[H/T SIMERG] -- NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.CO.UK -- In the heart of Central Asia lie the dramatic Pamir Mountains; while the topography of this lofty region poses unique challenges to daily life, new initiatives have helped to bring fresh opportunities to some of Tajikistan's remotest communities. At over 11,800ft above sea level, very little grows in the Pamir Mountains, in the easternmost reaches of Tajikistan. The ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- This intimate chapel for a religiously-oriented California high school is a restorative retreat; the rise of the sleekly articulated white concrete building is both icon and marker. Designed to serve the students, many of whom are low-income, the chapel, while belonging to a Catholic school, was considered as a spiritual space, one that invites the challenges and difficulties of young adulthood to be considered and processed in a sacred, silent, and light-filled space. An honesty of materials sets the tone for a space devoted to quiet for a community (high schoolers and their teachers) that can be otherwise bustling, noisy, and ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- With the increasing Catholic community and tourists on Samui island, Suratthani, Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil decided build a new church and named it "Mary Help of Christian Church." The architect, inspired by the church's name, turned to the Holy Bible relating to holy Annunciation of Mary as inspiration for his design. From Luke 1:35 and 1:38, the appearance of the angel conveying the Holy message to Mary was humble, simple yet powerful. In designing the building, the architect conveys this message in a simple way with its internal space and light to create a feeling of security as in the mother womb. The building's exterior was designed in a combined form of praying hands, Angel wings and ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- The new church is surrounded by secular residential buildings and so, responding to this contextual city fabric as well as the pastor's vision, the lower floors of the church are used as socializing spaces including a coffee shop and family-friendly book store, inviting the community in and knitting the church closely with the life of the neighborhood. While the dematerializing, white staircase leading to the sanctuary above transforms the spatial characteristic from the mundane to sanctified space by guiding the act of rising and turning through spilled natural light. The spiritual sanctuary is a raised two-story cubical volume illuminated by soft and sacred light filtered through the aluminum perforated screens on ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- The ChamberChurch aims to create a spatial container that both respects the past and looks towards the future. It provides a religious experience and secular touch. To create a modern icon, we needed to create a pure shape, that's still evokes the archetype of a church. The design echoes the memories associated with them, but interprets them in a timeless modernity creating a sense of the future. The design still features the classic components associated with a church, but abstracted. The landscape part of the exterior features an artificial lake to ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- Yasamkent mosque in this respect represents a research towards creating a sense of consciousness towards creating a peaceful continuity between traditional and modern values of cultural accumulation. Located in a relatively small plot within the new development area of Ankara, Yasamkent mosque is the search for balance between open and closed areas, modesty and expression, identity and convention as well as modernity and tradition. The reinforced concrete and glass, the abstract and solid geometries, modest simplicity and minimalist architectural attitude directly refers to a contemporary architectural language whereas abstract Kufic expression of the minaret, as well as ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- Designing a church seems to us to be an ideal instrument in searching for a symbolic, mystical and expressive dimension. As history has taught us, the alliance between art and religion offers mankind unique, magical and exalting moments that enrich life, mind and soul. The church, as a material construction and human representation of the Divine, plays a very important role in the development of sensibility. For believers and lay people, it is a living sign that conveys a transcendent meaning that makes us look beyond what we see, and take time to feel our lives at a deeper level. The first impressions and ideas emerged ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- The Wong Dai Sin Temple houses a dynamic Taoist community committed to their inner spiritual development through the ancient physical practice of tai chi. The Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism needed a new spiritual home in suburban Toronto that had to reflect not only the heart and soul of their religious beliefs but also the modern contemporary world of their congregants. The daily worship of one of the world's ancient religion of Taoism is embedded in the fabric of this modern sacred space. This new temple building demonstrates asymmetry and counterbalance while maintaining its equilibrium much like a measured tai chi pose. Inside the ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- Located in a site steeped in history, the challenge consisted of implementing a new larger church without overshadowing the smaller 18th-century chapel with its limestone vault structure. The roof of the church, an outdoor amphitheater cascading down towards the historical edifice, is suspended between two monolithic fair-faced concrete skeletons, punctuated by two big olive trees, ready to be covered with layers of green climbers. With its interior height ranging from 3m to 10m, the church enables a transcendental spatial experience that is further enhanced ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- In the 9th century AD, Muslim scholars made remarkable contributions to the sciences and humanities in Bagdad's Bayt al-Hikma, or House of Wisdom, a library and research center housing the world's largest collection of books for scholars to engage both theological and scientific matters. Today's religious climate could use such freedom to pursue knowledge alongside religious practice. With the support of local leaders, women, and youth, the Hikma project re-introduces these values embedded in Islam itself, by transforming a derelict mosque into a library that shares its site with a new mosque for the village of Dandaji in Niger. The project is a culture and education hub where the secular and religious peacefully co-exist to cultivate minds and strengthen the community. ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- The programmed complex includes a 1000-person mosque including two main worship spaces, two ablution spaces, and a Minaret, 2 bedroom lodgings for the Imam of the mosque, a library, classrooms, reading and studying spaces, a hands-on workshop area, children's play area, and a garden. ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- The project provides spaces for learning, reading, studying, workshop, play, and worship. The outdoor spaces are set to be flexible enough to accommodate community events or simply lend themselves to quiet contemplation. The cultural complex acts as a community hub for the region. ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- To renovate the old building to its previous glory, the original masons are invited to join the project's team. In the process, they learn about adobe-enhancing additives and erosion protection techniques. Instead of the region's traditional but scarce wood, the interior renovation uses metal for study spaces, partitions, stairs, and a mezzanine level, as a contemporary touch to a traditional space. ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- The main construction material for the project is Compressed Earth Bricks (CEB) made from soil that is found near the site, which provides better thermal performance and lowers energy consumption. It also lowers the cost of construction. ...
ARCHDAILY.COM -- The new building, in turn, re-interprets traditional Hausa mosque organization with contemporary structural support and detailing. Its two blocks and outdoor prayer space are suited to daily prayers, Friday assemblies, or large Eid celebrations. The dialog between the formal structures of the old and new leads to further collaboration between the traditional masons and the construction crew. ...
YOUTUBE.COM -- MOJOTRAVELS -- Are you ready to visit Africa? Here are the top 10 countries to visit, COVID permitting: #10: Botswana ~~ #9: Mauritius ~~ #8: Ethiopia ~~ #7: Seychelles ~~ #6: Namibia ~~ #5: Madagascar ~~ #4: Kenya & Tanzania ~~ #3: Egypt ~~ #2: South Africa ~~ #1:Morroco! ...
YOUTUBE.COM -- PENRESA -- [ISMAILI DIGEST ED: Hazar Imam, 2003: "The Africa of the sixties and the seventies is not the Africa of the new century 2000 and further.... I believe that today, Africa is a continent of opportunities, of opportunities."] ARTICLE: Tanzania is an unforgettable destination. The land of the Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers adventure, excitement and splendor in all forms. With a young and growing population, Tanzania's new business blueprint is in line with the country's consolidated efforts to market itself as an investment hub within the African continent. ...
THECULTURETRIP.COM -- India is a land with thousands of years of rich history, centuries of foreign influence and diverse cultures, and food is the true manifestation of it all. In fact, it is certain a country with a population of more than 1.3 billion people, each ethnically and culturally distinct from the other, would boast diverse foods, cooking styles and taste. There are umpteen dishes in this South Asian country that will give you 'foodgasm', so we've whittled it down to the 13 meals worth travelling to India for. ...
THECULTURETRIP.COM -- Malagasy sambos are one of the island's most enduring and popular snacks. A small, crunchy, deep-fried pocket with various savoury fillings, this small triangle has its roots in Asia and most likely arrived in Madagascar from India. Here we take a look at the travelling history and enduring legacy of Madagascar's sambos. The Indian samosa, a savoury pastry stuffed with potatoes, peas, or minced meat, is probably ...
THECULTURETRIP.COM -- In recent years, tourists have been coming to Iran in droves to witness the breathtaking mosques, ancient history, and untouched nature. But time and time again, they'll tell you that it's by and large the people that leave the most lasting impression. Here are 11 reasons why you'll fall in love with Iran's locals. They'll take you under their wing. Their hospitality is the stuff of legend. They have a strong sense of family. They have a playful sense of humor. They live in the moment. They are ...
THECULTURETRIP.COM -- Nothing brings people together quite like food, and gathering around the table is a favorite pastime of Iranians. If you've had the pleasure of trying Persian cuisine, you know that the portions are huge, and Iranians aren't satisfied unless you eat and eat and eat. But with all this eating, you can choose healthier options by following these tips. Try Fish ...
THECULTURETRIP.COM -- They have the power to change the most gloomy day into a bright one with just a single bite. Yes, you guessed correctly - we're talking about desserts. Egypt, home to some of the most delicious food in the world, boasts seemingly endless dessert options. Many desserts here are a mixture of diverse cultures coming together, while some are purely Egyptian. In any case, Egyptians are famed for putting their touch on anything that falls under their hands. Read on to know more about some delicacies that will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth. ...
THECULTURETRIP.COM -- With an estimated 50 to 100 million Swahili speakers worldwide, it's time to broaden the scope - there's more to it than Hakuna Matata - and dive deeper into this relatively unknown East African language. Here are 11 interesting facts on Swahili. It's a rich mix of languages. It has roots in Arabic. It developed as a coastal trading language. It is spoken ...
THECULTURETRIP.COM -- Africa is a large continent with over 50 countries and, needless to say, a diverse range of cultures, landscapes, landmarks and wildlife. From Cairo to Cape Town, these photographs prove that there's much to see and many reasons to visit the continent and its islands. ...
THECULTURETRIP.COM -- [ISMAILI DIGEST ED: Hazar Imam, 2019: "[Africa] is also poised to provide a new market for goods and services at a time when the population in the West is diminishing. Imagine the opportunities for employment and investment in Africa! ... Today, all of us engaged in Africa are witnessing a palpable new spirit of confidence."] ARTICLE: Think you know Rwanda? Think again. From gender equality to environmental conservation, this smallest of East African nations is full of fascinating facts and surprises that will wow even the most knowledgeable traveler. Rwanda is one of the safest countries in the world. Listed as the ninth safest country in the world by the World Economic Forum and the 11th safest country in the world by a 2017 Gallup poll, Rwanda is impressively safe, stable, and easy to visit. Ranking ahead of countries like Austria and the New Zealand, Rwanda has really gone the extra mile to make tourists and residents feel as secure as possible. Once a month, the country participates in a mandatory ...
THECULTURETRIP.COM -- Although Indonesia, Iceland and Portugal have dominated recent lists of honeymoon destinations, East Africa has a lot to offer the discerning couple. The region is certainly not without options: romantic safari lodges in Kenya, beachside getaways in Tanzania, gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and a whole bevy of other locations make for perfect honeymoon trips. Check out our pick of the 12 best locations for your honeymoon in East Africa. Musanze in Rwanda, Lake Bunyoni in Uganda, Bujumbura in ...
YOUTUBE.COM -- Today we're going for a whole lamb and BBQ meat tour in Chabahar, Balochistan, Iran! Balochistan, which spreads over Pakistan and Iran, features some of the best street food in the world! First up, we visit the local morning market to try some Balochi morning street food: samosa and fried potato. And next up, we're going to try the WHOLE STUFFED LAMB, Balochi style! The tanorche stuffed lamb is a true specialty of this region of Balochistan and Iran and we were lucky to get to taste it! And then we went for WHOLE CHICKEN SAJJI! This was quite similar ...
YOUTUBE.COM -- THE FOOD RANGER -- Today, we're traveling to Iran's $1,000,000 saffron bank!!! But first, we're traveling to Iran's second largest city of Mashhad to visit the saffron fields! But first, Mr. Taster is bringing us in for a famous Iranian street food breakfast: HALEEM! It's a thick Iranian recipe made of wheat and beef and covered in a lamb and lentil stew, a little spicy and also sweet and cinnamon filled! One of the most unique street foods in Iran!!! Then we're going to the saffron fields to see how saffron is harvested at the source in Iran!!! Mr. Taster is bringing us into the fields to hand pick the individual pieces of saffron and ...
YOUTUBE.COM -- THE FOOD RANGER -- Tehran is one of the oldest and most vibrant cities in the world and has one of the BEST street food scenes too! Today we'll be tasting lots of traditional and authentic Iranian street food -- including the amazing 500kg meat platter and going deep into one of the old bazaars of Tehran! We found a MASSIVE bakery serving traditional Iranian food like Persian bread soaked with date syrup! And then the most buttery Koobideh kabab wrap! It was SOAKED with butter and incredibly juicy! We're also having Persian sandwiches and energy drinks too, incredible kababs, saffron rice, bbq, Iranian haleem, breakfast, and more!!! Next up, we're going to a local ...
YOUTUBE.COM -- THE FOOD RANGER -- Make sure to watch all the way to the end of this street food video, because it is PACKED with delicious food that is going to make you want to travel to Iran immediately! Today in this Iran food video, we're traveling to Iran too meet up with Mr. Taster. He is bringing us for an Iranian food adventure through the old grand bazaar to taste some authentic Persian food in Tehran, Iran! After this, Mr. Taster Mr. Taster is taking us for the BEST Iranian food in Tehran, the Tahchin, at the #1 Iranian restaurant in Tehran, Moslem Restaurant! Here, the Tahchin is full of butter and saffron and barberry, a very special local berry! And it's served with Persian chicken ...
YOUTUBE.COM -- THE FOOD RANGER -- Today, we're traveling to Iran for street food! Iran has some of the best street food around the world, and today, we're flying in direct with Mahan Air to Tehran, Iran to meet up with our friend Mr.Taster! He is bringing us for tons of Iranian street food in Tehran! Get ready for some of the BEST Street food in Iran in our Iran Food Tour ADVENTURE!!! Persian food is famous around the world, so we flew in DIRECT to try it, AND we got to fly in the COCKPIT!!! After landing in Tehran ...
YOUTUBE.COM -- We've been truly amazed by one of the richest culture in the world, the beauty of its landscapes and the amazing flavours. But most importantly, the hospitality of the Iranians. ...
YOUTUBE.COM -- Welcome to the Shandur Polo Festival in Northern Pakistan. I'm bringing you wild action from the world's only polo festival which has absolutely no rules - and which happens to take place on the highest polo ground in the world. ...
YOUTUBE.COM -- EVA ZU BECK -- What?! You can go skiing in Pakistan?! This was probably my biggest surprise about Pakistan to date. As soon as I heard about it, I knew I wanted to try it out. I've been skiing for over two decades, but this was my first time skiing outside of Europe, and in Pakistan itself, of course. I had such a blast - with the local guides, on the slope, on the powdery forest runs, and devouring the local chapli kebab. Swat has always been my favourite destination in Pakistan, but now it's reached quite a different level. Thank you Malam Jabba Resorts and Samsons Group for inviting me to sample the skiing wonderland in Swat! ...
[H/T MOHIB EBRAHIM] -- YOUTUBE.COM -- EVA ZU BECK -- [ISMAILI DIGEST ED: Hazar Imam, 2008: "Those of you who know the history of Syria, the history of cities such as Aleppo, you will know how much they have contributed to the civilisations of Islam, to the practices of Islam ..." Hazar Imam, 2006: "The replacement of fear by hope is probably the single most powerful trampoline of progress."] ARTICLE: Travelling to Aleppo was one of the toughest travel experiences I've had. The city and the people who call it home have gone through a nightmare in recent years. I'm very lucky to have been able to visit Aleppo as an independent, foreign traveller and I hope that this video can convey some of what I experienced there, from my personal perspective. Please note: this vlog documents my personal trip to Syria, as a tourist. It is not necessarily a travel recommendation, nor a commentary on the political climate, nor an attempt to show the ordinary life of Syrian citizens. ...
YOUTUBE.COM -- EVA ZU BECK -- Avgarch Valley, in Gojal Upper Hunza, is not on anyone's radar. Inaccessible by road, you can only trek here on foot. I had the honour of trekking here with my host and friend Pervaiz Posh from Jamalabad. It was an incredible adventure which went from beauty to terror to beauty again. Plus rare footage of Ibex/Markhor! ...
HARJI.EXPOSURE.CO -- MUSLIM HARJI -- "The term Silk Toad tantalizes the imagination with a treasure chest of romantic images: Marco Polo with his caravan of camels, the mighty Genghis Khan, traders laden with precious cargo trudging through the desert, the scent of spices, mystery and intrigue, precious silks, veiled maidens, vibrant costumes, walled villages, wondrous archaeological sites, haunting music, desert oases, exotic bazaars, mosques with colorful tiled domes, and slender minarets with their plaintive song calling the faithful to prayer." ...
YOUTUBE.COM -- The Serengeti, East Africa's eternal paradise, with its endless expanses and wild animals, makes one feel as though evokes a sense of having arrived in an apparently peaceful corner of the world. Nature filmmaker Reinhard Radke spent more than two years in the land of the Massai and captured breathtaking images. The documentary accompanies the animal filmmaker at work on his new cinema film "Serengeti" in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and illustrates the conditions and the difficulties that can arise when making animal films of this scope and the possibilities provided by state-of-the-art film technology. ...
ARAMCOWORLD.COM -- [ISMAILI DIGEST ED: Be sure to go through the many slide shows in article. Recall, too, the video of Tehran's amazing subway we posted two months ago.] ARTICLE: In 1964, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Uzbekistan, Sharof Rashidov, envisioned more than a utilitarian transportation system for Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan: He wanted a metro that could reflect the history and culture of the Uzbek people. Each of the breathtaking 29 stations (with plans for 45 more by 2025) is a chapter in Uzbekistan's history, a story told in tileworks, murals and mosaics amid elegantly thematic lighting and architecture. "We wanted to make the Metro even better than the Moscow's, which was like a fairy tale," explains Vladimir Burmakin. Muhammad Ali likens Tashkent's subway stations, its art and architecture, to entering a museum where one can view history and culture exhibited on the walls. At Alisher Navoiy station, sculptor Ahmet Shaymuradov spent four years ...
YOUTUBE.COM -- In this video, we wanted to touch the old glory of Mumbai through a treasure of old photographs. This city was built on what once use to be a group of seven islands which 19th Century British engineers land-filled. It is one of the oldest cities in India and fifth most populous city in the world, perhaps due to the enormous opportunities it offers people coming from towns and villages across the the country. Named after Koli goddess Mumbadevi, Mumbai has a natural harbour with a large fishing industry. Very well connected by road, rail and air transport, Mumbai is one of the finest metropolitan cities in India. ...
