AQABA

Seaport at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba, on the Red Sea, and just across the border from Elat in Israel.

Aqaba was a small fishing village and site of an Ottoman fort when it became officially incorporated into the Emirate of Transjordan in 1924, giving Jordan its only outlet to the sea. In 1959, Aqaba's port became operational, and in 1976, a free trade zone was opened. The port experienced substantial development as a result of aid from Iraq, which needed safe access to a seaport during its war with Iran. Iraqi aid also helped develop the country's roads and overland transportation systems. Cargo handled through Aqaba increased steadily throughout the 1980s, peaking in 1988 at 20 million tons, and fell sharply to 10 million tons after the United Nations embargo of Iraq in 1990. In 1999 Aqaba handled 12.8 million tons of cargo. Port facilities will require modernization to increase handling potential once the embargo is lifted. In addition to the port, Aqaba, with a population of 40,500 (1998), is a popular tourist resort known for its beaches, water sports, and spectacular coral reefs.

Bibliography

Nowar, Ma'an A. The History of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan: The Creation and Development of Transjordan. St. Paul, MN: Consortium Book Sales and Distribution, 1989.

Jenab Tutunji

Aqaba (Al 'Aqabah) Only seaport of Jordan, at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba on the ne end of the Red Sea. It was an important part of medieval Palestine. In 1917 it was captured from the Turks by T. E. Lawrence, and finally ceded to Jordan in 1925. It is crucial to Jordan's phosphate exports, and is expanding as a port and diving resort. Pop. (1994) 62,773.