The Ancient Islamic City of Ayla, located in Aqaba, Jordan, was established in the mid-7th century AD under the rule of Caliph Uthman ibn Affan. As one of the first Islamic cities built outside the Arabian Peninsula, Ayla played a key role as a trade hub and naval outpost, linking the Red Sea, Levant, and Arabian Peninsula. The city thrived due to its strategic location, facilitating commerce, pilgrimage routes, and cultural exchange.
Ayla was designed in a rectangular layout, enclosed by fortified walls with four gates. Within its boundaries stood a central mosque, administrative buildings, and residential quarters. Archaeological excavations have uncovered inscriptions, pottery, and coins, providing insight into the city’s economic and social life. Despite being damaged by earthquakes and invasions, Ayla remains a significant historical and archaeological site, offering a glimpse into early Islamic urban planning and trade networks.
