A Timeless Gem on the King’s Highway
Ideally and often combined with Madaba & Mount Nebo as segments of the King’s Highway to Petra, Karak has always held great significance because of its location. This historic city was home to several civilizations over time and is now known as a Crusader town for its labyrinthine, endless hallways’ fortress also known as Saladin Castle.
Madaba to Karak Route
Travellers moving from Madaba to Karak may go through Mujeb Valley which is an outstanding 1000-meter-deep valley that has been witness to many biblical events.
Karak’s Crusader Fortress
The magnificent crusader-built fortress called Crak des Moabites or Le Pierre du Desert by crusaders still looms above it surrounding valleys and hills like a great ship sailing on waves of stone. The origins of Karak date back to the Iron Age, just after the Exodus when it belonged to Moab. Also referred to as Kir-haraseth, Kir-heres or even Kir, Isaiah (16:7) prophesied its doom. It talks about ‘raisin-cakes’, which were that city’s local specialty at that time. During the Byzantine period, Charach Mouba became famous in history and this made Karak historically significant for years.
Karak‟s Strategic Importance
Located 124 km south of Amman, the fortress was built in 1142 by Payen le Bouteiller, lord of Montreal and the province Oultre Jourdain. Erected over earlier fortresses dating back to Nabataean times; Karak became provincial capital strategically situated on King‟s highway where it took control of north-south traffic and benefitted by road tolls.
Karak’s Fortress Structure
Karak consists of two main sections behind secure walls; one section houses a citadel while another holds a fortress which is separated from the town by a wide dry moat. It is a typical example of Crusader architecture, characterized by dimly lit corridors and rooms made of stone vaults which link with each other through heavy arches and doorways. The best-preserved sections are underground and can be accessed through a massive door (ask at the ticket office).
Karak after the Time of Crusades
The architecture of castles reflected military genius of the Crusaders. Each stronghold was situated one day‟s journey away from its nearest neighbor, with beacons being lit at night to inform Jerusalem that all was well in the surrounding area.
Exploring Karak Today
On entering via the modern entrance gate, visitors have a choice of paths leading to either lower courtyard and vaults or upper level containing ruins attributed to the period when it was under crusaders’ occupation. Mamluk architectural enclaves associated possibly with a palace are also accessible through staircases leading down to an underground section of the upper courtyard. Among them are well-preserved remnants including an attached mosque and school.
The Significance and Role Karak has Played in History
Throughout history Karak has been used as a sanctuary during times of danger. The Zengid ruler Nureddin attacked the castle but failed in 1173. Saladin’s attempts in 1183 and 1184 were also fruitless as he finally captured Karak after a year-long siege in 1188.
Notorious Reynald de Chatillon
Karak most infamous occupant was Reynald de Chatillon whose name became synonymous with wickedness and brutality. After King Baldwin II died, Reynald breached his agreement with Saladin causing huge losses for Christians. This marked an important milestone for Crusades when Saladin seized him, later executing him.
Under the Mamluks and Ottomans, Karak
By 1263, Sultan Baybars of the Mamluks had captured Karak, a fact that is evident in a description of its strength made by the Arab Ibn Battuta in 1355. The Ottomans ruled over it through local families until Ibrahim Pasha, son of Mohammad Ali of Egypt, took control of it and destroyed its defenses.
Modern Karak
In 1921, Karak became an administrative center under British rule after World War I until the establishment of the Emirate of Transjordan. Today, Karak remains the center of a large district and is still a largely Christian town, with many of its residents tracing their origins back to the Byzantines. A small but interesting museum in the castle offers insight into the area’s rich history.
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If desired, any details could be altered according to one’s tastes or peculiarities they wish to add. Have safe travels!
