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Middle Eastern Potpourri
SAUDI ARABIA
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IATA code: AB
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IATA code: JED
IATA code: RUH
IATA code: DMM
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Al-Masjid al-Haram ("The Holy Mosque"; also known as al-Haram Mosque, Haram al-Sharif, Masjid al-Sharif and the Haram) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is the holiest mosque in the world and the primary destination of the Hajj pilgrimage.
The mosque complex covers an area of 356,800 square meters and can accommodate up to 820,000 worshippers during the Hajj. The Holy Mosque is the only mosque that has no qibla direction, since Muslims pray facing the Ka'bain the central courtyard. (See The Ka'ba and Black Stone for more details.)
The Kaaba (Qaaba) (Arabic: الكعبة al-Kaʿbah IPA: [ʔælˈkæʕbɐ], English: The Cube)[1] is a cuboid-shaped building in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is the most sacred site in Islam.[2]The Qur'an states that the Kaaba was constructed by Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic), and his son Ishmael (Ismaeel in Arabic), after the latter had settled in Arabia.[3] The building has amosque
built around it, the Masjid al-Haram. All Muslims around the world face the Kaaba during prayers, no matter where they are. This is called facing the Qiblah.
The Black Stone (Arabic: الحجر الأسود al-Ḥajar al-Aswad) is the eastern cornerstone of theKaaba
, the ancient stone building toward which Muslims pray, in the center of the Grand Mosquein Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is revered by Muslims as an Islamic relic, which according to Muslim tradition dates back to the time of Adam and Eve.[1]The stone was venerated at the Kaaba in pre-Islamic pagan times. It was set intact into the Kaaba's wall by the Islamic Prophet Muhammad in the year 605 A.D., five years before his first revelation. Since then it has been broken into a number of fragments and is now cemented into a silver frame in the side of the Kaaba. Its physical appearance is that of a fragmented dark rock, polished smooth by the hands of millions of pilgrims. Islamic tradition holds that it fell from Heaven to show Adam and Eve where to build an altar. Although it has often been described as a meteorite, this hypothesis is now uncertain.[2]
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
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IATA Code: AUH
IATA Code: FJR
IATA Code: DXB
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The Dubai Waterfront (now known as Waterfront) was expected to become the largest waterfront and largest man-made development in the world. The project is a conglomeration of canals andartificial
archipelago; it would occupy the last remaining Persian Gulf coastline of Dubai, the most populous emirate of the United Arab Emirates. It was planned to consist of a series of zones with mixed use including commercial, residential, resort, and amenity areas. The vision of the project is "to create a world-class destination for residents, visitors and businesses in the world's fastest growing city".
Jebel Ali (Arabic: جبل علي) is a port town, located 35 kilometres southwest of the city ofDubai
in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The village has a thriving expatriatecommunity with over 300 residents. The area is also home to "5,500 companies from 120 countries".
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The Alhosn Palace is a prominent historical feature in Abu Dhabi. The palace has a distinctive administrative and political record. In the past it functioned as the office and home for the Abu Dhabi ruler, government departments and courts of justice.
It also had a majlis for leading figures in the community.
The Grand Mosque Dubai is counted among one of the largest mosques (with a capacity to accommodate up to 1200 worshippers) in United Arab Emirates. Originally constructed in traditional Islamic architectural style and opened in 1900 A.D as a kuttab (Quranic school) where children learnt to recite the Quran from memory, the Grand Mosque of Dubai was rebuilt (maintaining the style of the original Grand Mosque) in 1998 and now boasts a 70 meters (231ft) high minaret- the tallest minaret in Dubai.
LEBANON
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IATA code: BEY
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IATA code: BEY
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Situated on the Beqaa plain, Aanjar is the site of the only Umayyad city in Lebanon. It was built from 705 to 715 and many well conserved ruins still remain.
Surrounded by well-preserved walls, the vast city still conserves its original rectangular shape and stands between two large, perpendicular main streets serving the whole town.
In the Beqaa valley, undulating in the magnificent landscape opens up the ancient city of Baalbeck. This site is categorised in UNESCO's world cultural heritage sites, and has a high degree of preservation.
Originally Canaanite (3rd millenarian BC) the Assyrian, “Heliopolis” with the Greeks, the Roman and Byzantine, the city of Baalbeck was influenced successively by the greatest civilizations, which left many relics that rival each other with their splendour. The three main monuments of this city are Jupiter’s temple with its six impressive columns remaining (height: 22 meters) • Venus’ temple • Bacchus’ temple, best preserved, shows the extent of construction during this epoch.
Bursting with sunshine, Beirut is brimming over with life. From the sea cornice to streets swarming with people, the effervescence is constant. Moreover, Beirut, capital of Lebanon, is also an important money market and business meeting point for all the businessmen of the region.
One of the most precious Arabic architectural jewels is the palace of Beiteddine. This historic monument comprises of two large courtyards: the “midane”, a vast rectangular place for visitors, and a smaller one for the royal private apartments, with a magnificent fountain in its centre.
Surrounding the courtyards, and wonderfully laid out, are the gardens of the palace which offer an extraordinary view of the region. Visiting the ancient stables, you will discover a unique collection of mosaics from the Byzantine period. Finely sculpted doors and columns of stone and wood will accompany you through every single room and private apartment of the edifice.
The city of Byblos has constantly been inhabited since the sixth century BC. The actual town is made up of the old town, surrounded by medieval walls along with the modern town that progressively expands towards the mountains.
The fishing port, built during the Neolithic period, was shaped by diverse civilizations as the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Fatimides, Mamelukes and Crusaders, leaving it with numerous vestiges. The old town’s archaeological site, with its impressive location diving into the sea, reveals all the relics of its 8,000 year-old history.
Situated in the Shouf, Deir El Qamar is one of Lebanon’s best-preserved towns. With its impressive traditional architecture displayed in the numerous palaces and monuments across the area, it is considered as one of the country’s historical heritages.
Under the Ottoman domination and shortly after Emir Fakhreddine II came to power in 1590, a chronic water shortage in Baaqline forced him to move his capital to Deir El Qamar.
In north Lebanon, the “Holy Valley” spreads from Bcharreh to the coast. Classified under UNESCO's world heritage, its countless caves, chapels and monasteries as well as its luxuriant vegetation transformed it into the most famous natural site of Lebanon.
For a long time its monasteries and caves have a peaceful shelter and refuge for monks, hermits and Christians from different nearby regions. Saint Eliseus convent, Qannubine monastery and many others are still in perfect condition since most of them have been restored. They can be presently visited and offer, besides the magnificence of the place, a fantastic panorama of the valley.
Sidon, capital of South Lebanon, has been mentioned in writings since the 14th century BC and was constantly inhabited. Since Antiquity, it has been one of the most flourishing ports of Phoenicia and the Mediterranean. Traces of this glorious past still hover in every street of the city.
The Sea Castle, a crusaders fortress from the 13th century, is erected on an island cliff next to the city. Visitors can access it through a bridge. Sidon is a very exciting and fascinating city. Its great mosque, its castle of St Louis and its “Khan el Franj” (caravanserai) are all a must see.
Even though several regions of Lebanon shelter cedars forests, 'the Cedars' refers to the Arz-el-Rab massif, in north Lebanon.
A few minutes away from the town of Bcharreh lays the multi-millennial cedars forest. This symbolic national tree is currently protected, but open to visitors. Moreover, hidden in the heart of the massif, is a lovely small white chapel which reinforces the serenity of the site.
As soon as you catch sight of the city, you cannot help but dream of the 'Arabian Nights'. Erected next to a cliff, Tripoli’s old town is an entanglement of alleys. The jewelers' souk, as well as the joiners and tailors shops, lay amid buildings of traditional architecture and sparkling hammams.
Tripoli has numerous religious edifices. Many mosques are worth visiting. The finest building of this medieval city is the Saint Gilles’ Citadel. Well preserved, it offers a grandiose view of the area.
From here, Princess Elissa fled to found the city of Carthage and cedar trees were offered for building Solomon’s temple, while Alexander the Great dived to a clear harbor and took the reins…
Tyre… It is a beguiling combination of a fascinating shingle beach, forever associated with the magical expanse of the Mediterranean, and the charm of the quaint town brimming with archeological treasures.
Founded in the 18th century, Zahle, the village with red tiled roofs, was erected on the shores of “al Bardawni” river. Nowadays, restaurants, coffee-rooms and old houses flourish on each riverbank. There, you can relax and have a refreshing drink or a tasty meal under the shadeof trees alongside the rushing river.
Many 18th century churches and monasteries are scattered throughout the village and you can see various Bronze Age, Byzantine and Roman relics as well as Canaanite sarcophagi. Zahleh is also regarded as the capital of the agricultural region of the Beqaa as well as the wine-producing region well known since Antiquity.
BAHRAIN
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IATA code: SIT
IATA code: Not applicable
IATA code: GBQ
IATA code: Not applicable
IATA code: Not applicable
IATA code: Not applicable
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IATA code: BAH
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Built by Ahmed Bin Qassem Siyadi, a pearl merchant, it has fine features to look out for, including stained glass windows, ornate ceilings, carved screens and a large safe set into the wall of an upper reception room.
Is considered as the most important historic buildings in Bahrain. It derives importance as being the first official center for Bahrain Courts. The building was inaugurated by Late H.H. Sh. Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the past Governor of Bahrain, during Calendar year 18th October, 1937. At that time the building comprised of four Supreme Courts, apart from three Directorates. Later on, during 1984 the building was transformed into a Traditional Heritage Center. Currently, the Museum of Pear Diving is under the control of Directorate of Archaeology and Heritage, one of the major Directorates of Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Information. The Museum of Pearl Diving, is considered as a source of pride to Bahrain, its governors and people from past to present.
The House was built so as to accommodate a valuable collection of the Holy Quaran and manuscripts, a unique concept in the Arabian Gulf. The complex comprises a library, a mosque, a school auditorium and five exhibition halls.
The Shaikh Isa’s house located at the old down of Muharraq, was the home of great grandfather of Amir, Shaikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa. It represents a fine example of local architecture, with a wind tower, wall carving and lattice work, indicating a traditional nineteenth century life.
Standing alone in the desert about two kilometers from Jebel Dukhan, this mystic tree is a welcome shade from the day's heat, though the source of water for the tree still remains a mystery.
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Oil Museum is situated near the "Oil Well No.1" and was inaugurated on 2nd June 1992 to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of discovery of oil in Bahrain, which was also the first country in the Middle East to do so. The museum comprises fascinating drilling equipments, old photographs, document and the working model of an oil rig.
Opened during 1986, this engineering link that connects Saudi Arabia with Bahrain, is also one of the most expensive bridges in the world. The bridge traverses Umm Nasan Island, a sanctuary for wildlife, and at the halfway point there is a facility area, that comprises a restaurant, which could be visited even if one does not travel all the way to Saudi Arabia.
The Middle East is well known for its passion for Horse Riding. The visitors will have a choice of quite a few stables, with mounts suitable for all ages and abilities. It has a splendid race track, together with a grandstand for 10,000 spectators.
The Riffa Golf Club was designed by a leading golf designer, Karl Litton. The club covers a length of 24 hectares, and comprises landscaped shrubbery and palms to give a tropical feeling of desert terrain. The course has been created so as to match international caliber.
IRAN
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IATA code: THR
IATA code: SYZ
IATA code: IFN
IATA code: TBZ
IATA code: MHD
IATA code: AWZ
IATA code: RAS
IATA code: Not applicable
IATA code: AZD
IATA code: BND
IATA code:KER
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IATA code: THR
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IATA code: IKA
IATA code: BND
IATA code: XBJ
IATA code: IFN
IATA code:KIH
IATA code:LRR
IATA code:MHD
IATA code:SYZ
IATA code:TBZ
IATA code:THR
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As one of the oldest Iranian cities (approximately 2,500 years old), Esfahan is listed as a world heritage site and accommodates many of Iran’s outstanding tourist attractions. It served as the capital of Persia between 1598 and 1722.
The Friday Mosque (Masjid E Jumeh) is one of the most beautiful and oldest Iranian tourist attractions. The mosque has been subject to renovation, development and updating since it was built in the mid eighth century. The dome of the mosque is famous both within Iran and outside of Iran for its geometric accuracy and beauty. It is truly a breathtaking sight and well worth the visit.
The Central Bank in Iran is home to some of the world’s most beautiful, famous and valuable stones. Although the Central Bank itself is not a tourist attraction, on display in the vault are rubies, emeralds, gold, diamonds and in particular, the world’s largest diamond. It is a tourist attraction which should not be missed.
The Palace of Roses is again one of Iran’s oldest buildings; serving primarily as a museum and home to artefacts which will be of great attraction to most tourists. It was built during the reign of the Safavid dynasty (1502-1736) and has also been home to the royal family during the time of the Shah. It displays beautiful artwork such as the Peacock Throne which is studded with gems. It also includes other beautiful and diverse artefacts such as illuminated manuscripts.
Persepolis is undoubtedly one of the most popular Iranian tourist attractions. It used to serve as the capital of the Achaemenid Empire as far back as 518 BC.
As with Esfahan, Persepolis is also listed as a World Heritage Site.
IRAQ
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IATA code: BGW
IATA code: OSM
IATA code: BSR
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IATA code: BGW
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IATA code: NJF
IATA code: BGW
IATA code:BSR
IATA code:EBL
IATA code:OSM
IATA code:ISU
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The Wadi al-Salam cemetery in the city of Najaf is one of the most popularly visited landmarks today. The city welcomes two million visitors from the neighboring Muslim countries every year. Because of this, many neighborhoods have now been converted into high-rise hotels, providing immediate accommodations, that is, as long as you don’t mind sleeping beside the cemeteries.
Once the capital city of ancient Mesopotamia, Babylon is one of the most interesting historical sites in the world today. About 90 miles from Baghdad, you will find that this ancient city has access to what was crucially considered as the life source for the ancient kingdoms, the rivers Tigris and the Euphrates. This is probably why the people of ancient civilizations popularly referred to Babylon as “the gate of God.”
Although Iraq has been the subject of countless conflicts throughout history, it still is home to many historical landmarks that deserve rediscovered by a new generation of visitors. And one of these landmarks is the famed Hatra Ruins. UNESCO has recognized Hatra as a world heritage site as it is also believed to be the ancient lost city of Tayyab. If you want to catch a glimpse of historical beauty, it may be well worth the 290-kilometer drive from Baghdad.
Iraq is a country rich in history and has always been considered as the birthplace of many of man’s cultural ancestry. And no matter what the modern world thinks of this country, it should still be considered as a contributor to the development of architecture and art. Are you thinking of taking an archeological adventure to Iraq? Then you should not miss the chance to behold the majestic beauty of the Great Ziggurat of Ur.
The National Museum of Iraq is known to house a significant number of historical artifacts that has helped people learn more about the Mesopotamian civilizations and middle-eastern life in general. It first opened its doors to the public in 1926 through the efforts of author and British traveler Gertrude Ball, who unfortunately passed away months before the museum welcomed its first guests. Because of many conflicts that befell the country in the past, many important relics that were originally included in the museum’s display have been looted and sold to private collectors through the black market. In 2009, the national museum once again opened its glory to the world for a day by the Iraqi prime minister Al – Maliki.
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