Idea #569 – Visiting the omeyyade Palace of Qasr Amra in desert of Jordan
Qusair Amra (in Arabic: “small palace”) is the most famous “castles of the desert” in east Jordan. It is one of the most remarkable examples of firs Omeyyade art and of the Islamic architecture. The castle is by the roadside N40, in approximately 85 kilometers from Amman, and in approximately 21 kilometers of Al-Azraq.
A recent study allowed to date Qusair Amra of the reign of the caliph Omeyyade al-Walid the IId (743-744). For a long time abandonned, he was rediscovered by Alois Musil in 1898. The castle, in fact a relay of hunting, would have been used as holiday resort by the caliph or by his princes for the hunting and the pleasure. He is covered with frescoes describing hunting scenes, showing in particular big mammals today disappeared in the Near East, prestigious scenes, and erotic scenes. He also contains a thermal system divided into three rooms, testifying of a Roman influence.
The long years of abandonment caused a grave deterioration of the decoration and frescoes are damaged by graffiti. Fortunately, projects of restoration are in progress. The palace was registered on the list of the UNESCO in 1985.
Some Pictures
Where is it ?
Qasr Amra Palace, Jordan