Qasr al-Azraq

Alternative Names
قصر الأزرق
Blue Fortress
Date
original structure ca. 4th century CE, rebuilt 1237 CE
Work Type
Material/Technique
Style/Period

The Romans built a stone structure using the local basalt stone that formed a basis for later constructions on the site, a structure used by the Byzantine and Umayyad empires. The castle underwent its final major stage of building in 1237 CE, when 'Izz ad-Din Aybak, an emir of the Ayyubids, redesigned and fortified it. The fortress in its present form dates to this period.

References

  • View of main entrance of vestibule, facing northwest
  • View of entrance leading into courtyard, facing northeast from inside vestibule
  • View of walls of entrance leading into vestibule, facing south from courtyard
  • Detail view of basalt block, facing southwest from near courtyard entrance to vestibule
  • View of courtyard and mosque, facing northeast from near entrance to vestibule
  • View of courtyard and mosque, facing northeast from near entrance to vestibule
  • View of courtyard, facing north from near entrance to vestibule
  • View of courtyard, facing west from center of courtyard
  • View of north wall of courtyard, facing northeast
  • View of courtyard and mosque, facing southwest from north side of courtyard
  • Arches in northeast corner, seen facing west
  • Arches in northeast corner, seen facing east
  • Arches in northeast corner, seen facing west
  • View of courtyard and mosque, facing west from north side of courtyard
  • View of courtyard and mosque, facing southwest from south wall of courtyard
  • Northeast corner of site
  • Detail: niche on southeastern wall
  • Arches in mosque in central yard of site
  • Mihrab in south side of mosque in central yard of site
  • Mosque in central yard, with Arches and Mihrab in view
  • View of courtyard and mosque, facing west from steps on north wall of courtyard
  • View of courtyard and mosque, facing south from steps on north wall of courtyard
  • View of west wall, facing southeast from on top of north wall
  • Southern tower
  • Detail of inscription above south entrance
  • Detail of supports on south tower wall above south entrance
  • Detail of inscription on outer south wall