Quseir 'Amra
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Qusayr 'Amra or Quseir Amra, lit. "small qasr of 'Amra", sometimes also named Qasr Amra, is the best-known of the desert castles located in present-day eastern Jordan.
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Qusayr 'Amra or Quseir Amra, lit. "small qasr of 'Amra", sometimes also named Qasr Amra, is the best-known of the desert castles located in present-day eastern Jordan.
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🇯🇴 Jordan was one of the best and most unforgettable countries I’ve visited and felt so safe as a black women. Here are 4 reasons to visit Jordan ⬇️ 1. Jordan is Rich in history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes and a must-visit destination. 2. Jordan is home to one of the world’s wonder’s Petra’s ancient city, the Roman ruins of Jerash, and the iconic desert fortress of Qusayr Amra. 3. Jordan is known for it’s warm hospitality, diverse traditions, and the fusion of modern and ancient influences which creates a unique cultural experience. 4. Explore Wadi rum desert, go diving in the Red Sea, or embark on a trek through the Jordan Trail for an unforgettable adventure. Would you visit Jordan in 2024 ? #visitjordan🇯🇴 #wadirum #wadirumdesert #travellover🌎 #worldtravels #catchflightsnotfeelings✈️ #catchflightsnotfeelings
ivana_flawlessivana_flawless
1507
Qusayr 'Amra or Quseir Amra, lit. "small qasr of 'Amra", sometimes also named Qasr Amra (قصر عمرة / ALA-LC: Qaṣr ‘Amrah), is the best-known of the desert castles located in present-day eastern Jordan. It was built some time between 723 and 743, by Walid Ibn Yazid, the future Umayyad caliph Walid II, whose dominance of the region was rising at the time. It is considered one of the most important examples of early Islamic art and architecture. The building is actually the remnant of a larger complex that included an actual castle, meant as a royal retreat, without any military function, of which only the foundation remains. What stands today is a small country cabin. It is most notable for the frescoes that remain mainly on the ceilings inside, which depict, among others, a group of rulers, hunting scenes, dancing scenes containing naked women, working craftsmen, the recently discovered "cycle of Jonah", and, above one bath chamber, the first known representation of heaven on a hemispherical surface, where the mirror-image of the constellations is accompanied by the figures of the zodiac. This has led to the designation of Qusayr 'Amra as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That status, and its location along Jordan's major east–west highway, relatively close to Amman, have made it a frequent tourist destination. History Construction: who and when One of the six kings depicted is King Roderick of Spain, whose short reign (710-712) was taken to indicate the date of the image, and possibly the building, to around 710. Therefore, for a long time researchers believed that sitting caliph Walid I was the builder and primary user of Qasr Amra, until doubts arose, making specialists believe that one of two princes who later became caliph themselves, Walid or Yazid, were the more likely candidates for that role. The discovery of an inscription during work in 2012 has indeed allowed to date the structure to the two decades between 723 and 743, when it was commissioned by Walid Ibn Yazid, crown prince under caliph Hisham and his successor for a short reign as caliph in 743-744. Both princes spent long periods of time away from Damascus, the Umayyad seat, before assuming the throne. Walid was known to indulge in the sort of sybaritic activities depicted on the frescoes, particularly sitting on the edge of pools listening to music or poetry. One time he was entertained by performers dressed as stars and constellations, suggesting a connection to the sky painting in the caldarium. Yazid's mother was a Persian princess, suggesting a familiarity with that culture, and he too was known for similar pleasure-seeking. Key considerations in placement of the desert castles centered on access and proximity to the ancient routes running north from Arabia to Syria. A major route ran from the Arabian city of Tayma via Wadi Sirhan toward the plain of Balqa in Jordan and accounts for the location of Qusayr Amra and other similar fortifications such as Qasr Al-Kharanah and Qasr al-tuba.
Omar FashehOmar Fasheh
30
One of desert's castles in the east desert of Jordan. They are called castles but history says they were not used as castles (how we mean in the west). When you arrive the first thought is why someone should make a building in this desert plan. And the answer is quite simple: because in the ancient time in this area there was a wadi famed for its wild pistachio trees. And when you see the "castle" it's not imposing at all, so you ask yourself why I'm here? But when you enter the building than you understand. The walls are frescoed with many paintings who represent hunting scenes, banquet and even figure of women naked (this is the only place in all Jordan where you can find this sort of painting). The painting are well preserved, and of course there was a great work of restoration. A lot of countries parteciped to the restoration: Spain, France, Austria. Of course you can expect colours so vivid like the frescos were just made, but the restoration really did a great job, and Qusayr Amra from 1985 is a World Heritage Site. In my opinion this castle it's worth the journey in the to desert and under the sun. And to tell true: even if this particular destert it’s not the most renowned of the jordans’ desert, as every desert has some kind of mysterious charm that you will appreciate for sure.
LuigiLuigi
20
It was discovered by Austrian traveler and researcher Aloy Musil in 1898, 85 km east of the Jordanian capital, Amman. Amra Palace was built along Wadi Al-Butum. The building includes two main units: the parlour, which is divided into three sections by two transverse arches, and the bathroom, which consists of three adjoining rooms: cold, warm, and hot near the fireplace. What distinguishes Qusayr Amra and gives it special significance are the frescoes that cover almost all of its interior surfaces, including the ceilings (barrel vaults, cross vaults, and spherical vaults). Given the importance of these drawings, which represent an early stage in the emergence of Islamic art, the building has been added to the World Heritage List. The drawings contain different scenes such as hunting, bathing, dancing, and music, in addition to activities and scenes inspired by rural life and the view of the sky's dome and its towers. It is one of the oldest known patterns drawn on a spherical surface. The drawings - including Greek writings, winged angels, figures of poetry, history, and philosophy/knowledge - reflect classical influences with a local oriental hue.
Mohammad AyoubMohammad Ayoub
20
Qusair Amra, located in the eastern desert of Jordan, is one of the best-preserved examples of early Islamic architecture and art. Built during the 8th century under the Umayyad Caliphate, it is part of a larger complex that likely served as a retreat or hunting lodge for the Umayyad elite. The site is renowned for its striking frescoes, which cover the interior walls and ceilings, depicting scenes of daily life, animals, and even mythological figures—a rarity in Islamic art. The small structure includes a reception hall, bathhouse, and a well-preserved dome that served as an audience hall. The bathhouse is particularly notable for its intricate frescoes, including a representation of the zodiac and hunting scenes, reflecting the blend of Byzantine, Persian, and local artistic influences. Qusair Amra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its historical significance and the insight it provides into the lifestyle and culture of the early Islamic period. Its remote desert location adds to its mystique, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and art.
Abdallah FarounAbdallah Faroun
10
This 8th-century Umayyad palace, also known as Quseir Amra or Qusayr Amra, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It had amazing blend of Roman and Sasanian styles, with a simple exterior hiding a richly decorated interior. The reception hall-cum-bathhouse features vaulted ceilings adorned with colorful frescoes, depicting hunting scenes, portraits of rulers, and zodiac signs. The frescoes are remarkable for their secular and pre-Islamic themes, showcasing the Umayyad civilization’s cultural and artistic achievements. Believed to have been built during the reign of Umayyad Caliph Walid I (705-715 CE), Qasr Amra served as a caravanserai, bathhouse, and hunting lodge for the caliphs. Its location along the ancient trade route between Arabia and Syria made it an important stopover for travelers and merchants. What an amazing site. 5 stars.
Hassan AlyassinHassan Alyassin
00
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