Ajlun
From BlogJordan
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Ajlun (Arabic: عجلون) is the capital town of the Ajlun Governorate. (however itis not the largest city) A hilly town in the north of Jordan, located 76 kilometers (around 47 miles) north west of Amman. It is noted for its impressive ruins the 12th century castle which known nowadays as Ajlun Castle. Ajlun Governorate has a population of over 130 thousand widespread in twenty seven villages and towns and area about 420 km2. Population of Ajlun Governorate is mainly composed of the following tribes: Alqudah, Almomani, Freihat, Zoghoul and Rabadi. People of the area are very well-known for pursuing university degrees and higher education. The most notable towns and villages in Ajlun (other than Ajlun itself)are : Ain-Janna, Kufranji, Anjara, Sakhra and Ibbeen. |
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[edit] Demographics
According to the Jordan national census of 2004, the population of the town of Ajlun was 7,289. Ajlun Governorate is about 119,000.
Muslims make up the majority of Ajlun's population, there are Christian minority groups in the city as well. The governorate of Ajlun is highly agricultural, as the population distibution tells.
[edit] Points of Interest
[edit] Ajlun Castle
The Ajlun Castle, is located on the site of an old monastery. It was built by [al-Din Usama], a general of Saladin army, in 1184. It permitted to control the road of Damascus and Egypt. The fortress marks the limit which the Franks could never exceed in the east. The [[1]] increased it then, adding its square tower in particular to it. It was taken by the Mongols into 1260 and partially destroyed.
[edit] Ajlun Nature Reserve
Ajlun Nature Reserve (13 sq km) is located in the Gilead Hills and consists of Mediterranean-like hill country, dominated by open woodlands of oak and pistachio trees. The reserve was first established in 1988 when a captive-breeding programme for roe deer was initiated.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) has set up two hiking trails and provides a special area for camping. Ajlun's woodlands consist mostly of oak trees, interspersed with pistachio, pine, carob, and wild strawberry trees. These trees have long been important to local people for their wood, scenic beauty, and very often for medicine and food.
[edit] Climate and Topography
The Ajlun mountains are famous for their lush vegetation and thick green forests and a good place for hikes. Its highest mountain peaks reach around 1250 meters above sea level. It's one of the countries most beautiful regions. It receives a number of snow storms per year with snow accumulations that reach up to a meter at times.
[edit] References
