Tourism and Antiquities Ministry celebrated the National Day of South Sinai on Tuesday. The ministry has lit up the Saladin Citadel in Taba.
Dr. Osama Talaat, Director of Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Department said that this citadel was constructed nearby the Gulf of Aqaba to secure the trade routes between Egypt, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
He added that the island where the citadel built was used as a maritime military base during different eras.
In 1116, the island was occupied by the troops of the crusades. Next, it was freed by Saladin who built various protective buildings for securing Egypt.
Regarding the structure of the citadel, Talaat explained that it is constructed of two separated buildings. One of them is located at the north of the island, consisted of various tall fences and towers.
Moreover, it has a number of balconies, containers, toilets, a dove tower, a hall, and rooms for soldiers.
Regarding the other attachments of the citadel, they are a kitchen, minor stores for crops, three major rooms, and a small mosque.
On the other hand, the second building is located at the south of the island. Only a few remains left from it.
Contributed by: Rana Atef
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