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Kerak Castle, a remarkable historical site of Jordan, is located in the center of the city Kerak, around 130 kilometers down Amman. The castle is elevated on a hilltop, which helps to create stunning views of the valleys and the rough landscape. It is also a great location for tourists who are visiting the King’s Highway, one of the oldest and most important trading routes in the world. The building is a unique combination of Crusader and later Islamic architecture. Visitors typically are surprised by the extent to which the castle has withstood the test of time with wars, earthquakes, and alterations of power. The huge stone walls, the wide and deep moats, and the arched halls are signs of a time filled with knights, soldiers, and kings who have influenced the history of the area. Kerak Castle is not simply a structure, but rather a living testament to the rich cultural heritage of Jordan and its role in the unification of the civilizations that are now separated by borders.
The building of Kerak Castle took place in the 1140s under Pagan the Butler, one of the prominent Crusader leaders who served King Fulk of Jerusalem. The castle was a part of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and was strategically located to dominate the trade routes between Damascus, Mecca, and Egypt. The Crusaders made use of it as a stronghold and a living place at the same time, meanwhile, protecting the caravans and taxing the traders who used the routes. In 1183 the castle gained notoriety due to the siege of the heroic Muslim commander Saladin, who wanted to end the Crusader era in the region. After a very tough battle, Saladin took Kerak in 1188 and this event was one of the major turning points of history in the Middle East. The castle passed on to the Ayyubids, Mamluks, and Ottomans in turn during the next centuries and all those have contributed to the unique architectural character of the place which is still evident today. Each and every rock of Kerak speaks of the power struggle, the faith, and the indefatigability of the people which were the main factors that determined the history of Jordan.
Kerak Castle's architecture exhibits an amalgamation of a blend of robust Crusader strength and graceful Islamic elegance that reflects the Crusaders' and Moslems' tastes respectively. The castle is built predominantly of limestone and basalt, having several tiers sculpted into the hillside. The uppermost parts were intended for defense with massive walls, arrow slits, and lookout towers. The section below comprised the storerooms, kitchens, stables, and even prisons, all interconnected by tortuous tunnels and vaulted corridors. One of the most interesting places is the underground passage that allowed for the movement of people without being seen between the different parts of the fortress. The Crusaders were all about strength and survival, while the later rulers put up delicate arches and signs that were the trademarks of Islamic architecture. The small windows act as light sources to the area and the entire place gets this rather mysterious and dramatic feel. A visit to Kerak Castle takes one through different periods of history as every staircase and doorway tells about the brilliant engineering of the ancients and the persistence of those who lived and fought in and around the castle walls.
Kerak Castle is a must-visit place for history and adventure lovers. It will be like a time machine going back to the past if you let the dramatic entrance take you through the long tunnels to the ancient kitchens and to the top of the towers where the Jordanian landscape views are breathtaking. The entrance also has a small museum exhibiting artifacts like pottery, coins, and tools that were found in the vicinity, thus enabling the visitors to grasp the daily life of the Crusader and Islamic periods. Tour guides tell remarkable stories referring to the battles fought, the royal feasts, and the secrets of the buildings. Photographers will surely consider the castle as a paradise, particularly at sunset, when the golden light is giving a gentle touch to the stone walls. Moreover, the ancient town of Kerak with its tiny streets and friendly locals is not far off, thereby adding to the cultural experience of your trip.
Kerak Castle is open throughout the year, but the most pleasant months are in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes, carry a hat, and stay hydrated as the ground can be quite steep. The entrance fee is reasonable and not many people visit the place, thus one can easily roam around at one's own speed. If you take a bus or drive through the beautiful King's Highway, you will pass through the mountains, canyons, and small villages, the drive will be a highlight in itself. There are also nearby guesthouses and local eateries where one can have delicious Jordanian meals like mansaf and hummus. A trip to Kerak Castle is certainly more than just a sightseeing tour; it's a chance to be part of a brave and historical world. It will be a reminder to every traveler that Jordan is the land where ancient stories are relived in the midst of unchanging landscapes.
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