Watch Global Treasures: The Castles of the Umayyad Desert

Global Treasures: The Castles of the Umayyad Desert is an exhilarating journey through the history and legacy of the incredibly resilient Umayyad dynasty, one of the greatest dynasties of the early Islamic Caliphate. The movie delves deeper into some of the most remarkable, fortified castles and citadels that dot the desert landscape in present-day Syria and Jordan, and tells their stories with the help of expert commentary, stunning visuals, and insightful anecdotes.

Over the course of 50 minutes, viewers get a glimpse into the political, social, and cultural context that gave rise to these architectural marvels, as well as the symbolic and strategic significance of each castle in consolidating Umayyad power and authority. We see how the Umayyads, who originally hailed from Mecca, established a vast empire that stretched from Spain in the west to India in the east, all the while grappling with revolts, rival factions, and shifting alliances.

With the expert guidance of the narrator and expert historians, we get to explore Castle Qasr al-Hayr al-Sharqi, a fortified palace that was meant to serve as an administrative center and royal retreat, and which houses some of the finest frescoes and mosaics of the period. We also get to peek inside Qasr Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts a stunning bathhouse adorned with intricate murals depicting hunting scenes, zodiacs, and mythical creatures.

But perhaps the highlight of the movie is the visit to the great fortress and formidable garrison of Qasr al-Azraq, one of the largest and most strategically important castles of the Umayyad era. We see up close the thick walls and towers that provided shelter to hundreds of soldiers and their families, as well as the vast underground cisterns that collected rainwater and kept the fortress supplied during sieges. The film also sheds light on the role of the legendary Arab warrior T.E. Lawrence, famously known as Lawrence of Arabia, who commandeered the castle during the Arab Revolt of 1916 against the Ottoman empire.

Throughout the movie, we are treated to breathtaking vistas of the desert landscape and close-ups of the intricate masonry, carvings, and inscriptions that make these castles a treasure trove of Islamic art and architecture. We learn about the Umayyad penchant for incorporating Roman and Byzantine elements into their buildings, as well as the deep-rooted influence of Persian and Sassanian traditions. We also get to witness how each castle tells a unique story of the past, reflecting the aspirations, challenges, and technological innovations of its time.

Overall, Global Treasures: The Castles of the Umayyad Desert is an engrossing documentary that combines education, entertainment, and inspiration in equal measure. It takes viewers on a journey back in time and reveals the impressive legacy of one of the most dynamic and enduring dynasties in Islamic history. Whether you are a scholar, a traveler, or a history buff, this movie is sure to ignite your imagination and awaken your appreciation for the wonder and beauty of the desert castles.