Wadi Rum is a fascinating desert valley with unique natural beauty and historical richness. This magnificent coastline of Jordan offers an otherworldly landscape with hot sand dunes, towering rocks and majestic sandstones. Many civilizations have left their mark throughout history in this valley, which has been used as a settlement for thousands of years.
Despite the harsh conditions of desert life, intertwined with Bedouin culture, a trace of life can be found here. Camping under the sky, under the stars or Bedouin guides Exploring the valley with your company takes you on a journey through time. Wadi Rum is a unique place where you can feel the magic of nature and the depths of history.
Wadi Rum, or Wadi Rum, is a valley famous for its sandstone and granite rock formations, located in southern Jordan, 60 km east of Aqaba. Also known as the Valley of the Moon, this valley is one of the largest valleys in Jordan. Valley Rum, which has hosted various civilizations since prehistoric times, bears the traces of many cultures such as the Nabataeans. Ruins such as rock paintings, graffiti and temples reflect this rich cultural heritage.
in 2011 UNESCO declared a World Heritage Site by Valley of Rum‘s name, city of IramIt comes from (English: Iram of the Pillars). In this valley, there are traces such as inscriptions and temples left by various civilizations such as the Nabataeans. Wadi Rum is of great cultural and geographical importance with its mountain formations rising from the red sands.
Wadi Rum Another name you will hear frequently is Lawrence’is. World War I British agent Lawrence, one of the key figures in the Arab Revolt during the war, is said to have been in Wadi Rum frequently. Even in Wadi Rum “Lawrence’s Spring” It is even rumored that he washed in places like these, but there is no concrete evidence to support this.
Wadi Rum name “Moon Valley” means, but the Arabic word “Wadi” does not exactly mean “valley”. It is a common occurrence in desert regions; In winter, rivers emerge with the rain, and in summer they dry out. The literal meaning of the word “Wadi”, which is unique to the Arabian Peninsula, is “stream bed that dries up in summer”.
Information about Wadi Rum Protected Area
The 74,000-hectare land, defined as a mixed natural and cultural area, is located in southern Jordan, near the border with Saudi Arabia. It has a rich desert landscape consisting of various gorges, natural arches, high cliffs, ramps, large landslides and caves.
in the field petroglyphs, inscriptions and archaeological remainsIt bears witness to 12,000 years of human habitation and interaction with the natural environment. The combination of 25,000 rock carvings with 20,000 inscriptions traces the evolution of human thought and the early development of the alphabet. The site shows the evolution of pastoral, agricultural and urban activities in the region.
Wadi Rum, topographically Valley of the Moon due to its similarity to the landscapes of the Moon It is called. Wadi Rum is a common term often used for the entire region. However, most tourist attractions and campsites are generally located outside the Greek village.
Wadi Rum is notable for the presence of relatively high mountains, being home to Um Edami and Jabal Rum, the highest mountain peaks in the Southern Levant. The main route to Wadi Rum and the small Greek village is approximately five kilometers south from the city of Al Qweira via the desert road and approximately twenty-five kilometers north of Aqaba. From there, a road of approximately 35 kilometers extends through the desert and continues to Wadi Rum.
um valleyis one of Jordan’s most popular tourist areas and a place where tourists from all over the world come to see its natural beauty. These natural beauties are natural formations untouched by human hands and are only the work of nature. Replacement of hotels in Wadi Rum region tourist camps It is common. Because this area is a natural protected area and hotel buildings are not allowed here.
History of Wadi Rum Region
Land surveys conducted in the Wadi Rum region reveal the existence of settlements in the past, at the end of the last ice age. During this period, the region received large amounts of rainfall, had dense tree cover, and had a very different appearance from today’s desert landscape. The abundance of underground water resources in the region at this time was due to the heavy rainfall at that time.
Research also shows that this region rich water resources and revealed that it is a place where game animals are abundant. Arabs have settled in this region since prehistoric times. Especially during the Nabataean period, the remains of Petra inscriptions and reliefs There are.
The Wadi Rum region, especially throughout the Hisma region, was the passageway for caravans coming from the Arabian Peninsula and Yemen towards the Levant, and many inscriptions and reliefsis found.
Wadi Rum was part of the route of TE Lawrence and Sharif Hussein in the fight against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War. Lawrence of Arabia movie It was also shot in this region. During your desert trip, you can see the house of Lawrence of Arabia, his water source and inscriptions from the Nabataeans. You can also stay as a guest in the Bedouin tents set up in the area.
Places to Visit in Wadi Rum
Lawrence’s Spring: It is a water source located in the west of Wadi Rum and frequently visited by Lawrence of Arabia.
Red Sand Dune: Located among the red sand dunes of Wadi Rum, it is a stunning dune offering spectacular views.
Khazali Canyon: It is a mysterious canyon stretching between high cliffs and decorated with rock paintings, waiting to be discovered.
Little Bridge: It is a naturally formed bridge between two high rocks. It is a popular stop on walking routes.
Lawrence’s House: Known as a place used by Lawrence of Arabia, this building has historical and spiritual significance.
Mushroom Rock: This rock, which has an interesting and unique shape, is one of the characteristic sights of Wadi Rum.
Abu Khashaba Canyon: It is an unexplored canyon full of huge cliffs and narrow passages. Ideal for adventure lovers.
Um Frouth Rock Arch (Um Frouth Rock Arch): It is a large rock arch and a popular shooting spot for photographers.
Sunset: It is a point where you can see the magnificent view of Wadi Rum at its best. It offers an unforgettable experience accompanied by the colors of the sky.
Wadi Rum Train Station
Wadi Rum Train StationLet’s take a look at his unique story. This station, located near Wadi Rum, is the famous railway station that was started during the reign of Abdulhamid II but was never completed. ‘Hijaz Railway’It was implemented as part of the. A very interesting spot for tourists, this station is still standing along the road, about 10 kilometers from the city centre.
The station also has an old locomotive, as well as an open carriage from time to time, where tourists can take a short trip through the desert. Even on this wagon Turkish flag It fluctuates, but it should be considered a symbol of the Ottoman Empire of the time.
It is also worth noting that this station is not actually part of the original Hejaz Railway route. It is a station on a railway built after the Ottoman period by the Kingdom of Jordan to transport phosphate to the port of Aqaba. However, the use of this station continues to generate additional income by offering a different experience for tourists.
In fact, it aimed to unite Istanbul and Mecca, but could only reach from Damascus to Medina. Hejaz RailwayToday, passenger transportation is still carried out from Damascus to Amman.
If you miss the train ride when you arrive at this station, you can at least take a few photos of the waiting locomotive and the rails covered by endless sand, especially if you come with a private vehicle. There is also an exhibition inside the station about the Arab revolt of 1916, which may be of interest to you.
Accommodation in Wadi Rum
Those who want to experience the wild nature of the 720 square kilometer desert, camp under the stars and witness traditional Bedouin life, Wadi Rumalso comfortable in tent hotels They can stay.
Bedouin communities in the region protect fragile desert habitats from increasing numbers of visitors while also providing guide services to tourists. Tourists can be taken to designated points by vehicles used in the desert, where they can enjoy the magnificent view of the valley.
Ensuring the safety of the desert with their traditional clothes on camels “desert patrols” Thanks to it, you can travel safely and spend the night camping in the desert. The night you spend at the balloon hotel is a unique opportunity to fall asleep while watching the stars in the sky closely.
To join our WhatsApp group CLICK!
