Umayyad Mosque in Damascus Syria

The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria is one of the oldest and the largest mosques in the worlds. It is known for its intricate architectural beauty. Sometimes, it is also called the Grand Mosque of Damascus. The elegant color combination with the lighting makes the mosque even more beautiful. The tomb stands in a garden that is adjacent to the wall of the mosque. The mosque holds a memorial and contains the head of John the Baptist, who is said to be honored as a great prophet and preacher by both Christian and Muslims.
Damascus is said to be the oldest colonized city in the world and the mosques is located on the land that is considered the most sacred ground. The mosque has been created for over 3000 years starting in 1000 BC, on the same ground, a temple was made for Hadad, who happens to be the god of storm and lightening. In the north east corner of the mosque a sphinx has been discovered.
A huge Temple of Jupiter was built over the Aramean Temple by the Romans in the 1st century AD. The temple was made on a raised rectangular platform with square corners on all four sides. It was during the 4th century that the temple became a church. The temple was broken and a church was built and was dedicated to a Baptist called John. The Muslim took over the Damascus in 636; however, it did not affect the church. The building today is shared by both the Christians and Muslim Pilgrims.

Umayyad Mosque Video

Umayyad Mosque

Umayyad Mosque

Umayyad Mosque

Umayyad Mosque

Read more »

Great Mosque of Cordoba

The Mezquita of Cordoba (Mosque of Cordoba) is a Roman Catholic Cathedral located in Cordoba, Spain. Mezquita is a Spanish word and it means mosque. The Mezquita was built in the 10th century during the ruled of Abd- ar-Rahman III, who was one of the greatest rulers in the history of Islam. During this time, Cordoba was the largest and the most wealthy cities of Europe. In fact, the making of the mosque added more to its majestic beauty.

The place was initially built as a Church, however, when the Muslim ruler took over the place, they started using it as a mosque and extended it till it became the second largest mosque in the entire world. The Mezquita is said to be the most proficient monument of the Cordoba. Once the Spanish took back the site from the Muslims, they once again converted the place from a mosque to a church. Today, the Mezquita is used for the purpose of Church and the normal fee to visit the Mezquita is 6 Euros.

One can enter the Church via the Patio de los Naranjas, which is a typical Islamic courtyard and till date, preserves its orange trees and fountains. During the older days, when the Mezquita was being used as a mosque, all the 19 gates were open while offering prayers, so that they looked like and extension of the trees with sunlight filtering all over. Mezquita is one of the few places in the world consists of two different cultures and definitely worth visiting despite your religion.

Mosque of Cordoba
Mosque of Cordoba
Mosque of Cordoba
Mosque of Cordoba

Read more »

Chartres Cathedral France

The Chartres Cathedral of France is situated in Chartes, about eighty kilometers southwest of Paris. It is one of the best & most famous churches in the entire France. It is counted third best among the Gothic style of architecture. It’s full name is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres.
It is a beautiful sight to see from a distance, between the wheat fields and only when tourists come closer to the church, it stands on the top of the hill and stands out in beauty. The Chartres Cathedral was built in the 16th century and it has two Spires, the first one is 349 feet and the other is 377 feet tall.

As far as the history of the cathedral goes, this cathedral was said to be the most imperative building in the city. It acted as a big landmark for the local public and also for the nearby visitors. All important activities were entered around the cathedral. Sometimes during the middle age, the cathedral worked as the market place. In the middle of all this, the priests however were always against the cathedral being used as a market place. So much so, that they did not allow people selling wine in the crypt. The cathedral was a common assembly point for different kinds of workmen to find jobs for themselves. The Chartres Cathedral is one of the most visited Gothic churches in the entire France. The Chartres was a place where pilgrims used to come quite often and during older days, the church used to be a hospital to take care of the sick.

Chartres Cathedral
Chartres Cathedral
Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral Video Review

Read more »

Kashmir Valley

Kashmir is a beautiful valley lying between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range. It is situated in the northwest region of India and is 135 km long and 32 km wide. It is said that if there is heaven on earth, then it is in Kashmir. Kashmir was made by the Jhelum River, it is said that during earlier days, it was an imperative part for the Hinduism and later for Buddhism. Srinagar is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmir is known for its breathtaking scenic beauty. The Kashmir Valley is in the shape of a saucer. The local people of Kashmir are mostly into agriculture and lead a very plain and simple life. The summer capital vfg is known for a very beautiful place called the Seven Springs. Visitors can see the beauty through the beautiful trolleys. I went to this divine place when I was doing my primary school and during those days, the trolley was open and could only accommodate 2 people. It was a very scary, yet a magnificent site from the up.

Shikaras, also called as the wooden boats in Srinagar are yet again another breathtaking place to visit. In the clam beautiful lake with a picturesque view, everything looks beautiful just like a fresh canvas painting with bright and nice colors. Visitors spend a lot of time in this place. One can hire houseboats or rent and stay for as long as they want. The interiors of the houseboats are simply exotic. Kashmir is a hot piece of property for India, however, is being eyed by Pakistan. Despite the constant terror that prevails in Kashmir, visitors under army protection find it extremely safe to visit it.

Driving In the Kashmir Valley Video

Read more »