Qasr Tuba
قصر طوبة Qasr al-Tuba | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 31°19′32″N 36°34′15″E / 31.32556°N 36.57083°E | |
Country | Jordan |
Governorate | Amman Governorate |
Time zone | UTC + 2 |
31°19′32″N 36°34′15″E / 31.32556°N 36.57083°E Qasr Tuba is an 8th-century Umayyad qasr or castle in the Amman Governorate of northern Jordan.
Qasr at-Tuba is the southernmost of the Umayyad desert castles in Jordan. Built in 743 CE by Caliph al-Walid II for his sons, al-Hakam and ‘Uthman, [1] it was initially intended to consist of two roughly 70-square-metre (750 sq ft) courtyard dwellings with projecting semicircular decorative towers, but the project was never completed. [2] The structure appears to have been abandoned some time after the assassination of Caliph al Walid. [3]
The palace at Qasr at-Tuba may have been the residence or hunting lodge of the Caliph's sons, [4] since hunting was a favoured pastime of the aristocracy. [5] It also served as a caravanserai and was part of the Caliph's program to improve the routes to Hijaz, [6] at a time when the number of caravans passing through the region had increased substantially. [7] It lacks the imperial features associated with other desert castles, suggesting that it was used as a temporary or seasonal residence rather than a permanent one. [8]
The site was brought to art historical attention after it was visited in 1896 by the Czech explorer Alois Musil. [9]
It is situated about 110 kilometres (68 mi) south-east of the capital, Amman. Its location is relatively isolated, in a desert location and access can be difficult. [10] Most desert castles are located near to a source of water. Qasr al Tuba is no exception; wells are located nearby, close to a dry river bed (" wadi") and the site includes a dam and several wells. [11]
The surviving foundations and structures reveal its current layout as consisting of the west wing only; of an oblong enclosure measuring 140 by 72 metres (459 by 236 ft), almost a double square, or two symmetrical enclosures, each with a grand entrance, connected by an internal corridor, which could be cut off when necessary. [12] The enclosure walls are supported by semi-round towers, except on the north side where the two gateways are flanked by two square rooms. The northwestern section is nearly intact and several lengths of curtain-wall exist on the western side. [13] A prayer chapel has also been identified on the site. [14]
The surviving structures consist of ashlar masonry with baked brick and barrel-vaulted roofs. The lintels are decorated with rosettes, intertwined with plant leaves, which give the impression of fine lace work. [15]
It is a prime example of an Umayyad construction of brick vaults set on brick walls. [16] The Lonely Planet Guide describes it as "easily the most impressive of the lesser-known castles." [17]