This post deals with one of the questions we get asked most often: how do I visit the Blessed Tree? For more information about the historical significance of the Tree, read ‘The Blessed Tree: A Divine Reality’ first.
One of the best and most time-efficient ways to visit the Blessed Tree is by making a day trip out of it, since there are a number of other historical stops that can be made along the way. The Tree is about a two hour drive from Amman (approximately 150km), and is relatively easy to reach- the hardest part is getting out of Amman!
From Amman to Sahab
From the 4th circle head south over the bridge to Abdoun and continue along the highway towards Hayy al Yasmeen, following the signs for the Jumruk (Customs), and passing the TV and Radio Corporation on the way. From there drive towards Sahab.
From the 4th circle head south over the bridge to Abdoun and continue along the highway towards Hayy al Yasmeen, following the signs for the Jumruk (Customs), and passing the TV and Radio Corporation on the way. From there drive towards Sahab.
From Sahab to the Tree
Leave Amman and head towards the nearby city of Sahab. There, you can make your first historical stop and visit the Cave of the Sleepers. This is one of the sites believed to be the cave in which the ‘sleepers’ sought refuge and were protected by God (the story can be found in Surah al-Kahf).
Next continue onwards for about 100km to the city of Azraq. Along the way there are several Umayyad Palaces that can be visited, the most important of which is Qusayr Amra, once a hunting lodge used by the Caliphs of the period. All of the other nearby palaces and historical sites can be found via the map link below.
Once in Azraq, take the road north to Safawi (should be a left turn), and drive along this road for about 30km, where you will eventually find a road on the right that will take you to the Tree, which is about 14km away. This is a newly built road (which I have not seen myself); the previous one, which was an ancient Roman road made for a very bumpy 14km journey! The entrance for the old road had a sign pointing toward al-Buqayawiyya, though this may no longer be the case.
In 14km, you will (hopefully) reach the Tree! With little else growing around it, it is relatively easy to spot. It is surrounded by a metal fence with a gate, which should be unlocked.
For a map of the route (which was very kindly provided by photographer Bashar Tabbah of A Map And A Lens) to the Tree from Amman, click here. The GPS co-ordinates are: 32.06588, 37.14782
If you visit the Blessed Tree, let us know about your trip!
