ALREHLA | In the Footsteps of History Islamic Ayla: A 1,370-Year-Old City Reveals Aqaba’s Forgotten Trading Heritage

Long before Aqaba became a destination for beachfront resorts, diving and marine activities, the Islamic city of Ayla served as an important trading centre connecting the Arabian Peninsula with the Levant and Egypt, welcoming merchants, pilgrims and travellers crossing the Red Sea.

Today, the remains of the city lie in the heart of modern Aqaba, where excavated walls, gates and streets reveal an urban settlement dating back to the early Islamic period. The archaeological site offers visitors an opportunity to explore a lesser-known chapter of Aqaba’s history beyond its beaches.

Archaeological researchers suggest that Islamic Ayla was founded around 650 CE, during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan, although the precise dating of its earliest construction phases remains a subject of academic discussion.

The city developed near an older settlement dating to the Nabataean, Roman and Byzantine periods, reflecting the enduring strategic importance of its location at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba.

Jordanian authorities describe Ayla as the first Islamic city established outside the Arabian Peninsula, while archaeological studies highlight its significance as an early example of Islamic urban planning.

Excavations that began in 1986 under the direction of University of Chicago archaeologist Donald Whitcomb uncovered a fortified city measuring approximately 165 metres in length and 140 metres in width.

The settlement featured four gates, including the Gate of Egypt, the Sea Gate and the Gate of the Hijaz, with major streets intersecting to divide the city into four sections.

At its centre, researchers discovered a structure with four entrances that underwent architectural modifications during later periods, reflecting changes in the residential and commercial use of the city.

Archaeological finds also reveal Ayla’s connections with regional and long-distance trading networks, particularly during the Abbasid and Fatimid periods.

Ayla was closely linked to pilgrimage and trade routes extending from Egypt, North Africa and the Levant, serving as an important transit point for goods and travellers heading towards the Hijaz.

However, the city experienced political and natural upheavals that affected its prosperity, including the earthquake of 1068, before settlement patterns in the surrounding region changed over the following centuries.

Modern archaeological excavations have helped researchers reconstruct the city’s boundaries and understand its successive stages of development, moving beyond reliance on historical accounts alone.

On April 12, 2026, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and Jordan’s Department of Antiquities announced plans to develop the Islamic Ayla archaeological site.

The proposed programme includes digital documentation, aerial surveying and improved protection of the archaeological remains.

Discussions also covered a training programme for young people in excavation and conservation techniques, alongside drainage solutions to manage rainwater and protect historic structures from erosion.

The announcement did not mean that the project had been completed or that new visitor facilities had opened. At the time, the relevant authorities were working on an implementation roadmap to address technical challenges.

Ayla’s importance lies in its ability to offer Aqaba a cultural tourism experience distinct from the city’s marine attractions, while revealing how its strategic trading location shaped its history.

Visitors can combine a tour of the archaeological site with a visit to the nearby Aqaba Archaeological Museum to learn more about discoveries associated with the ancient city.

Visiting arrangements and opening hours should be confirmed before travelling to the site.