# Aqaba

> Jordanian coastal city

**Wikidata**: [Q180522](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q180522)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqaba)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aqaba

## Summary
Aqaba is a major coastal city in southern Jordan, serving as the country's only port and a key cultural and economic hub. Strategically located on the Gulf of Aqaba, it has been an important settlement since ancient times, transitioning through Roman, Ottoman, and Arab rule. Today, it is a modern city known for its beaches, historic sites, and role in regional trade and tourism.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated at coordinates 29.5322° N, 35.0061° E, on the northeastern tip of the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba.
- **Area**: 3,750 hectares.
- **Population**: 140,000 (2014) and 80,059 (2004).
- **Elevation**: 6 meters above sea level.
- **Country Affiliations**: 
  - Modern Jordan (preferred).
  - Historically part of the Ottoman Empire (1517–1917), Emirate of Transjordan (1925–1946), and Kingdom of Hejaz (1918–1925).
- **Twin Cities**: Saint Petersburg (since 2004), Varna, Alcamo, and Málaga.
- **Founding**: Inception dated to approximately 400 BCE.
- **Port Status**: Primary port of Jordan and a major Red Sea shipping hub.
- **Historical Names**: Elath, Aelana, Akaba, and Al-ʿAqabah.
- **UN/LOCODE**: JOAQJ.

## FAQs
- **Where is Aqaba located?**  
  Aqaba lies on Jordan's southern coast, bordering the Gulf of Aqaba, near the intersection of the borders of Jordan, Israel, and Egypt.

- **What is Aqaba's historical significance?**  
  It has been a strategic port since antiquity, controlled by the Romans, Ottomans, and Arab Caliphates. The 1917 Battle of Aqaba during World War I marked a turning point in the Arab Revolt.

- **What are Aqaba's key attractions?**  
  The city is renowned for its beaches, coral reefs, and historical sites like the Aqaba Fort (Mamluk Castle) and ancient ruins of Aila.

- **How has Aqaba's population grown?**  
  The population doubled from 80,059 in 2004 to 140,000 by 2014, reflecting its economic and tourism-driven growth.

- **What countries has Aqaba been part of?**  
  It has belonged to the Ottoman Empire (1517–1917), Hejaz (1918–1925), Transjordan (1925–1946), and modern Jordan (post-1946).

## Why It Matters
Aqaba is critical to Jordan's economy as its sole maritime gateway, facilitating international trade. Its port and tourism industries drive national revenue, while its strategic location has made it a focal point for regional power shifts throughout history. The city's blend of ancient heritage and modern infrastructure underscores its enduring relevance as both a cultural landmark and economic engine.

## Notable For
- **Strategic Port**: Jordan's only seaport and a vital Red Sea shipping route.
- **Historical Crossroads**: Evidence of continuous habitation since the 4th century BCE, with ruins from Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods.
- **Biodiversity**: Proximity to coral reefs and marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Aqaba.
- **Tourism**: Popular for snorkeling, diving, and attractions like the Aqaba Marine Park.
- **Multilingual Heritage**: Known by over 20 names in different languages, including Arabic (العقبة), Japanese (エル・アカバ), and Chinese (亚喀巴).

## Body

### Geography & Climate
Aqaba occupies 3,750 hectares on the arid southern coast of Jordan, bordered by the Gulf of Aqaba to the west and the Wadi Araba desert to the east. Its low elevation (6 meters above sea level) and coastal position create a hot desert climate, moderated by sea breezes.

### History
- **Ancient Era**: Founded as Elath (Ailana) during the Edomite and Nabataean periods, later a Roman and Byzantine trade hub.
- **Ottoman Rule (1517–1917)**: Controlled under the Ottoman Empire until its capture during the 1917 Battle of Aqaba, led by T.E. Lawrence and Arab forces.
- **Modern Jordan**: Incorporated into the Emirate of Transjordan in 1925, becoming part of independent Jordan in 1946.

### Demographics & Culture
- **Population Growth**: Increased from 80,059 (2004) to 140,000 (2014), reflecting urbanization and tourism sector expansion.
- **Cultural Significance**: Home to the Aqaba Festival, showcasing Jordanian heritage, and the historic downtown area with Ottoman-era architecture.

### Economy
- **Port Activity**: Handles 90% of Jordan's imports and exports, including phosphate and potash shipments.
- **Tourism**: Attracts visitors to its beaches, coral reefs, and historical sites like the Aqaba Fort and Islamic cemetery.

### Governance & Infrastructure
- **Administration**: Capital of Aqaba Governorate and a special economic zone (Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, ASEZA) since 2000, offering tax incentives.
- **Transport**: Served by King Hussein International Airport and connected to the North-South Highway.

### International Relations
- **Twinning Agreements**: Partnered with Saint Petersburg (2004), Varna, Alcamo, and Málaga for cultural and economic collaboration.
- **Global Recognition**: Featured in encyclopedias such as the *Great Soviet Encyclopedia* and *Meyers Konversations-Lexikon*.

### Environmental Features
- **Marine Life**: Part of the Gulf of Aqaba's coral reef ecosystem, protected by the Aqaba Marine Park.
- **Sustainability Efforts**: ASEZA promotes eco-tourism and renewable energy projects to balance development with conservation.

### Digital Presence
- **Official Website**: [visitaqaba.com](https://visitaqaba.com/Default/En) (English).
- **Multimedia**: Documented in Wikimedia Commons galleries and mapped on OpenStreetMap (node ID 798842911).

## References

1. [Source](https://kvs.gov.spb.ru/en/agreements/)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. [Source](https://vici.org/vici/2489)
7. GeoNames
8. BBC Things
9. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
10. KBpedia