AJLOUN CASTLE AND AJLOUN FOREST RESERVE

Ajloun Castle was built on top of Mount ‘Auf between 1184 and 1188 AD by one of Saladin’s generals, ‘Izz ad Din Usame bin Munqidh. The castle overlooks the Jordan Valley making its location ideal for protection against the invading Crusaders during the Middle Ages. Ajloun Castle has had quite a history: it was enlarged in 1214 and partially destroyed by Mongol invaders in 1260; later, it was rebuilt by the Malamuks and overtaken by the Ottomans like so many other countries in the region.Earthquakes in 1837 and 1927 further damaged Ajloun Castle but restoration efforts have been ongoing.

Ajloun Forest Reserve was established in 1988 to protect oak, carob, strawberry tree and pistachio forests. The reserve is also a sanctuary for wild boar, stone martens, roe deer, polecats, grey wolves, and jackals. Biking and hiking rails have been developed around nearby towns for tourists.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Walker, Jenny and Clammer, Paul. Lonely Planet, Jordan.

www.lonelyplanet.com

South, Coleman and Newsome, Joel. Cultures of the World, Jordan.