"The Winter Hideout of Lawrence of Arabia" Qasr al Azraq by antistar

Qasr al Azraq Travel Guide: 18 reviews and 48 photos

This was as far along the Iraq highway, and about as close to the Iraqi border as I felt comfortable with. This was Qasr al-Azraq, the desert castle at the Jordanian choke point, with the borders of Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia all close by. It was home to Lawrence of Arabia for one winter during the Great Arab Revolt. It was also a popular tourist destination before 9/11.

Now, according to the curator, Nader, it was practically dead. Fewer people were coming to Jordan now. Since the Iraq war the traffic has petered out to nearly nothing. It was such a shame, as this guy was so proud of, and so knowledgable about, the castle and region, and now his talents were now going to waste, with nobody to listen to him. He was so nervous and enthusiastic when he took me around the castle, he was like a guy on his first date. I was his first visitor in days.

I promised him I'd encourage people to go to Azraq, and Jordan, and tell people not be afraid, because the place is friendlier, safer and freer from terrorism than pretty much anywhere else in the world. So go! Go to Jordan! Go to Azraq! Say hello to Nader the blue eyed Arab!

Last visit to Qasr al Azraq: Dec 2006
Intro Written Jan 16, 2007
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (2)

Qasr al-Azraq Things to Do (1)

The castle sits guarding an extremely stragegic point in Jordan. It's close to the borders of Iraq, Syria and Saudi... more travel advice

Transport Transportation (1)

You can catch this as part of any tour of the Desert Castles, but this one you can also reach by bus from Amman. It... more travel advice

Comments (2)

Reply
- Report abuse
crewrower Sep 26, 2007 at 2:32 AM

My understanding that admission to the castle is actually free, right? It's just that Nader hangs out there to tag on as a paid guide if you let him, yes?
Reply
- Report abuse
Mariajoy Jan 21, 2007 at 1:02 PM

Ohhh ok.. I just re-read it.. you gave him 5JDs for *his services* not for food and firewood ;-))