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Taba is located in Sinai, a few kilometers from the Israeli border. The border can be crossed on foot, and there is direct bus service to Eilat, Israel. Taba currently boasts 5-star hotels, great restaurants, and quaint, cozy beach cafes.
On a historic note, not far from Taba in the Gulf of Aqaba, lies Pharaohs Island - one of the least known of the many major forts in Egypt. This fortress, built at the time of the Crusades, would no doubt attract much larger crowds. Not only due to its location in a mainstream tourist destination, but those tourists who make an effort to visit the fort will not only find it fascinating, but probably have the island mostly to themselves.
Also known as Coral Island, Pharaoh's Island is where Naldwin I, King of Jerusalem, built the fortress, from which one can see into four countries. It is thought work on the fort began around 1116 AD. It was constructed for three main reasons:
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It was in the center of a huge trade route between the Far East and Europe. |
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It was defended easily, being out of range of land-based catapults and was on high ground. |
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It was in the narrowest section of the Gulf of Aqaba. |
The fortress was originally called Ile De Graye Castle. While still in the hands of the Crusaders, it was used to collect taxes from Arab merchants, and occasionally to attack Arab shipping. Meanwhile, it also served its main purpose, which was to protect pilgrims traveling between Jerusalem and St. Catherine's Monastery.
However in 1170, the castle was captured by Salah El Din. There is confusion as to what happened thereafter; some say he abandoned the fortress only a short time later in about 1183, while other scholars indicate that he expanded the fortress considerably, and possibly retained it until the 13th century. There is little doubt that he did indeed expand the fortress considerably, and that later the Ottomans and the Mamelukes further enlarged and enhanced it.
Now completely renovated, the fortress has many smaller rooms - some with arched doorways and others without. These include what were the sleeping quarters for the troops, bathhouses, and kitchens complete with huge ovens. There are towers in which carrier pigeons were housed, and circular towers for archers.
Interestingly, it is a fact that Lawrence of Arabia made an unauthorized and downright daring visit to the island while on his famous Wilderness of Zin survey in June, 1914.
Another important battle did take place there, and that was when Salah El Din took the fortress from the Crusaders. Beyond that, however, what we know is really very little. |
