Life is a patchwork of experiences
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or Blue Mosque as it is more commonly known, was completed in 1617. Legend tells that its architect misread the Sultan’s instructions and mistakenly interpreted “six minarets” instead of “gold minarets”. This was a problem because at that time, only the Great Mosque of Mecca had six minarets. To allay criticism, the Sultan then ordered that a seventh minaret be added to the Great Mosque in Mecca.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
Not far from the famous Chora Church Museum in Istanbul are the colorful Balat and Fener neighborhoods. With funds from UNESCO, the colorful houses in this historic district of Istanbul, where Greeks and Jews once called home, are being restored and the area revitalized.
Thanks for visiting
Rose
Photo Location: A cat in Istanbul naps on a sunny bench in the courtyard of the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque.
Photo Location – Column and courtyard marble inlay detail at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi.
What a difference lighting can make in a photo. This is the same location as the previous post, the entrance to the Sheikh Zayed mosque; but this time, it is at the end of the day as the sun is setting behind the domes. I loved the symmetry – only one example of many at this amazing place.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
I have seen many beautiful religious buildings around the world, and after my recent visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, it has become one of my favorites. I was like a kid in a candy store photographing it, but honestly, I don’t think you can take a bad picture of it from any angle. My challenge was to try and get some unique perspectives as well as the usual shots. This photo is looking through the main entrance into the mosque.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
Photo Location: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates at sunrise.
Most of the dhows on Dubai Creek looked a little worse for wear, like the one on the left. I am sure all the resources and energy go into loading and transporting goods. One of the exceptions, was the dhow on the right which really stood out with its freshly painted exterior, showing the true colors and details of what a dhow should be. I especially liked how the hanging laundry coordinate so well with the colors of the painted trim on the dhow.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
Photo Location – Human Waterfall sculpture, Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE Of curse the world’s largest mall also has to have one of the largest waterfall sculptures.
Dubai’s newest (for now) big attraction is a 300 foot tall picture frame. After walking through displays showing old Dubai, an elevator whisks you up to the top where you get panoramic views of old Dubai on one side and new, downtown Dubai on the other. The elevator then whisks you back down to displays of a fantastic future Dubai.
Thanks for visiting
Rose
