The earliest reference to a building at Qatrana appears in the 1563 itinerary of Mustapha Pasha, naming it Khan Qatrani. However, its more prominent transformation began under the reign of Sultan Suleiman in 1559, when he ordered the construction of a fort as part of a grand initiative that also included fortifications at Ma‘an, Dhat al-Hajj, and Tabuk. By 1568, during the reign of Sultan Selim II, the fort emerged in official Ottoman records, marking it as a beacon of imperial influence amid tumultuous surroundings.

Yet, Qatrana’s story isn’t one of peace. Positioned along the route of the Hajj caravan, the fort often stood at the centre of the conflict. Local tribes, rebelling against the Ottoman administration, repeatedly clashed with imperial forces. One dramatic instance recounts an attack near Qatrana by 100 Bedouin horsemen. While the stationed troops made profits selling provisions to pilgrims, others found cheaper alternatives by venturing west to Kerak.

The mid-18th century brought further turmoil. By 1753, Bedouin tribes, angered by unpaid subsidies, obstructed the Hajj caravan’s passage, demanding their dues. The commander, reluctantly yielding to their demands, paid the arrears. This act, perceived as a rebellion by the Ottoman government, led to the execution of key tribal leaders. Enraged, the Bedouins retaliated in 1756, launching a fierce assault on the caravan. As chaos ensued, the Turkish Governor Abdullah Pasha sought shelter within Qatrana’s walls, enduring a tense 15-day siege before the tribes finally withdrew with their spoils.

The fort’s prominence eventually faded, but its legacy captured the curiosity of 19th-century travellers. Renowned explorers such as Doughty, Gray Hill, and Brünnow, along with von Domaszewski, chronicled their visits, documenting their significance. By May 1928, Eric Schroeder of the Field Museum’s North Arabian Desert Expedition described the site as “an Arab fortress standing in disrepair nearly a mile from the Hijaz Railway station.” He observed its distinctive projecting turrets, drawing comparisons to the majestic Qasr al-Azraq.

Today, Qatrana stands as a weathered sentinel of history, its walls etched with centuries of stories of trade, pilgrimage, and conflict. The fort invites visitors to imagine the vibrant and turbulent chapters it has witnessed, offering a powerful glimpse into the region’s rich and intricate heritage.