Jaabar Castle

Jaabar Castle(Arabic قلعة جعبر) is an Arab fortress (castle) situated on Euphrates river, on a peninsula, near Euphrates Dam and city of Alraqqa. It is surrounded by high walls, ditches and towers, typical Arabic style.

The ancient story of the castle is not known, but it is clear that Arabs built it, namely Bani Numeir tribe. At the times of crusades, it was annexed to Edessa (today's city of Urfa). In 1144 it was under control of Aleppean prince Zengi Atabek, then to his son Nur Aldin (Nureddin), who constructed most of what seen today. We know also that Saladdin took control of it too, but finally demolished by Mongols in 1260. Fact|date=December 2007

The castle is made of bricks. Beginning from the entrance, you go through a corridor, then at levels are visible towers, bastions and a minaret.

Resources

[http://www.syriagate.com/Syria/about/cities/Al_Raqqa/jaaber.htm Syria Gate]

[http://www.syritour.com/content/en/allsites.asp Syritour]

[http://www.bostra.net/other_en.htm Syrian Sites]

External links

[http://syrialooks.blogspot.com/2007/05/jaabar-castle-euphrates-lake.html Pictures from Syria Looks]

[http://syalp.blogspot.com/2007/05/jaabar-castle.html Pictures from Syria Winks]

[http://www.zeledi.com/public/Photography/SyriaWinter03/index.htm Zeledi]

See also

List of castles in Syria