Just south of Taba, in the northernmost part of the Gulf of Aqaba and a few hundred metres from the shore, is Pharaoh's Island. Crowned by the imposing crenellated wall of the rebuilt Salah al-Din citadel, it is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Persian Gulf.
The earliest documentation of structures on the island dates from the reign of Hiram, ruler of Tyre (c. 969-936 BC). Pharaoh's Island was called Yesiongaber at that time and was valued for its beautiful natural harbours, where ships of cedar traders docked. About two thousand years later, the island was occupied by the Byzantines, followed by the Crusaders in the 12th century. The Knights of the Maltese Cross, who protected the pilgrims' route between Cairo and Damascus and controlled the neighbouring town of Aqaba, built a fortress on the small island, which they called Ile de Grae. But its strategic importance was lost and soon the island became almost deserted.
In 1170, with the arrival of Salah al-Din, the ancient fortress walls and fortifications were restored, the defences were strengthened, a permanent garrison was left, and the fort was given a new name, Qasr el-Hadid. In November 1181, Renaud de Chatillon, with Arabs from nearby Aila, attempted to establish a naval blockade against the Muslim forces. The siege consisted of only two ships and was not successful, although it lasted from 1181 to 1183. By the 13th century, according to pilgrims' travel notes, the entire neighbourhood and the island were occupied by fishing villages with a population of Muslims and Frankish prisoners. The Mamluk governor of Aqaba lived for a time in the citadel on the island until his residence was moved to the city.
Today, a trip to Pharaoh's Island is one of the highlights of the sightseeing programme of tourists living in Taba, Eilat or Aqaba. Apart from a few ruins of walls and the remains of a tower, nothing remains of the ancient fort, all the buildings are modern stylisation.
