Jordan unveils unique underwater army museum in Red Sea
Jordan's authorities have introduced an unusual museum project. Placing military exhibits underwater sounds intriguing, and the project has been thought out to the last detail. Here's a look at the underwater museum in the bay off the coast of Aqaba.
Jordan has completed an extraordinary project by creating an underwater military museum at a depth of about 92 feet. The exhibition, located in the bay off the coast of Aqaba, includes 19 exhibits, such as tanks, an AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter, and anti-aircraft guns. The Jordanian armed forces provided these exhibits, which were placed on the floor of the Red Sea, forming a unique tourist attraction.
Underwater Tourism
The project launched by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) was designed to integrate with the coral reef. Similar initiatives exist, such as in Bahrain, where a specially prepared Boeing 747 aircraft was submerged. The Jordanian authorities emphasize that the museum offers "new and unique museum experiences," blending sports, environment, and military history.
Aqaba, Jordan's only port on the Red Sea, has become a popular destination for divers. The city offers numerous attractions, including sunken military exhibits and a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar aircraft. The authorities use these underwater installations to promote tourism and educate visitors about the underwater world.
Is such a museum ecological?
However, not everyone is convinced of the ecological benefits of such projects. Adriana Humanes, a marine ecology specialist, points out the potential risks associated with the corrosion of materials that can release heavy metals into the water. Nevertheless, the Jordanian museum attracts tourists by offering unforgettable experiences and unique holiday photos.
The desire for sustainable development and the integration of tourist attractions with the natural environment inspire the development of such tourist projects. However, experts warn that using unprotected metals may lead to marine environmental contamination. The sunken units are specially prepared to minimize the risk of pollution.