Short history behind the building of the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque was actually built on the foundations of the old Palace of the Byzantine Empire. The story goes that during the Peace of Zsitvatorok and the huge loss faced during the 1603-1618 war fought against Persia, Sultan Ahmet I decreed the building of an imperial mosque in Istanbul. The mosque was supposed to be reassertion of the Ottoman Empire, a direct competitor to the Hagia Sophia, and one of its incredible kinds built in 40 years up to that period. However, earlier rulers had paid for the building of such mosques from the spoils of war. Instead, Sultan Ahmet I aid for the building from the money from the royal treasury since his reign had not seen that many victories to contend for such an expense.
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This naturally brought down the wrath of the Ulemas on to the emperor. The Mosque was however, built regardless. The Mosque stands directly in line with the Hagia Sophia today for visitors to finally experience the brilliance of the two structures side by side.

Some facts on the architectural genius of the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is the last standing mosque built during the classical period, which still carries the significant influence of the period evident in the design and architecture elements.

• The mosque exhibits five domes, 6 minarets and eight secondary structure domes within the structural design.
• It also exhibits certain elements from the Byzantine Christian influence particularly resembling the Hagia Sophia standing right by its side.
• The mosque was designed by Sedefkar Mehmed Aga who kept refining the core ideas of his master Sinan to bring together a classical design focused on the gigantic size and splendor of the structure.
• While many visitors are confused by the name Blue Mosque when they first see the structure, the reference is not clear unless you step inside the glory of the building. The interiors are lined by over 20, 000 handmade tiles sculpted in the Iznik Style from Iznik, Nicaea.
• Traditional design on the lower level tiles keep getting more outrageously flamboyant as they proceed to the upper levels of the structure. Gallery level tiles are the most flamboyantly designed with cypresses, vines, fruits and flowers richly appliquéd on the tiles.
• Upper gallery levels have the most dominating blue influence with paint and 200 stained glass windows adding to the flair. The glasses for these windows were a gift from the Signoria of Venice to Sultan Ahmet.
• The main décor is attributed to the verses of Quran beautifully etched on the walls and roofs by the incredible calligrapher Seyyid Kasim Gubari.
• The Harem Mosque in Mecca also had 6 minarets which sparked a major controversy against the Blue Mosque’s design. However, Sultan Ahmet sent his chief architect to Mecca in order to add a seventh minaret to that structure so the Blue Mosque design could remain intact.

The glory of Blue Mosque today

Today the structure contains a Madarsa, a functional hospital and the main Kulliye which houses the tomb of Sultan Ahmet I. Lush carpets are a part of the Mosque’s main praying area where till date devout followers come to kneel ad offer their prayers. The carpets are well maintained and replaced every time they have been worn down.

Visitors to the mosque can also experience the amazing light show and the multilingual narrative on the history of the mosque.

Statue of Spinx, which was in the sand for centuries, was always shrouded in an aura of mystery. Purpose and method of its creation, existence within the hidden cameras, as well as the prophetic gift of the statue and its relationship with the equally mysterious pyramids all still stays unclear. Mostly similar theories advanced desperate Egyptologists and archaeologists, vainly trying to unlock the secrets of the Sphinx alone. Probably, the national symbol of ancient and modern Egypt, standing like a sentry on the plateau of Giza, at all times, playing the same role: the age of the century, excited the imagination of poets, scholars, mystics, and leisure travelers. The Sphinx of Giza is the whole essence of Egypt.

The rising sun sculpture of the Great Sphinx is located on the plateau of Giza 6 mile west of Cairo on the west bank of the Nile. The original purpose of the Sphinx is unknown. Nobody knows its original name. Sphinx is the human-headed lion in ancient Greek mythology; the term likely came into use some 2,000 years after the statue was built. There are hundreds of tombs at Giza with hieroglyphic inscriptions dating back some 4,500 years, but not one mentions the statue. It may have been built to symbolically guard over the Giza plateau, and it may have been a portrait of Pharaoh Khafre. Its face seems to bear a resemblance to Khafre’s, and the royal headdress that it wears is particular to pharaohs.

The Egyptian people considers him incarnation of the god of the sun, which the Egyptians called Hor-em-ahet (Horus in the sky). Sphinx is part of the necropolis of ancient Memphis – the residence of the Pharaohs, where the three largest pyramids of Egypt – The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus). The monument is the largest of the surviving sculptures of the ancient world. The Sphinx was not assembled piece by piece but was carved from a single mass of limestone exposed when workers dug a horseshoe-shaped quarry in the Giza plateau. Approximately 66 feet tall and 240 feet long, it is one of the largest and oldest monolithic statues in the world. Part of the uraeus (sacred snake, protecting against evil), his nose and the ritual beard deteriorated over time. Beard is now kept in the British Museum. Elongated member on the forehead is a fragment of the sphinx royal headdress.

Sphinx has been hit by the ravages of time, human activity and pollution in our time. In fact, the complete destruction of it was saved for a long stay in the desert. Over the long history of the monument there have been many attempts to reconstruct the statue. They started back in 1401 BC., during the reign of Thutmose 4. One day after the hunt Pharaoh fell asleep in the shadow of the Sphinx, and he dreamed that a huge beast suffocated him by absorbing sand statue. In the dream, the Sphinx told Pharaoh that if he pulls out of the beast, and to cleanse it from the sand, it will receive the crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. Today, between the front paws of the Sphinx one can see granite stele (144cm Ht, 40cm W, 70cm D.) which is called the Stele of dreams, which depicts the legend of the dream of the Pharaoh. Although the sculpture was cleared soon it was covered back with the sand.

The nose of the Great Sphinx at Giza is conspicuous and created lot rumors with its absence. What happened to it? The popular story is that the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte used the nose for target practice in 1798. However, some say that when Napoleon arrived in Egypt, the Sphinx was already without a nose. One legend says that the nose cracked in the bombing during the Turkish occupation. According to another version (perhaps more plausible), the nose was probably removed in the 8th century AD by a Sufi who considered the Sphinx a blasphemous idol, but all that can be said for certain, based on the tool marks that remain, is that it was deliberately pried off with chisels. The Sphinx’s face, which in ancient times was painted dark red, was also decorated with a stone beard and displayed a sculpted cobra on its forehead, both of which have also fallen off.

In 1858 founder of the Egyptian Antiquities Service Auguste Mariette began excavations in the surroundings of sculpture, but only managed to calculate the part. In 1925-1936 French engineer Emile Baresi, acting on behalf of the Antiquities Service, completed the excavation of the Sphinx. And probably for the first time since the legendary ancient Egyptian sculpture was made available for public viewing.

Carved from the bedrock of the Giza plateau, the Sphinx is truly a mysterious marvel from the days of ancient Egypt. The body of a lion with the head of a king or god, it is believed among some people that Sphinx has been built to symbolize strength and wisdom. Even with all of the pictures that we see of the Sphinx online, nothing can really prepare conscious for the time when one will finally see the Sphinx with own eyes.

Kathmandu Valley has an exotic location. it is surrounded by green terraced slopes, above which rises majestic, snow-capped peaks. In the valley there are three largest city, having a great historical and cultural interest: Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon). The total area of the Kathmandu Valley is approximately 218 square meters miles.

It is located at an altitude of 1310m above sea level. From the air the oval valley, which is the “heart” of the country, looks like a giant chessboard. Holy River of Bagmati and its tributary Bishnumati flows through the valley to the south.

Attractions of Kathmandu reflect the rich religious, political and cultural life of Nepal. This sighseeing places include many ancient monuments, historic temples, royal palaces, representing a striking example of traditional architecture of Nepal. Located at the crossroads of ancient civilizations in Asia, the capital of Nepal can be proud of its architectural heritage, which is a unique symbiosis of Hinduism and Buddhism. Kathmandu ancient trade route which passed through India and Tibet also promoted the synthesis of local architectural traditions with the traditions of other nations.

Most of the major sites focused on Durbar Square, social and religious center of the city, built between the 12th and 18th centuries by the ancient Malla rulers. In this area there are several palaces, temples, other architectural monuments that form a complex and intricate patterns on the area. One of the most famous palaces, located on the square, is the Hanuman Dhoka. The name of this palace is sometimes used to refer to the area as a whole, so there could be confusion. The palace comprises a tangled network of randomly interconnected courtyards, tombs, many columns and statues.

In the corners of the palace are four tall towers, built by order of the ruler from different cities of the Kathmandu Valley. All of them are impressive, but the tower Bazantapur, built themselves by inhabitants of the Kathmandu, still appears to be the highest. You can climb the tower and enjoy the view of roofs of the old town. Furthermore, in good weather one can see the mountains surrounding the valley of Kathmandu. The main entrance to the palace, golden gate, guards the statue of Hanuman, the monkey-god, where the name of the palace derived itself from. Several museums are situated inside the palace, including the Museum of the dynasty, the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum.

Close to the Hanuman Dhoka

is the temple of Kumari Ghar – the residence of the living goddess Kumari. Nepalis believe that Kumari settles into a girl from a certain caste and remains as long as it does not go first blood. When this happens, the child loses the sacred status of the living incarnation of the goddess and continues to live a normal life. Then they are looking for a new incarnation of the clergy Kumari. Living goddess lives alone in his residence, only occasionally looking out the window closed at the usual time thick carved shutters. Nepalis believe that the emergence of Kumari brings good luck, and can stand for hours under the window of her palace. Next to the temple-palace of Kumari is located several temples and pagodas, among them a small temple dedicated to Ashok Vinayyak, also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh and Jaish Buddhist temple virgin, notable for their erotic carved figures.

Bodnath is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kathmandu. Located about 11 km from the city center, Bodnath is considered as the most holy Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. Date of the construction of the temple is around the 14th century.

After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959 and arriving in Kathmandu thousands of Tibetan refugees, the temple has become one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism and culture in Nepal. In 1979 Bodnath got a World Heritage Site.

Another popular tourist attraction of Kathmandu is the temple Kastamandap (which while literally translating means “wooden houses”) is one of the largest and most famous sightseeing places of Nepal.

The temple was built in the early sixteenth century by King Laxmi Malla. Legends claim that the whole edifice of the temple is built of wood of only one tree. This unique feature has made worldwide famous.

The temple is one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. Historians believe that the name of Kathmandu is a derived from the word Kastamandap. Once a year, the church helds a service that draws huge crowd of believers in and around the temple and lasts all night.

Founded in the 5th century, the temple of Pashupatinath is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. In the 14th century Mughals destroyed much of the temple, and from the original construction of the 5th century, almost nothing was left. The temple in its present form was rebuilt in the 19th century. In 1979 he was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath is given a two-level pagoda roof of gilded copper and gold. During the celebration of the Hindu festival of Maha Shivaratri (February-March), the temple draws large crowds of pilgrims and sadhus.

Thus, Kathmandu is the place people never regret visiting. Moreover, most of the travelers are so fascinated with it that they definitely return back to once more feel the magnificence of this place.

Streets

Probably every educated person heard about one of the most famous libraries – Bibliotheca Alexandrina, as they called it the ancient Greeks and Egyptians – with which Alexander has become a place of pilgrimage of the greatest minds of the world, not only in ancient times, but in our time.

In ancient times, Alexandria was known for unique lighthouse and the tomb of Alexander the Great. Lighthouse height over 110 meters was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Greek Ptolemaic dynasty, who inherited Egypt from Alexander the Great, ruled the country before 30 BC. e. Octavian not defeated Antony and Cleopatra. Ptolemy’s dynasty at Alexandria has changed. The city became a center of commerce and culture in the world. At its peak of development there were about 600,000 people living in the city. The biggest attraction of Alexandria at the time was the royal library. Founded at the beginning of III century BC, the library and a temple of the Muses – Museion – became the center of education and science in the Hellenistic world. Almost everything about the origin and destruction of the library is covered with mystery. According to some historians, the Library of Alexandria, almost immediately after the foundation,could compete with other prominent cultural center at the time, to the library at Pergamum. It is assumed that the Library of Alexandria, there were more than 700,000 papyrus scrolls. (For comparison, in the XIV century in the library of the Sorbonne was the largest collection of books – 1,700 copies). There is even legend about the rulers of Egypt, who sought to supplement their collection in any way possible for them: they even ordered their troops to scour every ship coming into the port to find any manuscript. If any were found, they would leave it there, and return a copy to the owners. According to another legend, when Ptolemy III of Athens was temporarily brought priceless original classical Greek drama to rewrite them, he even promised to pay the deposit and return after the completion of this valuable manuscript. However, having obtained the manuscript, the king refused to give bail, and left in their original, sent back a copy.

Creating the Library of Alexandria is closely related to the Museion of Alexandria, founded about 295 BC the initiative of two Athenian philosophers Demetrius Phaleron and Strato-physicist, who arrived in Alexandria at the invitation of Ptolemy I to III in the beginning. BC. e. Since both of these men were also mentors royal sons, one of the most important functions, and perhaps the first task of the newly created Museion was to provide the highest level of education heirs to the throne, and to the rising generation of the elite of Egypt.[ADS]In the future, it is quite combined with sterling research work in various fields of knowledge. However, both activities Museion, of course, have been impossible without the existence of scientific and academic libraries. So there is every reason to believe that the Library as part of new scientific and educational complex was founded in the same year that he himself Museion, or after a very short time after the beginning of its operation. In favor of the version at the same time base Museion and libraries may also indicate that the library is a mandatory and integral part of the Athenian Lyceum, which, no doubt, and served as a prototype for the creation of Alexandria Museion.

The original library fund of $ 200,000 was collected books Demetrius Phaleron in the first ten years of operation of the Library. Thus we get a fairly accurate quantitative description of the role of Demetrius Phaleron in creating the Library of Alexandria.

However, the role of Demetrius Phaleron is not confined to the disposal of the funds of the library and the formation of its book collection. First of all, should convince King Ptolemy I Soter in the need for the existence of unprecedented scale of the Library. Apparently, this problem is more complex than can be presented after more than two thousand years, during the existence of a well-developed network of libraries of all sizes and status, from personal to national. Additional difficulties, of course, involved the fact that the new case required a rather large funds that were needed to maintain the monarchy young army and navy, an active domestic and foreign policy, trade, large-scale construction in Alexandria and elsewhere in the country, etc ., etc. This Demetrius Phaleron certainly knew how to use his position near the king’s advisor and legal capital of the Ptolemaic Alexandria. Using his own authority, he argued the need for an open library that “what is in the battle strength steel, is in the state power of the word” that for the successful management of a multinational state is not enough to enter the king of a new syncretic cult deity, which is the cult of Serapis, but also requires a deep knowledge of the traditions, history, laws and beliefs of the peoples of the state. In other cases, deliberately downplaying his own importance as a close friend and adviser, Demetrius Phaleron said that “in the books written by what friends are hesitant to speak to kings in the face”.

Thus, no doubt, for the early opening of the library Demetrius used his status of being educator one of the heirs to the throne, urging Ptolemy Soter that learning wisdom by reading the best books will also help continuity of power, prosperity of the country and the ruling dynasty. Apparently, it was quite a serious argument for the king, who, as a childhood friend of Alexander the Great, of course, had before him a very powerful example of the beneficial effects of the books from the collection of Aristotle’s greatest kings of his time.

At the library and the Museion of Alexandria by this time worked such great thinkers as: Eratosthenes, Zenodota, Aristarchus of Samos, Callimachus and other. Sciences which Alexandria was famous for includes geometry, trigonometry and astronomy, as well as linguistics, literature and medicine. The library kept the works in many different languages. Only to think, that in the world there was not a single valuable work, copies of which would not be in the Library of Alexandria. This was a repository of not only the scrolls, but stone and wax tablets with cuneiform and hieroglyphics. Alexandria library was open to the public and was considered as a holy place, not inferior in importance to many religious temples. But the glory to the Library of Alexandria has brought not so much the number of collected scrolls, and not even the fact that shortly after she became a collection of works of philosophers and scientists from around the world, including Archimedes, Heron, Euclid, and Hippocrates. Page on the most legendary stories within the world history, library of Alexandria brought with its downfall.

There are many legends about the downfall of the Library of Alexandria. Some researchers believe that many of its treasures were lost in a fire, arranged by soldiers of Julius Caesar in 47 BC Alexandria during the war. The downfall of the Library of Alexandria was attributed as well to successor Caesar – Emperor Augustus. There is also a version that, in times of religious strife, from III to VI century BC. e. Alexandria often clashed on religious grounds: the pagans, Jews and Christians were often in conflict with each other over beliefs. In 391 AD part of ancient manuscripts, together with the pagan temple of Serapeum, attached to the stacks, were allegedly destroyed by religious fanatics. The most popular version of the death of the famous library dates back to the Arab conquest. Sources indicate that it died in the great fire during the capture of the city of Alexandria by the Ottoman Turks. According to the legend, conquering Egypt, general AmrIbn al-’Asasked to the Caliph Omar, what to do with the library. He replied that, even if the books, stored in the library, were in agreement with the Qur’an – they were not needed anymore. And moreover, if they contradict with their holy book – they are not desirable even more, and therefore, they should be disposed of it any way. Thus, according to one version, the greatest library since antiquity was destroyed like this, recklessly. Nevertheless, there is lot variety of versions among the experts about the downfall of the library, and scientists are still debating how and when it disappeared.

Whatever the reason for the disappearance of the library was, its death in the first place, meant the loss of a huge store of knowledge. Thousands of works of Greek playwrights, as well as works by the Greek historians for 500 years, except for some works of Herodotus, Thucydides and Xenophon disappeared forever with this vandal act.

In 2002, a unique library, was lost 1,600 years ago, was restored thanks to the joint efforts of UNESCO, the governments of Egypt, a number of European and Arab countries as well as Japan.

Library building on the project worked Norwegian architects. Construction work lasted 7 years. Recreated Library of Alexandria, by Norwegian architects, looks very unusual. The main building looks like a giant tilted drum, the roof of which almost two football fields, is made of glass and aluminum. Basic facilities for visitors are below sea level. Smooth radiant roof slope gradually down from the height of the seventh floor and goes into the ground. The outer wall of the building, lined with gray granite, is steep and rounded. The letters of the ancient and modern alphabets are scripted on it. Spacious tiered reading room occupies most of the interior. Warehouse to store 8000000 volumes are in the basement of the building. There is also a planetarium – separate building of spherical shape, resembling a satellite in orbit. Modern computers and fire safety systems complement this system, created with the latest technology.

Thus, renewed Library of Alexandria offers visitors possibility to realize the main intention of the Project itself. This project was supplemented by UNESCO to re-establish the Dialog, freedom of opinion and to surpass all the differences. Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a cultural complex, where the library occupies the central place. It is primarily a national Institution, which as well hasan immeasurable international importance. As a result what could be said is that, this is the place, where all Cultures connect and eliminate all Frontiers, in the name of Knowledge.

Teotihuacan is located just 50 km north-east of the capital of Mexico – Mexico City.

The road to the Teotihuacan outside Mexico City is about an hour.

This once-major town, about 25 miles northeast of Mexico City, is of great interest to archaeologists as the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere. The first settlement was founded here in the I. BC. and was a cluster of villages united around a mysterious caves formed by lava during the eruption of the volcano. The caves have been central to the mythology of Mesoamerica.

In Teotihuacan several mysterious monuments remained, revered not only in the country but especially,all over the world: Pyramid of the Sun – one of the largest buildings in the history of the Western Hemisphere, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Paths of the Dead, a wide street, flanked by the ruins of numerous temples . Mysterious buildings are decorated with frescoes, clearly illustrating mythological subjects. The Aztecs, who found the mysterious ruins, decided that this was a place where gods were born, and call it the “City of the Gods”, Rica.
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The Aztecs believed that the area had the mystical door to the afterlife and through them the human would lead to world gods and its own ancestors. Teotihuacan caused special reverence by the four naturally shaped protrusions that symbolized parts Mesoamerican cosmos. In the II century A. C. the Pyramid of the Sun was built above the cave. By this time, the settlement became an important administrative center, culminating and flourishing of which continued around 700-750 years.

It is interesting to have the glance at the pyramid itself as far as the strongest impression one can get is exactly there.Mystical Pyramid of the Sun is the third highest of the pyramids in the world.

This massive structure is made of rubble, clay and soil, lined with stone and topped with a wooden temple. Mysterious pyramid was discovered and first studied by Leopoldo Batres in the first decade of the XX century. These excavations were carried out in 1992-1993 under the sponsorships of the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History with the supervision of Eduardo Matos Moctezuma.

Initially, the base area of the pyramid was about 215 square meters, height – 63 meters. Later, it extended at least twice. Today, the length of each side of the base is 225 meters.

At the heart of the city lies a place known as “The Citadel.” Inner area, which sat up to one hundred thousand people and was half of the population of the city by that time, was limited to four massive pyramids. The heart of the complex was Pyramid Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl). To reconnect two rooms: the North and South palaces were used not only as an administrative center, but also to live and work. These structures have been found during excavations conducted by the National Institute of Anthropology and History.

For the short information about the dead road:

it was 1.5 miles long and played a role of the main artery for Teotihuacan. Starting from the Plaza of the Moon in the northern part of the city, it guided to the Citadel, the city market and the southern complex of temples. Possibly earlier road continued on, towards the mountains. The central part, which is located between the Pyramid of the Moon and the river San Juan, on the sides of the platforms was limited. The road passed under a complex drainage system serving the houses on both sides.

Pyramid of the Moon is located at the northern end of the Paths of the Dead, and remains the most mysterious structure of the city.

Recent studies carried out here under the guidance of Associate Professor of Japanese Aichi Prefectural University Saburo Sugiyama, revealed tombs, which referred to the fifth phase of the creation of this pyramid. Here, were found: four human skeletons, animal bones, shells, jewelry. However, there was an earlier mysterious tomb detected, referring to the fourth phase of construction, with the skeleton of the sacrificed person, also the remains of animals and gifts. Commenting on the latest discovery, Sugiyama said, “As a result of recent studies, we found indisputable evidence of militarism inherent in this culture from the earliest stages of its development.” Social and cultural changes that illustrate the differences in styles typical of the fourth and fifth phases of construction, could also be reflected in the buildings Feathered Serpent Pyramid and the Pyramid of the Sun. The last two temples were built about the same time and much later than the Pyramid of the Moon.

The reasons,what led to such developed city’s weakening and deterioration, stays quite vague and mysterious. Simply, nearly nothing is known about it. Obviously, there was some catastrophe, but it remains a mystery why, leaving the city, residents tried to break up the base and burn everything that they have created over the centuries. However, perhaps the truth behind the mystery is that all above mentioned was caused by invaders.

According to one of the mystical legend, the world was destroyed and re-created four times – jaguars, fire, wind and flood. The last time the gods gathered at Teotihuacan to decide which of them should jump into the ritual fire and for the fifth time to revive life. The choice fell on Nanauatzina, which is building up a fifth sun shone all mankind.

True or not, this place still attracts dozens of visitors every year and stays one of the most mysterious places in the world. Thus, the travelers, who are keen on exploring in deep histories and making discoveries are more than welcome to Mexico.

Tawantinsuyu, was the name of the Inca Empire, divided into 4 parts, which meant “four cardinal-together”. The center of the empire was the capital city, called Cusco. The ancient inhabitants of this territory did not know about the existence of other countries, did not swim across the sea.

Thus, their homeland was thought to be a whole world, and Cuzco, itself, was considered to be the center of the world. This explains one of the versions of evaluating this city, which can be translated from the Quechua language as the “Center of the World, Hub of the Universe.” In another version, the name of the city means “Place of the Ashes” – that is probably because of the ritual sacrifices which were committed during this time. It is interesting to observer as well, thateven nowadays, the center of the town square, the Plaza is called “chaupi” – meaning”center of the center of the Inca Empire”.
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Inca Empire went into the past, its splendor can be judged only by archaeological evidence, which places, though more questions than giving answers. The capital of the Inca Empire Cusco is in a deep mountain bowl at an altitude of 3400 meters above sea level. This city was founded around 1500 BC, and about 600 years ago, it became the capital with thousands of homes.

The city of Cusco,was a base for lot legendary myths, one of which describes the following: At the beginning of XII century new leader appeared in these area. Manco Capac which means, that “son of the gods came down from the Sun”, later became the first Inca (supreme ruler). He released from a sling four stones in four different directions to build a city on such territory, which would protect his people. So Cusco began to grow and mature, and eventually became the capital, filled with temples dedicated to pagan deities. The most magnificent construction of the city became the “Temple of the Sun”, access to which was authorized only by the governor – Sapa Inca (the only Inca). The temple housed the Golden Disk huge inlaid with large emeralds and personified sun god -Inti.

In the vicinity of the capital of the Inca Empire is the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman.

It is a stone fortification, consisting of 21 bastions, dominated by the mighty tower, very effectively used by the Incas in the fight against the Spanish conquistadors. Sacsayhuaman, according to the Inca language means “grey stone colored bird of prey”, has long been considered a fortress. And if you look at it from above, it really looks like the outlines bird. Underground of the complex, there are many passages and rooms that could be used for sacrifices, and lived here for consultation of oracles. In addition, the “rumors” say, that in these underground facilities Incas once hid fabulous wealth from the Spaniards.

It is significant to mention that Cusco was the capital with a population of fifteen million people, which included the whole territory of present Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, part of Chile, Argentina and Colombia. Equal to it either by size or by might, nor by trace left in the history of South America was not and, presumably, will not be in a close future.

Cusco is one of those Peruvian cities that are included in the route of almost any traveler around this area. Nowadays, Cusco is a modern city with a population of 140 thousand people and daily rail, air and bus service to the capital Lima, Peru. Although the city is quite large, the central part still can be visited in one day. The greatest interest in Cusco to tourists are architecture – the ancient buildings of the Incas and their predecessors, and later the Spaniards, Sacred Valley and the local people have preserved the customs, habits and costumes of antiquity. Surrounding mountains abound cave temples of ancient civilizations.

For photographers and videographers it is a real paradise.

Here I will describe several sightseeing places which are worth to be seen while your travel in Cusco:

1. Cathedral or the main church in the central Plaza de Armas,

with an 8-ton bell of gold mined, according to the legend of the treasures of the Incas. Built in the Renaissance style. Inside the Catholic church a beautiful wood carving (cedar), Cusco School paintings and silver engraved products.

2. The Church of El Triunfo,

Holy Family Church, Monastery of Santa Catalina, Santo Domingo Church, located in the former Inca Temple of the Sun Koricancha, a museum of religious art museum.

3. PucaPucara, Red Fort, which was built on the road in Antisuyo (the road leading to the empire of the Incas, and ran through the jungle) to protect and played the role of the military and administrative center.

4. Tambo Macha, sacred bath or bath Inca (7 km from Cusco, at an altitude of 3700 m.) The researchers believe that this place was the center of worship of the Incas water. It is an archaeological complex of canals and walls with windows, and is further evidence of the extraordinary architectural talent and knowledge of hydraulics ancient builders.

5. Kenko Temple

- built in the shape of a zigzag or labyrinth and is dedicated to the Goddess of the Earth. He was an important center of worship and religious ceremonies of the Incas.

There are lots of other places, which could attract the travelers’ attention, however, I would leave it disclosed to your to discover.

Sources:

• http://www.andreev.org/
• http://petersadventures.wordpress.com/2012/02/17/cusco-my-favourite-town/
• http://www.skitaj.com/boemski-provod-u-cuscu/

Peter was on the crossroads of two important trade routes: one connected the Red Sea to Damascus, the other – the Persian Gulf to Gaza in the Mediterranean Sea. Dispatched from the Gulf caravans laden with precious spices, weeks had bravely endure the harsh conditions of the Arabian desert, until they reach the coolness of a narrow canyon Siq, leading to the long-awaited Peter. There, travelers found food, shelter, and cool life-giving water.

With terracotta pipes ancient citizens of the city Peter created a complex system of water supply. Despite the arid climate, the inhabitants of the city had no problem related to the water needs. Throughout the city there were about 200 tanks located, which collected and stored rainwater. In addition to the connection of tanks, terracotta pipes could collect water from all sources within a radius of 25 kilometers. Yearly rainfall in Petra was only about 15 centimeters. To save water, the locals were cutting canals and reservoirs in the rocks.

Hundreds of years of trade brought great wealth to Petra. But when the Romans discovered the sea routes to the East, the land of the spice trade came to an end, and Peter gradually emptied, and finaly got lost in the sands. Many buildings were erected in Petra at different times and under different masters of the city, among which were the Edomites (18-2 cc. BC. E.), the Nabateans (2 in BC. E. – 106 AD. E.) Romans (106-395 years. BC. e.), Byzantines and Arabs. In the XII century they were owned by the Crusaders.
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One of most interesting buildings being discovered within this territory is El-Khazneh. The building is crowned by a huge urn of stone, which supposedly kept gold and precious stones –that’s where the name “Treasure” is supposed to be deriving from. Architects have planned the construction of this temple in the former riverbed. The former riverbed was changed for this purpose, which is a grand project for that period. The tunnel was hacked in the rock openingthe passage to the water flow and then series of dams were built there.

This majestic “Treasury” building with a facade, carved out of a huge rock is one of the best preserved buildings of the first century.

It is believed that it is in these parts Moses, leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, banged his staff on the rock, creating a source. Furthermore, on top of the highest mountain (white dot on the highest mountain in the right half of the image) it is said to be buried the brother of Moses, Aaron, who was the first biblical priest. It is interesting that now at the burial place of Aaron stands a Muslim mosque.

Wonders of Petra begin long before the tourists will find a real thing for which they have come through such a long way. Walking on the main road of the current Petra, on either side of the road one can find traces of architectural monuments, which once may have been the tombs, obelisks, and shrines. It is obvious that this place gathers lots of questions and mysteries and that’s what makes it too special for every tourist to be part of it at least for a while.
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Only 200 years ago the world called it a legend hidden in the rocks; A pink city and its countless treasures, gold, and precious stones was believed to be the myth created by adventurers. Today, it is visited by thousands of tourists.More precisely, annually it gets visited by half a million of tourists. That is one more pure example that there is very narrow path through what we call fable and reality.

It should be referred that the history started in the 16th Century when the Portuguese named the mountain Pináculo da Tentaçãoalluding to the Biblical Mountain. It took nearly a century, to rename the place into to Corcovado, a name derived from its form, which resembles a hump or hunchback.

Since then no prints are found until 1924 about it. The next recordings depict that Dom Pedro personally led the first official expedition to Corcovado Mountain, resulting in the opening of an accessible way up.

In 1859 the Vincentian father Pedro Maria Boss arrived Rio de Janeiro. He admired the venue and got struck by the mysterious beauty of the Corcovado Mountain. Thus, he suggested the construction of a religious monument.

From 1859 to 1921, Dom Pedro gave his consent for the building of the Corcovado Railroad line between Cosme Velho and Paineiras. In 1922 the construction work began for fulfilling this ambitious project. On the 22th April the fundamental stone was being put in place.
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1931 – Is the famous year in the Statue of Christ the Redeemer history, because the monument was inaugurated on the 12 October of this particular year. The final design of the monument was authored by the fine artist Carlos Oswald and the French Sculptor Paul Landowski was placed in charge of executing the sculpture. The monument of Christ, the Redeemer on the Corcovado Mountain becomes the largest art déco sculpture in the world.

Until now, several reforms (mostly technical ones) have been completed to ensure the quality of O Christo Redentor. Lighting has been added, and the latest renewal of September 2002 is the addition of a panoramic elevator and motorized staircase to ease the difficulty for elderly persons as long as visitors found is hard to rise on the 220 steps which led to the top.
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However, the sculpture has gone through some hard times within its past. It was struck by lightning during a violent electrical storm on Sunday, February 10, 2008. The storm caused havoc in Rio, felling trees in several neighborhoods, but the statue was left unscathed.

The statue’s features are 30metres (98 feet tall), weight 700 tons. It is located at the peak of the 700 m (2,296 ft) Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park overlooking the city. It is the tallest of its kind of statues in the world.

A symbol of Christianity, the statue has become an icon of Rio and Brazil. When the decision was made to make such a statue, several designs were considered like a representation of the Christian cross, a statue of Jesus with a globe in his hands, and a pedestal symbolizing the world. But the statue of Christ the Redeemer with open arms was finally decided.

As of 7 July 2007, Christ the Redeemer was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a list compiled by the Swiss-based The New Open World Corporation.

Sources:

• http://www.copacabana.info/Christ-the-Redeemer-history.html
• http://triggerpit.com/2011/04/05/christ-the-redeemer-rio-de-janeiro-brazil/

This blessed island has such a diverse environment that it is no surprise that Australia is a healthy, outdoor nation with an optimistic attitude to life. Year on year, Australia consistently ranks highly in international quality of life reports and few countries in the world are as well set-up and accommodating for travel and backpacking.

Even though Australia is full of wonderful sight-seeing places, this instance we will focus mainly on the largest coral reef in the world, which, like bees to honey, divers flock to the world (The Great Barrier Reef). In the north it is almost continuous, and is only 50 km from the coast of Australia, and in the south it is divided into a group of individual reefs in some places, retreating from the coast to 300 km.

The most expensive and luxurious island resorts of the Great Barrier Reef isBedarra and Hayman. A Dunk Island, Hamilton, Fraser, Brampton and Keppel combine and a great beach vacation, diving, entertainment, and travel on tours, and many other delights of resort life.
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The Great Barrier Reef is located at the north-eastern coast of Australia and is a ridge of coral reefs and islands. At length the reef stretches along the continental shelf of almost 2300 km. The width of the reef much difference: in the northern reaches of 2 km and in the south is about 150 km.Most of the reefs are under water, and only at low tide laid bare. Under the influence of abrasion-accumulation, part of the sea turned into a coral reef islands that are aerial and often have the shape of a horseshoe.

Formation of such a unique natural formation began about 10,000 years ago. Currently it consists of about 2,900 reefs and 300 islands. Reef area is 348,698 square meters.

Coral reefs are the product of a long cycle of life and death. The fact is that the most of the existing reef is composed of the remains of the previous generations of polyps, which are covered with a layer of living organisms.No doubt that such a natural formation is attracting tourists. Each year, the Great Barrier Reef is visited by thousands of tourists. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodation in comfortable hotels, beautiful beaches and the chance to see the splendor of underwater reefs.
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Reefs are well-known all around the world by many amazing birds and marine animals, most of which can be found only here. But the most interesting part of the Great Barrier Reef is the possibility to observe marine life.The waters of the reef is being a home to about 500 different species of fish, most common of which is trout, sea bass, swordfish, barracuda, black marlin, shark and others. All of these mammals here are 6 types, and they are threatened with destruction. Occasionally water reefs give a chance to meet whales and dolphins.

However, it should be mentioned that this is not the only place to explore on the island. With around 50000 kilometres of spectacular coastline, complete with islands, stunning beaches, fringing reefs and long meandering drives, you’ll find millions of places to visit and get fascinated by.

From World Heritage-listed national parks to luxury rainforest retreats and beaches where visitors can enjoy their lonely time, Australia hosts thousands of people, who experience the taste of infinite coastlines; At the end of the day, anyone can discover the reason, why is that exotic nature an integral part of the great Australian lifestyle and culture.

Furthermore, Australia is a land where the past and present is smoothly chained with one another, where the ancient traditions coexist with the achievements of modern civilization and the Aboriginal people of the Stone Age, live side by side with two hundred nationalities and peoples.

With 50,000 kilometres of spellbinding coastline, Australia is the perfect place for a coastal journey. So anyone wishing, to explore new continent, wild nature, and exotic coast are more than welcome.

There are thousands of fascinating and comfortable tourist routes in different parts of the country. But! Experience the true flavor of Japanese history, the unique Japanese tradition, culture, art, religion, architecture, craft and better and best of all possible only in Kyoto.

Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan (for over 1000 years). It simply is the city-museum under the open sky. It is amazing that 1,600 Buddhist temples and 600 shrines have survived in this land; 17 monuments of history and culture of Kyoto are on the list of World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. As long as Kyoto was the country’s capital and seat of the Japanese Emperor, court aristocracy, the city has long been and is even now the focus of talents: famous artists, poets, writers, and people of other professions. Furthermore, this city is considered to be the epitome of Japanese culture.

Japanese people are probably very proud of having something like Ryoanji Temple, which is the breathtaking site of Japan’s most famous rock garden, which attracts hundreds of visitors every day. “Rock Garden”, “Philosopher’s Garden”, “Garden of Ryoanji”, it has been called dozens of other names during different periods of time.

However, the fact that this garden is probably of the biggest value in the Japanese city of Kyoto, is proved by the circumstance, that there still goes talks about the interpretation of it’s essence.The garden’s date of construction is unknown and there are a number of speculations regarding its design.[ADS]The garden consists of a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks laid out in small groups on patches of moss. An interesting feature of the garden’s design is that from any vantage point at least one of the rocks is always hidden from the viewer.In December 1994, this temple was designated as World Heritage by UNESCO.

Kinkakuji Temple or Golden Pavilion is the main calling card of Kyoto.

Covered in gold leaf and bright shining in the blue sky on a sunny day, it seems to admire everyone, looking at their own reflection in the mirrored surface of the lake, which is itself located in the middle. In autumn its golden glitter becomes almost red – because of the maple groves surrounding the pavilion. Kinkaku-ji was formally called Shariden. The elegant, harmonious building consists of three types of architecture. The 1st floor is Shinden-zukuri, the palace style. It is named Ho-sui-in.[ADS2]The 2nd floor is Buke-zukuri, the style of the samurai house and is called Cho-on-do. The 3rd floor is Karayo style or Zen temple style. It is called Kukkyo-cho.It should be mentioned that there are other points of interest in the surrounding places. The name of such the pond is Kyoko-chi (Mirror pond).

The pond contains many large and small islands. Climbing a few steps, you stand at the edge of another small pond, An-min-taku. The small stone pagoda on the island is called Hakuja-no-tsuka (the mound in memory of the white snake).

Gion is a district of Kyoto, Japan, originally developed in the Middle Ages, in front of Yasaka Shrine. It has marrow streets with darkened wooden walls of old houses, pierced by a delicate aroma of Japanese living past. It is especially nice to hear the sound of wooden sandals, on the stone floor, and suddenly see a glimpse of a figure in the distance, like a light cloud outline – it is a Maiko, a living work of art, a little picking with his left hand a long sleeve jacket with low-hanging belt and hiding the face heavily powdered a bamboo umbrella, a seed somewhere on business … Thus, saying short and sharp that was a district, built to accommodate the needs of travelers and visitors to the shrine. It eventually evolved to become one of the most exclusive and well-known geisha districts in all of Japan.

Eygamura (village cinema) is not just a village. This place has often become a film set for famous movies. Nowadays it became a recreational park for tourists. Here, one can find not only the recreated buildings and streets, but very fascinating interior of the houses. Go through the streets of actors: samurai swords suit street battles, shuffling girls in kimonos and parasols, walking around with a warrior stern faces. It is wonderful how one can buy absolutely exclusive items on the flea markets in Kyoto: ceramics, historical prints, interior, authentic kimonos, wicker, antiques, art and more.

Kyoto is Japan’s best place to admire the cherry blossoms (March-April) and autumn leaves (November).Plus It has a very convenient transportation scheme, which allows travelers for a stay in Kyoto with easy access to the most beautiful places in Japan (Lake Biwa, Ama-no Hasidate about. Miyajima, IseJingu, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Mr. Nagoya, etc.).