About the product
Azraq is a unique wetland, located in the heart of the arid Eastern Desert, which takes its name
from the Arabic word for ‘blue’. A migratory stopover for birds from three continents, Azraq is
becoming increasingly popular for bird-watching. From the walkways and hides, visitors get the
chance to observe birds close at hand, including local, migratory and occasional rare species.
Azraq is located about 110 kilometers east of Amman at the junction of roads leading northeast
into Iraq and southeast into Saudi Arabia. With 12 square kilometers of lush parklands, pools and
gardens, Azraq has the only water in all of the eastern desert. The oasis is also home to a host of
water buffalo and other wildlife. There are four main springs which supply Azraq with its water
as well as its name, which in Arabic means “blue.” Over the past 15 ye ars or so, the water level in
Azraq’s swamps has fallen dramatically due to large-scale pumping to supply Amman and Irbid.
This has resulted in the destruction of a large part of the marshlands. While Azraq remains one
of the most important oases in the Middle East for birds migrating between Africa and Europe,
its declining water levels have led many species to bypass Azraq in favor of other stops. The area
was once home to numerous deer, bear, ibex, oryx, cheetah and gazelle, many of which have
been decimated in the last sixty years by overzealous hunters.
The Azraq area also has a rich cultural history due to its strategic location and water resources.
It was used as a station for pilgrims and camel trains and Lawrence of Arabia was stationed in
Azraq Castle during the Arab Revolt. The local people are also unusually diverse, coming from
three different ethnic origins, Bedouin, Chechen and Druze; each of which has distinctive beliefs
and traditions.
from the Arabic word for ‘blue’. A migratory stopover for birds from three continents, Azraq is
becoming increasingly popular for bird-watching. From the walkways and hides, visitors get the
chance to observe birds close at hand, including local, migratory and occasional rare species.
Azraq is located about 110 kilometers east of Amman at the junction of roads leading northeast
into Iraq and southeast into Saudi Arabia. With 12 square kilometers of lush parklands, pools and
gardens, Azraq has the only water in all of the eastern desert. The oasis is also home to a host of
water buffalo and other wildlife. There are four main springs which supply Azraq with its water
as well as its name, which in Arabic means “blue.” Over the past 15 ye ars or so, the water level in
Azraq’s swamps has fallen dramatically due to large-scale pumping to supply Amman and Irbid.
This has resulted in the destruction of a large part of the marshlands. While Azraq remains one
of the most important oases in the Middle East for birds migrating between Africa and Europe,
its declining water levels have led many species to bypass Azraq in favor of other stops. The area
was once home to numerous deer, bear, ibex, oryx, cheetah and gazelle, many of which have
been decimated in the last sixty years by overzealous hunters.
The Azraq area also has a rich cultural history due to its strategic location and water resources.
It was used as a station for pilgrims and camel trains and Lawrence of Arabia was stationed in
Azraq Castle during the Arab Revolt. The local people are also unusually diverse, coming from
three different ethnic origins, Bedouin, Chechen and Druze; each of which has distinctive beliefs
and traditions.
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