respect for the preservation of monuments. Cultural heritage is protected by Jordanian and international laws
Covid 19 rules:
Visitors are requested to wear a mask in enclosed or heavily frequented areas and to maintain the safety distance indicated by the regulations in force