Castle
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Ajloun Castle (Qal'at Ar-Rabad)
Perched atop Mount 'Auf in northern Jordan, Ajloun Castle is a masterpiece of medieval Islamic military architecture. Built in 1184 by Izz al-Din Usama, nephew of the legendary Muslim leader Saladin, the fortress was designed to defend Ayyubid territories against Crusader incursions and protect iron mining routes. Surrounded by a deep dry moat and honeycombed with subterranean escape tunnels, the castle is renowned in local folklore for ghost sentries pacing its high towers, phantom footfalls in the dark passages, and ancient treasure guardians.