‘Ajlūn, Jordan
Region: Ajlūn
Geographic Coordinates: 32.332500, 35.751700
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 148870
Language: Arabic
Ajlūn is a small city situated in the northwestern region of Jordan. The city has a rich history that dates back to the Bronze Age and is famous for its impressive castle, Ajlūn Castle. The castle was built during the 12th century by Saladin, A Muslim leader, And played an essential role in defending against Crusader attacks. Apart from its historical significance, Ajlūn is also known for its natural beauty. Surrounded by lush green hills and valleys, Visitors can explore these natural wonders by hiking or biking through nearby forests or taking a scenic drive along winding roads.
One of Ajlūn’s most popular tourist attractions is the Ajloun Forest Reserve covering over 13 square kilometers of land. It’s home to various species of plants and animals with guided tours available to learn about its ecological importance while enjoying stunning views. Ajlūn also has several historic religious sites worth visiting like Al-Rabadh Castle Mosque and Mar Elias Church offering visitors insight into Jordan’s rich cultural heritage while providing an opportunity for spiritual reflection. The people of Ajlūn are friendly towards visitors from all parts of the world.
They are proud to share their culture through traditional music performances, Dance shows, Handicraft demonstrations, And delicious local cuisine. Ajlūn offers visitors an unforgettable experience that combines history, Nature, Culture religion & hospitality all in one place! Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient castles or hiking through lush forests or simply relaxing amidst beautiful scenery – there’s something here for everyone!
- Ajloun Castle: A 12th-century Islamic fortress built by the Ayyubid dynasty.
- Ajloun Forest Reserve: A nature reserve that covers over 13 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife.
- Mar Elias Church: An ancient Greek Orthodox church located on a hilltop near Ajloun Castle.
- Tell Mar Elias: An archaeological site that dates back to the Bronze Age and includes the remains of a Byzantine church and monastery.
- Al-Rabadh Castle: Another medieval castle built by the Ayyubid dynasty that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- The Museum at Ajlun Castle: A small museum located within Ajloun Castle that showcases artifacts from the castle’s history.
- Soap House Museum: A traditional soap-making house that has been converted into a museum showcasing Jordanian soap-making techniques.
- Hiking Trails in Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve: Wadi Mujib is known for its beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, and natural pools, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Ajlun.
- Agriculture
- Tourism
- Construction
- Small-scale manufacturing
The main industries and businesses in Ajlūn, Jordan are:
- Agriculture: The area is renowned for its olive groves that yield top-notch olive oil.
- Tourism: Ajlūn boasts several historical sites that draw tourists such as the Ajloun Castle and the Saint George Church.
- Construction: The construction industry is experiencing rapid growth due to a surge in demand for housing and infrastructure development.
- Small-scale manufacturing: This encompasses food processing, textiles, furniture making, and handicrafts production.
- The Battle of Ajlun occurred in 1187, where Saladin led the Muslim army to victory against the Crusaders near Ajlun Castle.
- Ajlun Castle was constructed during the 12th century by the Ayyubid dynasty and played a crucial role in defending against attacks from Crusaders.
- Qalat ar-Rabad was built during the Islamic Umayyad period and later served as a military base for Saladin’s army during his campaign against Crusaders.
- Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, a Fatimid caliph who ordered destruction of many churches and synagogues throughout Egypt and Palestine, visited Ajlun during his reign.
- Ibn Jubayr, a famous Arab traveler and geographer visited Ajlun in 1184 and documented its castle and surrounding area in his travelogue.
- Mujir al-Din al-‘Ulaymi chronicled many events that took place in Ajlun including battles between local tribes and invasions by foreign armies as a historian from the 15th-century.
- During Ottoman rule, several notable figures from Ajlun rose to prominence such as Sheikh Yusuf Abu Sneineh who led a rebellion against Ottoman authorities in 1910.
- British forces established a military base near Ajlun during World War I as part of their campaign against Ottoman forces in Palestine & Syria.
- In modern times, tourism is attracted towards natural beauty & historical sites such as its castle which has been restored for tourism purposes while it also serves an important agricultural center for Jordan’s northern region today.
- Ajloun Castle
- Bani Hamida Women’s Weaving Project
- Al-Rabad Castle
- Ajloun Forest Reserve
- The Great Mosque of Ajloun
- Saint George Church
- Qasr al-Azraq (Azraq Castle)
- Jerash Archaeological Site (located nearby)
- Um Qais Archaeological Site (located nearby)
- Ajloun Forest Reserve Festival: This festival celebrates the natural beauty and biodiversity of Ajloun Forest Reserve. Activities include hiking, birdwatching, and nature walks.
- Al-Balqa’ Cultural Festival: This annual festival brings together musicians, dancers, and artists from across Jordan to celebrate the rich culture of the region.
- Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts: While not technically in Ajlūn, this nearby festival is a major cultural event that attracts visitors from around the world for its music, dance performances, theater productions, and more.
- Olive Harvest Festival: Celebrating one of Jordan’s most important crops – olives! The festival includes olive oil tastings and traditional food dishes made with olives.
- Almond Blossom Festival: Held in late winter/early spring when almond trees are in full bloom! This is a celebration of springtime with music performances and food stalls selling local cuisine.
- Ramadan Nights Market: During Ramadan (the Islamic holy month), there are many markets set up throughout Jordan where people can buy traditional foods to break their fast at sunset each day!
- Eid al-Fitr Celebration: After Ramadan ends comes Eid al-Fitr – a three-day celebration that marks the end of fasting for Muslims worldwide! In Ajlūn there will be special prayers held at mosques followed by feasts with family & friends!
- Mansaf: A traditional Jordanian dish made with lamb, rice, and a yogurt sauce.
- Makloubeh: A layered dish of rice, vegetables, and meat that is flipped upside down before serving.
- Zarb: A Bedouin-style barbecue that involves cooking meat and vegetables in an underground oven.
- Kanafeh: A sweet dessert made with shredded phyllo dough and cheese soaked in syrup.
Some popular restaurants in ‘Ajlūn, Jordan include:
- Um Khalil Restaurant: Known for their traditional Jordanian dishes like mansaf and makloubeh.
- Al-Rummaneh Restaurant: Offers a variety of Middle Eastern dishes including mezze platters and grilled meats.
- Al-Andalus Restaurant: Specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood dishes.
- Beit Al-Barakah Restaurant & Café: Serves up traditional Arabic breakfast items like foul medames and manakish (a type of flatbread).
- Ajloun Forest Reserve: This is a nature reserve located in the hills of Ajloun with hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities.
- Al-Ashrafiyyah Park: A public park with playgrounds, walking paths, and green spaces for picnics.
- Al-Rabadh Castle Park: A park that surrounds the ruins of an ancient castle with hiking trails and picnic areas.
- Ain Janna Eco-Park: An eco-tourism site with hiking trails, camping facilities, and natural springs for swimming.
- Al-Hashemiyyeh Forest Reserve: A nature reserve located near Ajloun Castle with hiking trails and picnic areas.
- Bani Kanana Eco-Tourism Park: An eco-tourism site that offers horseback riding tours through the countryside surrounding Ajloun.
- Wadi Al-Yabis Nature Reserve: A nature reserve located in the valley of Wadi Al-Yabis with hiking trails and camping facilities.
- Um Qais Archaeological Site: An ancient Roman city located on a hilltop overlooking Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) where visitors can explore ruins dating back to 100 BC to AD 300s including a theater, basilica church, baths complex among others.
