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Just south of Amman, Qasr Al-Mushatta offers an
excellent example of characteristic Umayyad
architecture. The castle is an incomplete square palace
with elaborate decoration and vaulted ceilings. The
immense brick walls of the complex stretch 144 meters in
each direction, and at least 23 round towers were
nestled along these walls. The palace mosque is sited in
the traditional position, inside and to the right of the
main entrance. Throughout, there is a powerful symmetry
in the planning. The vaulting systems are considered
essentially Iraqi, but the stonemasonry and carved
decoration is Hellenistic. Both influences are modified
by their interaction, and this palace presents the most
complete fusion of the two traditions in Umayyad
architecture.
Historians believe that Qasr al-Mushatta, the largest
and most lavish of all the Umayyad castles, was begun by
the Caliph Walid II—who was assassinated by forced
laborers angry over the lack of water in the area. The
palace was constructed between 743-744 CE, but was never
fully completed.
Qasr
al-Mushatta is not on the Desert Castle Loop. To get
there; take the Desert Highway south of Amman to Queen
Alia International Airport. The castle is situated right
at the end of the north runway. You must drive around
the perimeter of the airport to get there. Turn right at
the Alia Gateway Hotel as you approach the airport and
the road will take you past two checkpoints and on to
the castle. |
